Is Milan 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.

Milan 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 Milan 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 Milan

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

Milan's early-stage funding scene is dynamic, attracting increasing attention from both domestic and international investors. Notable VC firms active in the early stages include P101, United Ventures, Primo Ventures, and Growth Engine. Angel networks like Italian Angels for Growth (IAG) and Club degli Investitori also play a crucial role in supporting local founders with seed funding and expertise. Government support is available through initiatives like the Italian Startup Act, offering tax incentives, and programs from the Lombardy Region and the Comune di Milano providing grants and co-investment funds. Despite positive trends like Milan attracting a significant portion of Italy's total VC funding and strong growth in recent years, challenges persist. Italy, including Milan, still faces a seed-stage funding gap compared to more mature European ecosystems, with a disparity between the high volume of pre-seed deals and the relatively lower amount of capital invested at this stage. While investment levels have grown, securing follow-on capital beyond the initial seed stage can be challenging, and the overall VC investment as a percentage of GDP lags behind countries like France and Germany.

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  

Milan 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.

Milan has a thriving startup and innovation ecosystem, ranking as Italy's best and 12th in Western Europe. The city boasts over 100 coworking spaces, including major players like Talent Garden and Copernico, fostering a collaborative environment. Numerous tech events and conferences are held throughout the year, covering various sectors like AI, Fintech, and more. Entrepreneurial activity is significant, with Milan hosting a large percentage of Italy's innovative startups and attracting substantial investment. The ecosystem supports early-stage founders through a variety of incubators and accelerators offering mentorship, resources, and initial funding, alongside standardized programs. While there are many programs, the presence of numerous players and university incubators like Polihub suggests opportunities for tailored support within the broader ecosystem.

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

Milan offers a strong talent pool for startups, supported by renowned educational institutions like Politecnico di Milano and Bocconi University. These universities contribute to a skilled workforce across various disciplines. The city has a diverse talent pool with industry-specific skills, particularly in areas like fintech, e-commerce, AI, fashiontech, healthtech, and design. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a blend of innovative thinkers and skilled professionals, fostering a dynamic environment for collaboration and providing access to industry insights. Accelerators and incubators affiliated with universities also help nurture this talent and connect startups with resources. Milan's growing tech ecosystem and increasing investment further attract and retain skilled individuals.

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 Milan 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

Milan 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.

Milan offers a robust ecosystem for startups, featuring over 70 accelerators and incubators, and more than 60 co-working spaces. These resources provide vital support like mentorship, networking, and access to funding, helping businesses grow. Notable examples include PoliHub, the incubator of Politecnico di Milano, and B4i - Bocconi for Innovation. Government initiatives, such as the Italian Startup Act, offer tax incentives, grants, and simplified regulations for eligible innovative startups. The Lombardy Region also provides support and co-investment funds. These systems contribute to Milan being Italy's leading startup hub and a growing European innovation center.

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

There’s no doubt that Milan 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 Milan face several hurdles. Competition is significant, particularly in thriving sectors like fintech, e-commerce, and AI. While Milan's cost of living is comparable to other European innovation hubs, real estate can be expensive for early-stage companies. Regulatory issues and bureaucracy also pose challenges, with complexities in VAT, tax requirements, and compliance laws requiring careful navigation. Simplifying bureaucracy remains a significant barrier for startups in Italy.

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

So, while Milan 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