Startup Genome launches the world’s most comprehensive report on startup ecosystems, released earlier this week.
Malta has been featured in the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) released by Startup Genome, a world-leading innovation ecosystem development organisation, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network. The report provides an in-depth analysis of over 350 innovation ecosystems globally, based on data from more than 5 million companies.
The report shows that Malta generated $4.2 billion in ecosystem value in 2025. This metric combines startup valuations and the value of exits and reflects the overall economic impact of startups within an ecosystem. The figure comes at a time when the global average ecosystem value declined by 14%, positioning Malta among the ecosystems that maintained strong performance.
Another Key highlight of the report with regards to Malta includes that our country ranked third in MENA for "Bang for Buck", a measure that compares the average amount of funding startups receive relative to equity given up. This suggests that startups in Malta are securing competitive investment terms.
The key sectors contributing to startup activity in Malta include Fintech, Life Sciences, and Digital Technologies, supported by sector-specific regulation, dedicated infrastructure such as the Malta Life Sciences Park, and targeted government investments. Initiatives mentioned in the report include the allocation of national budget funds for a digital identity wallet.
The report also notes that Malta’s geographic position, EU membership, and recent policy developments, including a $10.7 million government-backed venture capital fund, contribute to its appeal for international startups and investors.
Silvio Schembri, Minister for the Economy, Enterprise and Strategic Projects, commented: "The inclusion of Malta in this year’s report reflects the growing maturity and resilience of our startup ecosystem. We remain focused on fostering innovation, supporting enterprise, and encouraging long-term value creation across strategic sectors."
Now in its 13th edition, the Global Startup Ecosystem Report is one of the most comprehensive studies of its kind. It identifies leading global and emerging ecosystems, provides regional rankings, and outlines policy approaches to support innovation-driven growth. The report is built on over a decade of independent research and is used by policymakers, economic agencies, and ecosystem builders around the world.
This year’s report offers insights into the world’s leading innovation ecosystems, highlighting key trends, investment flows, and policy strategies that support entrepreneurial success. It features rankings of the Top 40 global startup ecosystems and Top 100 emerging ecosystems, along with regional rankings. Built on over a decade of Startup Genome’s independent research and policy expertise and driven by a consortium of representatives spanning 65+ countries, the report provides a data-rich analysis of startup activity and investment patterns. It provides actionable guidance for policymakers, ecosystem leaders, and founders to develop evidence-based strategies that strengthen startup communities widely recognised as a key driver of job creation and economic growth.
View the full report here - https://startupgenome.com/gser2025