Is Łódź 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.

Łódź 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 Łódź 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 Łódź

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

Łódź has a developing early-stage funding environment for startups, supported by various initiatives. The Łódź Special Economic Zone plays a role with accelerator programs like "Startups Powered by Invest in Lodz," which connect startups with established companies and offer access to funding and mentorship. Government support is available through programs like Poland Prize, which provides grants and acceleration for foreign startups looking to establish in Poland, with Łódź being one of the participating ecosystems. While specific Łódź-based VC firms weren't prominently found, Polish VC firms like Experior Venture Fund and Movens Capital invest in early-stage tech startups across Poland, including potentially in Łódź. Angel investors are also present, with individuals like Maciej Galkiewicz and Amit Lath noted as active in Poland, some with connections to Łódź. Challenges exist within the broader Polish startup ecosystem, such as a potential equity financing gap for later-stage funding rounds compared to early-stage options. Gaining market knowledge and navigating legal/tax issues are also cited as significant challenges for startups in Poland. While startup funding in Łódź remained stable from 2023 to 2024, the city's global startup ecosystem ranking decreased, although its national rank improved slightly.

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  

Łódź 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.

Łódź has a developing startup and innovation ecosystem, ranking 8th in Poland and 40th in Eastern Europe according to StartupBlink. The city actively supports entrepreneurship and innovation, particularly in Software & Data, Healthtech, and Fintech sectors. There is a presence of coworking spaces, with several options available. The city also hosts tech events and conferences, including DevConf and events at the Lodz University of Technology. Entrepreneurial activity is fostered through various initiatives, notably the "Startups Powered by Invest in Lodz" acceleration program, which has supported over 1,000 startups. The Łódź Special Economic Zone also plays a significant role, offering support and accelerator programs that connect young tech businesses with mature enterprises. The ecosystem appears to offer support for early-stage founders through programs like "Idea for a Startup" and university incubators. These initiatives provide mentoring, expert support, workshops, and opportunities for networking and gaining access to investors. While there are competitive programs, there's an emphasis on personalized support and building a collaborative community.

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

Łódź has a significant talent pool for startups, supported by 21 higher education institutions with over 71,000 students, providing a steady stream of qualified graduates. The city is a key academic center in Poland, with universities collaborating with businesses to tailor educational programs to industry needs. Industry-specific skills are strong in sectors like IT, with nearly 30,000 specialists in the Łódź agglomeration proficient in technologies such as JavaScript, Java, Python, and more. There's also demand for skills in customer service, logistics, data analysis, and sales. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through initiatives like the "Youth in Łódź" program, which connects students with employers via internships, scholarships, and training, fostering a skilled workforce for local companies and investors. The city actively promotes cooperation between business, academia, and authorities to create a favorable environment for startups and investment.

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 Łódź 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

Łódź 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.

Łódź offers a supportive environment for startups through various infrastructure and support systems. Key resources include accelerators like "Startups Powered by Invest in Lodz," which has supported over 1,000 startups with practical knowledge exchange and networking opportunities. The Łódź Special Economic Zone (LSEZ), a government initiative, plays a significant role by offering accelerator programs, connecting startups with larger enterprises, and providing potential benefits like income tax exemption. Academic institutions such as the Łódź University of Technology also contribute through centers focused on technology transfer and supporting spin-offs. These resources help businesses thrive by providing mentorship, funding access, networking, and a conducive environment for innovation and growth.

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

There’s no doubt that Łódź 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 Łódź may encounter several challenges. While Łódź has a developing startup ecosystem, it ranks lower than major Polish cities like Warsaw, Poznań, and Wrocław in terms of startup density and overall ecosystem strength. This could mean facing significant competition, particularly from startups in larger hubs or established businesses. Regarding costs, the cost of living in Łódź is generally lower than in Warsaw, which can be an advantage. However, attracting highly skilled talent might still be competitive, potentially driving up labor costs, a challenge noted for Polish startups generally. Regulatory issues in Poland can pose hurdles, including complex regulations and potential bureaucratic difficulties, especially for foreign entrepreneurs who may also face language barriers. While there are government initiatives and special economic zones offering support and incentives like tax exemptions, navigating the legal and tax landscape requires careful attention and potentially expert assistance.

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

So, while Łódź 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