Is Luanda 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.

Luanda 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 Luanda 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 Luanda

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

Luanda's early-stage funding environment for startups is still developing, marked by limited access to capital, particularly at the seed stage. While the government, through entities like INAPEM and initiatives like the Startup Act, is working to improve the ecosystem and regulatory framework, a significant funding gap persists. International partners such as the IFC and African Development Bank are also providing support and funding programs. Although some VC firms like Seedstars International Ventures and Green Innovations invest in Angola, and the first official angel network, CAIA, was recently established, the number of active local early-stage investors remains small. Challenges include bureaucracy, high taxes, and a fragmented support system, making it difficult for many startups to secure the initial funding needed to scale. Data indicates a low percentage of Angolan startups have received venture funding, highlighting the need for more robust early-stage financing options.

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  

Luanda 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.

Luanda's startup ecosystem is emerging, ranking first in Angola and Central Africa. It shows promise, particularly in Marketing & Sales, Fintech, and Edtech. Coworking spaces are present, offering flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. Notable examples include Kianda Hub and spaces in Belas Business Park. The city hosts tech events, such as the annual ANGOTIC conference and events organized by groups like GDG Luanda and Huawei. Entrepreneurial activity is supported by various initiatives, including government programs and accelerators like Acelera Angola and Founder Institute Luanda. While there's grassroots momentum, support has been fragmented. Efforts are being made to improve access to financing and provide structured programs. Early-stage founders can find support through these programs, although the ecosystem is still developing formal structures for sustained growth and personalized support may be part of accelerator programs rather than a widespread feature.

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

Luanda's talent pool for startups is developing, supported by local educational institutions like Universidade Agostinho Neto and Óscar Ribas University, which are incorporating entrepreneurship programs and incubators. While there's a demand for skilled professionals, particularly in areas like business analysis and potentially software development, training initiatives are working to address these gaps. The Angolan government's initiatives, including the Startup Act offering sabbaticals for public employees, aim to encourage entrepreneurial ventures. The growing ecosystem, with incubators and accelerators, provides mentorship and resources, fostering entrepreneurial growth despite challenges like access to funding and bureaucracy. Industry-specific skills are being enhanced through various training courses available in the city.

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 Luanda 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

Luanda 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.

Luanda's startup ecosystem is developing, with infrastructure and support systems emerging to help businesses thrive. Co-working spaces like Kianda Hub and Gesprin Business Center provide physical space and networking opportunities. Incubators and accelerators such as Acelera Angola and Founder Institute Luanda offer mentorship, training, and access to funding. These resources assist startups in areas like business plan development and market access. The Angolan government is actively involved through initiatives like the Angola Investe program, providing financial support to SMEs including startups. The government-funded Hub de Inovação offers workspace and networking, focusing on technology. The National Institute for the Support of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (INAPEM) is a key agency implementing policies and strategies for SME capacity building and financing. Recent efforts include a cooperation agreement between INAPEM and IFC to improve the regulatory framework and provide early-stage financing. The proposed Startup Act aims to simplify incorporation and encourage investment. Despite challenges like access to funding and infrastructure, these developing systems and government initiatives are working to foster a more favorable environment for startups in Luanda.

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

There’s no doubt that Luanda 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 startups in Luanda face significant challenges. The cost of living and doing business is notably high, partly due to a reliance on imports for many goods and a limited supply of quality infrastructure and housing, making expenses like rent steep. Competition exists, including from foreign businesses that may operate across multiple levels of the supply chain, sometimes engaging in practices like unfair competition and lack of invoicing. The regulatory environment can be complex and difficult to navigate, creating barriers to entry and growth. While the government is working on improving the framework with initiatives like a potential Startup Act, navigating existing bureaucracy and obtaining necessary legal recognition remains 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 Luanda or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Luanda 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