DEEP Ecosystems
DEEP Ecosystems is a Munich-based ecosystem accelerator that helps entrepreneurs build innovation ecosystems through its 2-year DEEPSEA program, Startup Heatmap data platform, sector co-investment collabs, and public funding advisory. It serves incubators, accelerators, governments, and universities across 51 countries.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded-
- HeadquartersMunich, Germany
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2B
- OfferingServices
What DEEP Ecosystems does
DEEP Ecosystems is a Munich-based private company (DEEP Ecosystems 500 UG, haftungsbeschränkt) that operates as an ecosystem accelerator, investing in entrepreneurs who build innovation ecosystems. Its core offering is the 2-year DEEPSEA Ecosystem Acceleration Program, complemented by sector-focused co-investment programs (DEEP Collabs in AgriFood, Impact, African, Blue Economy, and Hungary), a Startup Heatmap data and intelligence platform that tracks 500+ new startups per quarter and publishes the annual Startup Heatmap Europe Report, an annual DEEP Startup Ecosystem Conference, and modular blueprints covering venture studios, ecosystem health checks, innovation sandboxes, entrepreneurial advisory boards, and innovation scouting. The platform combines a science-based ecosystem health methodology (8 metrics), data analytics, global network infrastructure, and public funding advisory services. The portfolio spans 129 ecosystem hubs across 51 countries and supports 800+ ecosystem builders worldwide.
The business model is built on three revenue streams: (1) institutional membership subscriptions providing access to the Ecosystem Leader Network, DEEP Academy courses, data collabs, tailor-made analytics, and monthly public funding monitors; (2) public funding advisory and consortium building for >120M EUR per year in opportunities, operated under a success-fee model in DEEPSEA Hungary; and (3) ecosystem collab co-investment partnerships with revenue share. The company has facilitated over 17M EUR for ecosystems across its portfolio and operates flagship programs including DEEPSEA Hungary (2022, EU co-funded through EIT Health/NIU) and MED-Hubs (2024, €101M EMFAF EU grant for Mediterranean blue economy innovation connecting Spain and Italy). Customer segments span entrepreneurship support organizations, grassroots ecosystem builders, corporates, public and private investors, public institutions and governments, universities, and vertical ecosystems such as blue economy.
DEEP Ecosystems firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- DEEP Ecosystems
- Legal name
- DEEP Ecosystems 500 UG (haftungsbeschränkt)
- Website
- https://deep-ecosystems.com
- Company type
- Private
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- DEEP Ecosystems is a Munich-based ecosystem accelerator that helps entrepreneurs build innovation ecosystems through its 2-year DEEPSEA program, Startup Heatmap data platform, sector co-investment collabs, and public funding advisory. It serves incubators, accelerators, governments, and universities across 51 countries.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
DEEP Ecosystems industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Innovation Ecosystem Acceleration Services
- NAICS
- Computer Systems Design and Related Services (54151), Software Publishers (513210)
- SIC
- Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design (7373)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Benchmarking, Ratings & Stakeholder Reporting Portals (Scorecards, Dashboards) (EUABAEAJ)
Keywords
Where DEEP Ecosystems is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Munich
- HQ country
- Germany
- HQ region
- Europe
Offices1 record
Markets served
DEEP Ecosystems business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2B
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others
Revenue model
- Membership Subscriptions: Institutional partners and ecosystem members pay membership fees to access the Ecosystem Leader Network, DEEP Academy online courses, premium publications, data collabs, tailored analytics, monthly public funding monitors, and consortium building support for funding applications.
- Public Funding Advisory & Consortium Building: DEEP helps ecosystems and startups build international consortia and co-develop ready-to-submit funding applications, connecting participants to >120M EUR per year in public funding opportunities. The program operates on a success-fee model for the DEEPSEA Hungary program — no upfront fee, contribution only required if project receives funding.
- Ecosystem Collabs: Thematic co-investment programs (e.g., AgriFood, Impact, African Collab, Blue Economy, Hungary) where DEEP and partners jointly invest in ecosystem growth with guaranteed seats for co-investors. Revenue generated through co-investment partnerships and revenue share.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Outcome Based/ Performance | Multi-year contract | DEEPSEA Accelerator — Success-fee model |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
DEEP Ecosystems product offering
Product offeringCore offering
DEEP Ecosystems operates a 2-year ecosystem acceleration program (DEEPSEA) that helps entrepreneurs build world-class innovation systems and raise funds through public funding applications. It also delivers the Startup Heatmap data and intelligence platform, sector-focused DEEP Collabs co-investment programs, the annual DEEP Startup Ecosystem Conference, and a suite of ecosystem blueprints (venture studio, health check, innovation sandbox, advisory board, conference, and innovation scout) for ecosystem builders.
Product overview
DEEP Ecosystems operates as a platform of ecosystem acceleration programs and blueprints for building innovation ecosystems. The core offering includes the 2-year DEEPSEA Ecosystem Acceleration Program, DEEP Collabs (sector-focused co-investment programs), the Startup Heatmap data platform, and the DEEP Startup Ecosystem Conference. Supporting these core products are modular blueprints including Venture Studio, Ecosystem Health Check, Ecosystem Conference, Innovation Sandbox, Entrepreneurial Advisory Board, and Innovation Scout frameworks. The portfolio extends to regional initiatives like DEEP Portfolio (global ecosystem hub network) and MED-Hubs (European blue economy initiative spanning Spain and Italy).
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- DEEP Startup Ecosystem Accelerator: 2-year ecosystem acceleration program enabling entrepreneurs to develop innovation systems and raise public funding
- DEEP Ecosystems Conference
- Startup Heatmap
- DEEP Academy
- MED-Hubs
- DEEPSEA Hungary
Products and services
- DEEPSEA Ecosystem Acceleration Program
- DEEP Collabs
- Startup Heatmap
- DEEP Startup Ecosystem Conference
- Venture Studio Blueprint
- Ecosystem Health Check
- Innovation Sandbox Blueprint
- Entrepreneurial Advisory Board Blueprint
- Innovation Scout Blueprint
- Institutional Partnership Membership
- MED-Hubs Acceleration Program
- Public Funding Advisory & Consortium Building
Quantifiable outcome
- Over €8 million raised for ecosystems in more than 30 countries through the DEEP Startup Ecosystem Accelerator.
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use DEEP Ecosystems
Customer profileNamed customers14 records
Segments7 records
Ideal customer profiles5 records
DEEP Ecosystems technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed Yes
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
DEEP Ecosystems partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
16 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- National Incubation Hungary (NIU)flagshipCo-organizer of DEEPSEA Hungary — Hungary's flagship 2-year ecosystem acceleration program targeting university tech transfer, diaspora engagement, cybersecurity, impact innovation, internationalization, and health tech ecosystems.
- EIT Health InnoStarscoreCo-organizer of DEEPSEA Hungary, bringing European health innovation network expertise and connections to the Hungarian ecosystem acceleration program.
- Óbuda UniversitycoreCo-organizer of DEEPSEA Hungary, contributing academic ecosystem and tech transfer expertise to the Hungarian innovation ecosystem acceleration program.
- Obuda University Venture Capital (Obuda UnivC)coreCo-organizer of DEEPSEA Hungary, focused on university venture capital development and spin-off ecosystem building within the Hungarian program.
- Startup HungarycoreCo-organizer of DEEPSEA Hungary, representing the national startup ecosystem association to align program activities with Hungary's broader startup ecosystem strategy.
- University of ZürichcorePartnership to build the HR Valley Zürich People Innovation Ecosystem, connecting academic resources with innovation ecosystem development in the Zurich region.
- ALDA EuropecorePartner in the MED-Hubs initiative (EU-funded blue economy innovation project connecting Spain and Italy), contributing to marine renewable energy and sustainable fishing innovation hubs.
- Changemakers AgencyminorPartner in MED-Hubs initiative, contributing marketing and stakeholder engagement expertise for the Mediterranean blue economy innovation ecosystem.
- CTNavalcorePartner in MED-Hubs initiative providing naval and maritime industry expertise for the Mediterranean blue economy testbeds in Spain and Italy.
- Fabbrica Italiana InnovazionecorePartner in MED-Hubs initiative, contributing Italian innovation ecosystem expertise and ALFA testbed operations for sustainable fisheries in the Campania region.
- Federación de Municipios de MurciacoreRegional government partner in MED-Hubs initiative, hosting the Marine Energy Hub in Cartagena/Region of Murcia and aligning with Smart Specialization Strategies (S3) for blue economy innovation.
- Just On EarthminorPartner in MED-Hubs initiative focused on Mediterranean blue economy innovation and sustainable marine solutions.
- MaltaccelerateminorPartner in MED-Hubs initiative contributing Malta's blue economy ecosystem expertise and supporting Mediterranean maritime innovation initiatives.
- CARM (Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia)coreRegional government partner in MED-Hubs, co-hosting the Marine Energy Hub in Cartagena and supporting blue economy innovation aligned with regional Smart Specialization Strategies.
- Universidad Politécnica de Cartagena (UPCT)coreAcademic partner in MED-Hubs initiative providing research infrastructure and technical expertise for marine renewable energy testing at the Marine Energy Hub in Cartagena.
- Plastic Free VeniceminorPartner in MED-Hubs initiative focused on sustainable maritime solutions and marine pollution reduction in the Mediterranean blue economy ecosystem.
Scale indicators6 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
DEEP Ecosystems competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Dealroom.co: Startup and venture data intelligence platform widely used by European ecosystem builders, governments, and corporates. Directly comparable to DEEP's Startup Heatmap platform in providing ecosystem-level data and benchmarking across European cities.
- Startup Genome: Global startup ecosystem research and advisory firm producing the Global Startup Ecosystem Report and GSER. Directly comparable to DEEP in providing ecosystem benchmarking, data intelligence, and accelerator-style programs for ecosystem builders and governments.
- Seedstars: Switzerland-based emerging market startup accelerator and ecosystem builder with global footprint, particularly in Africa and emerging markets. Comparable to DEEP's African Collab and ecosystem acceleration programs across emerging markets.
- StartupBlink: Global startup ecosystem map and ranking platform providing city-level ecosystem scores and data. Comparable to DEEP's Startup Heatmap for ecosystem benchmarking and ranking, with similar focus on dashboards and stakeholder reporting.
- F6S: Global startup community and deal-sharing platform connecting founders with accelerators, investors, and government programs. Comparable to DEEP in serving ecosystem builders, accelerators, and public funding programs with community tools and data.
Broad incumbents
- Crunchbase: Major startup and venture data platform serving investors, corporates, and ecosystem builders with company intelligence. Comparable to DEEP's Startup Heatmap as a data source for ecosystem analysis, though with a much broader company-level focus rather than city-level ecosystem benchmarking.
- Endeavor: Global high-impact entrepreneur support organization operating in 40+ markets with ecosystem-building programs. Comparable to DEEP's mission of scaling high-impact entrepreneurship ecosystems, with similar advisory board and ecosystem acceleration offerings.
- Techstars: Global accelerator network with 400+ portfolio companies and ecosystem programs for founders and corporate partners. Comparable to DEEP's accelerator model and corporate innovation offerings, though much larger scale and focused on individual startups rather than ecosystem builders.
- EIT Climate-KIC: EU-backed climate innovation ecosystem with deep accelerator, education, and ecosystem-building programs. Comparable to DEEP's accelerator programs and EU partnership model, though focused specifically on climate innovation rather than broader ecosystem development.
Emerging players
- Impact Hub: Global network of impact-focused innovation hubs and incubators operating across 100+ locations. Comparable to DEEP in providing a global hub network, ecosystem-building programs, and impact-focused innovation support.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
DEEP Ecosystems social profiles
Digital presenceDEEP Ecosystems financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
DEEP Ecosystems leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
DEEP Ecosystems subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
DEEP Ecosystems funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
DEEP Ecosystems M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about DEEP Ecosystems
What does DEEP Ecosystems do?
DEEP Ecosystems operates a 2-year ecosystem acceleration program (DEEPSEA) that helps entrepreneurs build world-class innovation systems and raise funds through public funding applications. It also delivers the Startup Heatmap data and intelligence platform, sector-focused DEEP Collabs co-investment programs, the annual DEEP Startup Ecosystem Conference, and a suite of ecosystem blueprints (venture studio, health check, innovation sandbox, advisory board, conference, and innovation scout) for ecosystem builders.
Is DEEP Ecosystems a public or private company?
DEEP Ecosystems is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was DEEP Ecosystems founded?
DEEP Ecosystems was founded in -1. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is DEEP Ecosystems based?
DEEP Ecosystems is headquartered in Munich, Germany, in the Europe region.
How does DEEP Ecosystems make money?
Three revenue lines are on record. Membership Subscriptions are the primary driver. The others are public Funding Advisory & Consortium Building and ecosystem Collabs.
Who are DEEP Ecosystems's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Dealroom.co, Startup Genome, Seedstars, StartupBlink and F6S. Broad incumbents are Crunchbase, Endeavor, Techstars and EIT Climate-KIC. Impact Hub is listed as an emerging player.
Does DEEP Ecosystems have an API?
No public API is recorded for DEEP Ecosystems.
What industry is DEEP Ecosystems in?
DEEP Ecosystems's product category is Innovation Ecosystem Acceleration Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EUABAEAJ, Benchmarking, Ratings & Stakeholder Reporting Portals (Scorecards, Dashboards). Its NAICS code is 54151 and its SIC code is 7373.