Is Taipei 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.

Taipei 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 Taipei 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 Taipei

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

Taipei's early-stage funding scene is active, supported by a mix of local and international investors and government initiatives. Notable VC firms with a presence include Cherubic Ventures, AppWorks, and Headline Asia, which focus on early-stage tech startups. The Taiwan government plays a significant role, with the National Development Fund (NDF) actively investing and offering programs like the Business Angel Investment Program. Taipei City also provides grants for startups, including funding for R&D and incubation. Despite this support, challenges exist, particularly a perceived seed-stage funding gap where startups struggle to secure crucial early capital after initial angel investment. While Taiwan's overall startup fundraising saw a record high in 2023, growing against a global downturn, securing follow-on funding remains a hurdle for some. Risk aversion among traditional investors and difficulties in valuing disruptive concepts can also pose challenges. Angel networks like Taipei Angels and Smart Capital are also part of the ecosystem, providing seed funding and mentorship.

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  

Taipei 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.

Taipei has a thriving startup ecosystem characterized by a strong tech focus, particularly in Hardware & IoT, Healthtech, and Social & Leisure sectors. The city boasts numerous coworking spaces across different districts, offering flexible options for individuals and teams. A vibrant calendar of tech events and conferences, such as Meet Taipei and InnoVEX, fosters networking and knowledge exchange. The ecosystem provides substantial support for entrepreneurs, including government grants, incentives, and various accelerator and incubation programs. While there are competitive programs, there's also a focus on supporting early-stage founders through resources like mentorship, funding, and workspace, with initiatives aimed at helping them scale globally. Taipei is actively working to be a "Founder Friendly City".

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

Taipei offers a strong talent pool for startups, supported by its robust educational ecosystem. Universities like National Taiwan University and National Taipei University of Technology are key in producing skilled graduates, particularly in STEM fields, and fostering entrepreneurial spirit through dedicated programs and incubation centers. The city's talent is proficient in industry-specific skills crucial for startups, including software development, AI, data management, cloud computing, and biotechnology. There is also a focus on emerging areas like green technology and digital transformation. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a blend of technical expertise, innovation, and an increasing interest in joining or starting businesses. The government actively contributes by implementing initiatives focused on talent cultivation, attraction, and retention, including programs that connect educational institutions with businesses and streamline processes for foreign professionals. Incubators and accelerators also play a vital role in connecting startups with necessary resources and talent.

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 Taipei 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

Taipei 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.

Taipei offers a robust ecosystem for startups with extensive infrastructure and support systems. This includes numerous co-working spaces, incubators like AppWorks and Garage+, and accelerators such as SparkLabs Taipei and Taiwan Accelerator Plus. These provide mentorship, networking, and resources. The government plays a significant role through initiatives like the StartUP@Taipei office, offering a one-stop service for counseling, subsidies, loans, and connections. Programs like the Business Angel Investment Program and grants for R&D and branding help startups secure funding and expand globally. The Taiwan Tech Arena also fosters innovation and connects startups internationally. This comprehensive support helps businesses thrive in Taipei's dynamic environment.

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

There’s no doubt that Taipei 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 Taipei face several challenges. Competition is significant, particularly in thriving tech sectors like AI and semiconductors. While Taiwan's cost of living is noted as lower compared to places like New York City, attracting and retaining skilled talent can be difficult due to global competition and potentially less competitive compensation packages offered by startups compared to larger companies. Regulatory issues can also pose hurdles, with new business models sometimes facing unclear applicable laws and the need to navigate a comprehensive industrial regulatory system. However, the government has introduced platforms and initiatives to help startups navigate these regulations.

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

So, while Taipei 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