Is Brussels a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Brussels has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Brussels gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Brussels

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Brussels offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Brussels has a developing early-stage funding scene for startups, supported by various players. Notable VC firms active in the early stages include Ninepointfive Ventures, Theodorus, and Volta Ventures, among others across Belgium. Government support is available through grants like the Actiris grant for the self-employed and the Brussels Economy and Employment start-up grant, offering financial aid for initial costs. Angel networks like BeAngels also play a crucial role in connecting startups with investors and providing support. However, challenges persist. While early-stage funding in Belgium has reportedly become less challenging recently due to increased angel activity and early-stage VCs, Europe generally faces a persistent funding gap, particularly at the seed and Series A/B stages, compared to the US. Bureaucracy can also limit access to funding. Despite these hurdles, Brussels remains a significant hub, ranking highly in Europe for attracting Horizon Europe funding.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Brussels has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Brussels has a dynamic startup and innovation culture, increasingly recognized as a significant European hub. The city benefits from its international position, offering access to policymakers and a diverse talent pool. There is a strong presence of coworking spaces across Brussels, catering to various needs and locations. Numerous tech events and networking opportunities are available, connecting entrepreneurs with investors and industry experts. Entrepreneurial activity is notable, with a growing number of startups in sectors like tech, health, sustainability, and food innovation. Early-stage founders can receive personalized support through various incubators and government agencies like hub.brussels and Incubators.brussels, which offer coaching, mentorship, and tailored services. While standardized programs exist, there's an emphasis on building sustainable companies and providing guidance from experienced professionals. Support is available for different stages, from ideation to scaling.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Brussels can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Brussels, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Brussels is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Brussels has a skilled and multilingual talent pool, partly due to its numerous top-notch universities and higher education institutions. These institutions contribute a steady stream of graduates across various fields, including specialized areas like life sciences and technology. The city offers industry-specific skills relevant to startups, particularly in sectors where Belgium excels, such as HealthTech, Software & Data, Cybersecurity, and sustainable technologies. There is demand for skills like Python, SQL, AWS, and JavaScript. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through participation in a vibrant startup ecosystem. This includes engaging with accelerators, incubators, and support organizations like hub.brussels and Incubators.brussels, which provide coaching, networking, and resources. Training programs and workshops are also available to help entrepreneurs develop necessary skills. Brussels' international environment also attracts diverse talent, further enriching the pool.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Brussels can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Brussels boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Brussels offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring extensive infrastructure and support systems. This includes numerous co-working spaces and a network of incubators and accelerators like hub.brussels, Incubators.brussels, EEBIC, and ICAB, many of which specialize in sectors like health tech, sustainability, and technology. These provide not only physical space but also personalized coaching, mentorship, and networking opportunities. Government initiatives play a significant role. hub.brussels, the official agency for business support, offers free services including guidance, funding assistance, training, and export support. Innoviris is the public body funding research and innovation projects in the Brussels-Capital Region, focusing on urban challenges. The Brussels-Capital Region also provides targeted subsidies and grants for aspiring entrepreneurs and startups, including financial aid and support for eligible expenses. The Belgian government has also launched national plans like Digital AmBEtion to accelerate digital infrastructure and support startups. These resources collectively help businesses thrive by providing essential resources, expertise, and financial backing.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Brussels. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Brussels Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Brussels provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching a startup in Brussels may encounter several challenges. Competition can be significant, both from established companies and other startups in a growing ecosystem. While some sources suggest a relatively inexpensive cost of living compared to other major European capitals, others indicate a high cost of living and intricate regulations, particularly concerning taxation and employment, which can impact hiring talent. Additionally, navigating complex administrative procedures and fragmented regulatory frameworks across different regions in Belgium and the EU presents a hurdle for startups aiming to scale. Accessing sufficient funding can also be more difficult compared to larger tech hubs.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Brussels or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Brussels offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash