Is Poland 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.

Poland 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 Poland 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 Poland

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

Poland's early-stage funding scene is active, with a growing number of startups attracting investment. Notable VC firms like Inovo Venture Partners, Market One Capital, and SpeedUp Venture Capital Group are key players, alongside angel networks such as COBIN Angels. Government initiatives, including programs managed by PFR Ventures and the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development (PARP), offer grants and co-financing, often utilizing EU funds. However, challenges persist, including a noticeable gap in Series A and later-stage funding from domestic investors compared to the abundant early-stage capital. Delays in the allocation of new EU funds have also temporarily impacted the early-stage market, contributing to a decline in seed and pre-seed deal volume in 2024. Despite this, the ecosystem is maturing, with increasing average ticket sizes in early 2025 and a focus on promising sectors like AI and medtech.

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  

Poland 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.

Poland has a dynamic and maturing startup ecosystem, particularly strong in cities like Warsaw and Krakow. The country boasts a significant number of startups, over 300 coworking spaces, and numerous tech events and conferences, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial culture. While there is abundant early-stage funding and support through incubators, accelerators, and government programs like "Startup Platforms," access to later-stage Series A and growth funding from domestic investors can be more challenging. The ecosystem offers both standardized programs and opportunities for mentorship and resources, indicating a mix of support structures for founders at different stages.

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

Poland offers a significant pool of highly skilled talent for startups, largely due to its strong educational system with a focus on STEM fields. Universities across the country produce numerous graduates in computer science, engineering, and data analysis annually. Polish talent is recognized for strong technical skills, ranking highly in programming competitions, and proficiency in various languages and emerging technologies like AI and machine learning. This skilled workforce, combined with a strong work ethic and a growing ecosystem of incubators and accelerators, supports entrepreneurial growth and innovation. While competition for talent exists, particularly in major tech hubs, the overall availability and quality make Poland an attractive location for 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 Poland 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

Poland 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.

Poland has a developing infrastructure and support system for startups, positioning itself as a key hub in Central and Eastern Europe. This includes over 300 co-working spaces, numerous incubators and accelerators providing mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities. Government initiatives play a significant role. The "Start in Poland" program, the largest in CEE, offers support across development stages, including incubation and acceleration. Programs like Poland Prize aim to attract foreign startups. Public entities like the National Centre for Research and Development (NCBR) and the Polish Development Fund (PFR) provide substantial funding, though access to later-stage capital can still be a challenge. EU funds also contribute to supporting business environment institutions like technology parks and incubators. These resources, coupled with a skilled talent pool, help Polish startups thrive and scale.

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

There’s no doubt that Poland 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 Poland face several challenges. Competition is increasing, particularly for skilled tech talent, as global corporations establish R&D centers there. While the cost of living is generally lower than in Western Europe, major cities like Warsaw can be relatively expensive, impacting labor costs. Regulatory issues and bureaucracy can also pose hurdles, with complex legal and tax aspects requiring expert navigation. Obtaining later-stage funding can also be difficult compared to more mature ecosystems.

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

So, while Poland 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