Is Naples 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.

Naples 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 Naples 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 Naples

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

Naples' early-stage funding environment is developing, with a growing focus on supporting local startups, particularly in sectors like Edtech, Ecommerce & Retail, and Healthtech. Vertis SGR, based in Naples, is a notable VC firm investing in Southern Italy from seed to scale-up stages. Government initiatives like Smart & Start Italy and regional calls such as "Campania Startup 2023" offer zero-interest loans and non-repayable grants, with favorable terms for startups in the Campania region. While angel investors are present and increasingly findable, Southern Italy, including Naples, faces a significant gap compared to the North in terms of investor concentration and available capital, which can limit ecosystem development. Despite challenges like this regional investment gap and bureaucracy, efforts are being made through local initiatives and accelerators to strengthen the ecosystem and attract more 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  

Naples 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.

Naples, Italy, is developing its startup and innovation ecosystem, ranking 5th in Italy and 352nd globally according to StartupBlink. The city has seen considerable growth in its startup scene, with notable activity in Edtech, Ecommerce & Retail, and Healthtech. Coworking spaces are present, offering flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. Tech events and workshops are also held in Naples, fostering the tech community and providing learning opportunities. Naples has incubators and accelerators that support both early-stage and more mature startups. Programs like Terra Next and those at the University of Naples Federico II aim to provide mentorship, training, networking, and even initial investment, indicating personalized support alongside structured programs. The ecosystem appears to be growing, with initiatives focused on fostering entrepreneurial culture and connecting startups with resources and potential investors.

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

Naples has a growing talent pool for startups, supported by key educational institutions like the University of Naples Federico II. This university is the oldest public non-sectarian university globally and hosts the Apple iOS Developer Academy and a Cisco Digital Transformation Lab, focusing on software development, app design, and cybersecurity. The city's talent base includes skills in digital design, software development, data analysis, and areas leveraging regional strengths like tourism technology and cultural heritage innovations. Initiatives like the partnership between Intesa Sanpaolo and Talent Garden aim to create a tech hub, leveraging local expertise and fostering the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Campania, the region Naples is in, ranks high in Italy for innovative startups and startups founded by those under 30, indicating a supportive environment for entrepreneurial growth.

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 Naples 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

Naples 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.

Naples has a developing startup ecosystem, ranking as Italy's 5th best. The city offers various infrastructure and support systems, including coworking spaces and incubators like Campania NewSteel and Centro Uffici Napoli. These provide physical space, business assistance, consulting, and networking opportunities, helping startups establish and grow. Government initiatives at the national level, such as Italy's Startup Law and the creation of CDP Venture Capital, aim to boost the ecosystem through tax breaks, funding, and investment facilitation in R&D. Locally, groups like Campania NewSteel and Giffoni Innovation Hub offer mentorship and funding networks. These resources collectively contribute to a more fertile environment for new businesses in Naples.

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

There’s no doubt that Naples 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 Naples may face several challenges. Competition exists, with established businesses and emerging startups vying for market share. While the cost of living in Naples is generally lower than in northern Italian cities like Milan, impacting expenses like rent, entrepreneurs still need to consider overall costs including materials and equipment which can be higher than in other European countries. Regulatory issues and bureaucracy present significant hurdles in Italy, including potentially lengthy procedures for registration and permits, varying municipal regulations, and complex tax laws. Accessing funding can also be difficult.

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

So, while Naples 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