Is Kraków 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.

Kraków 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 Kraków 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 Kraków

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Kraków 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.

Kraków's early-stage funding scene is active, supported by local and national initiatives. Notable VC firms like Innovation Nest and Shape VC are based here, focusing on pre-seed and seed investments in various tech sectors. The Krakow Technology Park also plays a role, offering incubation, acceleration programs, and seed funding, partly through government-backed initiatives like the Polish Investment Zone and potentially European Funds. While early-stage funding is available, a challenge remains in securing later-stage Series A and beyond capital from domestic investors, often requiring startups to look internationally. Despite this, Kraków is recognized as a significant startup hub in Poland, attracting investment and fostering a growing ecosystem.

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  

Kraków 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.

Kraków has a dynamic and growing startup and innovation ecosystem, ranking as the 2nd best in Poland and within the top 91-100 in Europe. The city boasts a significant number of startups and accelerators, fueled by a strong pool of tech talent from its universities. The ecosystem is well-supported by numerous coworking spaces, offering flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. Kraków also hosts a variety of tech events, conferences, and meetups throughout the year, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. Entrepreneurial activity is high, with a considerable number of registered businesses and a focus on industries like Marketing & Sales, Hardware & IoT, and Software & Data. Support for startups is available through various programs and institutions, including incubators, pre-accelerators, and accelerators like Krakow Technology Park and OMGKRK. These resources cater to both early-stage teams, offering mentoring and workshops, and provide support for more mature startups through acceleration programs and funding opportunities. The city government also provides assistance to novice entrepreneurs.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Kraków 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 Kraków, 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 Kraków 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.

Kraków boasts a significant talent pool for startups, particularly in the IT sector. The city is home to reputable educational institutions like AGH University of Science and Technology, Jagiellonian University, and Cracow University of Technology, which produce a steady stream of skilled graduates. Kraków's talent is proficient in various in-demand tech skills, including Java, Python, JavaScript, machine learning, and cloud computing. This strong academic foundation and diverse skill set, coupled with a growing ecosystem of supporting organizations, contribute significantly to entrepreneurial growth in the city. The talent pool includes both experienced professionals and new graduates, supporting the needs of both early-stage and more mature startups.

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 Kraków 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

Kraków 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.

Kraków offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring numerous incubators, accelerators, and co-working spaces like Krakow Technology Park (KTP) and Binkplus Incubator. These provide essential infrastructure, mentorship, and networking opportunities. KTP, for example, offers a technology incubator, acceleration programs like KPT ScaleUp and Poland Prize, seed funding, and preferential office conditions. Government initiatives, such as those supported by the Małopolska regional government and the Polish Investment Zone program, play a significant role. These initiatives offer financial support, tax exemptions, and programs aimed at fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, helping startups thrive and scale both nationally and internationally. The city's strong academic links and events like Digital Dragons further support the ecosystem.

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 Kraków. 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 Kraków Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Kraków 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.

Kraków presents a dynamic startup ecosystem, but entrepreneurs face challenges. Competition is notable within the thriving tech scene, with numerous startups and established companies vying for talent and market share. While the cost of living is often cited as relatively low compared to global tech hubs, rising salaries in the competitive IT market can impact operational costs for startups. Regulatory issues and navigating Polish law, particularly regarding accounting and tax compliance, can be complex for foreign entrepreneurs, requiring expert knowledge. Despite government support and initiatives, securing consistent funding, especially later-stage investment, can also be a hurdle.

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 Kraków or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Kraków 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