Is Rome 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.

Rome 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 Rome 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 Rome

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

Rome's early-stage funding scene is developing, supported by local and national efforts. Notable VC firms active in the early stages include LVenture Group and Pi Campus, which focuses on AI startups. Angel networks like Italian Angels for Growth (IAG) also play a role in backing local founders. Government support comes through initiatives like the Italian Startup Act, offering tax incentives and grants, and agencies such as Invitalia. Despite this, challenges persist. Italy, including Rome, has faced a decline in the total amount invested in startups in 2023 compared to 2022, although the number of early-stage rounds saw growth. Access to later-stage funding remains a hurdle, and while the gap with other EU markets is narrowing, Italy still lags in per capita funding. Bureaucracy and the need for further regulatory reforms are also cited challenges.

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  

Rome 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.

Rome has a growing startup ecosystem, ranking as Italy's second most active hub. The city features a significant presence of coworking spaces and incubators/accelerators, with over 24 such operators. These spaces, like Talent Garden and Pick Center, offer flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. Rome also hosts tech events, including Rome Startup Week, aimed at connecting entrepreneurs and innovators. The ecosystem supports entrepreneurial activity across various sectors, including cultural and creative industries, as well as high-tech fields like ICT and biotech. While there are programs targeting early-stage founders, such as some incubator programs and the Founder Institute, the support landscape includes both programs for early ideas and those favouring more mature startups with established business models. Government support and EU funding also contribute to the ecosystem.

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

Rome has a skilled talent pool supported by universities like Sapienza University of Rome and LUISS University, which offer programs relevant to entrepreneurship and business. The city attracts talent from across Italy and internationally. Rome's startup ecosystem is strong in sectors like cultural heritage tech, tourism, media, fintech, healthtech, and foodtech. There is also demand for tech skills such as AI, machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a collaborative culture, networking opportunities, and access to experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts. Universities also facilitate the creation of startups and spin-offs based on research. Events like Rome Startup Week further connect talent with investors and innovators.

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 Rome 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

Rome 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.

Rome offers a growing startup ecosystem with various support systems. Key infrastructure includes numerous accelerators like LUISS ENLABS, Startupbootcamp FoodTech Rome, and LVenture Group, providing mentorship and funding. Co-working spaces are also widely available. Funding opportunities exist through venture capital firms and angel investor networks. Government initiatives significantly contribute to this environment. The Italian Startup Act provides tax breaks, simplified procedures, and grants. Programs like the Italia Startup Visa aim to attract international talent. The Lazio region, where Rome is located, also has initiatives supporting international expansion and offering incubation and funding. These resources collectively help startups in Rome launch 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 Rome. 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 Rome Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Rome 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 Rome may encounter several challenges. Competition exists within the city's growing startup ecosystem, particularly in popular sectors. The cost of living and operating a business in Rome can be relatively high compared to other Italian cities, with office space being expensive in central areas. Regulatory issues and bureaucracy also pose significant hurdles for startups in Italy, including complex administrative procedures and tax regulations. Access to late-stage funding can also be a challenge.

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

So, while Rome 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