In a year marked by disruption and recalibration, the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2025 (GSER 2025), launched at VivaTech, paints a nuanced picture of the world’s innovation economy.
Spanning insights from over 5 million startups across 350+ ecosystems, GSER 2025 captures a pivotal moment in global startup dynamics. According to the report, “2025 has seen a sharp decrease in Ecosystem Value across most of the globe, down 31% in aggregate,” highlighting significant challenges faced by many innovation hubs. At the same time, the growing importance of AI-native startups is emerging as a key driver reshaping how and where innovation happens.
Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking
The 2025 rankings show continued strength at the top, yet change is stirring beneath the surface:
- Silicon Valley
- New York City
- London
- Tel Aviv
- Boston & Beijing (tied)
While Silicon Valley retains the crown, Beijing is one of only three ecosystems in the Top 20 (along with Los Angeles and Tokyo) that saw positive growth in Ecosystem Value this year. Paris, by contrast, held steady with flat growth, maintaining momentum as it rose to #12 globally, powered by a 7% increase in $ 50M+ exits, including BeReal’s 42M exit in 2024.
AI as a Defining Force
According to the report, “within five years, AI will become both the foundation and a ubiquitous component of every tech startup globally.” Yet, 90% of current AI funding is concentrated in the US and China, exposing a stark geographic imbalance.
Still, momentum is building elsewhere:
- VC funding into AI & Big Data startups rose 33% last year.
- The sector now receives 40% of all VC investment (up from 26% in 2021).
- Cities like Paris, Delhi, Istanbul, and San Diego more than doubled their AI-native startup count from 2021 to 2024.
- Shenzhen, Shanghai, Toronto-Waterloo, and Mumbai saw 10x+ growth in AI-related funding in the years between 2022 and 2024.
Emerging Ecosystems to Watch
The GSER 2025 also shines a light on up-and-coming innovation hubs making global waves. This year’s Top Emerging Ecosystems include:
- Wuxi (China) – up 14 positions to become the #1 Emerging Ecosystem, driven by a 67% increase in $50M+ exits
- Jakarta – climbing four spots to #2, reflecting growing early-stage funding and market reach
- Istanbul – jumping 10 places to #3, thanks to strong gains in performance, funding, and market reach
- Research Triangle (US)
- Copenhagen
Emerging ecosystems, typically earlier in their growth journey, are evaluated with a focus on early-stage funding and performance potential rather than solely on large exits. The rapid progress of these ecosystems highlights a global diversification of innovation beyond traditional hotspots.
Other notable movers include Nanjing and Phoenix, each rising 13 positions, and Riyadh, which made significant strides in the MENA region fueled by major exits like rasan.co’s .1 billion deal. Meanwhile, Las Vegas surged an impressive 53 spots into the Top 30.
These rising hubs are reshaping the global startup landscape, signaling a future where innovation thrives across a broader and more diverse set of regions.
Paris on the Rise
Paris has climbed to #12 in the global rankings, fueled by a 7% increase in exits over $50 million, including high-profile outcomes like BeReal’s $542 million exit in 2024.
"Paris is emerging as an AI ecosystem leader in Europe," said Startup Genome’s Managing Partner, Stephan Kuester, following the launch of the 2025 report on the VivaTech stage. Paris more than doubled its number of AI-native startups between 2021 and 2024, confirming its position as a rising European powerhouse in AI and deep tech.
“Paris—the #12 Global Startup Ecosystem—is a shining example of how startup events can align with an ecosystem’s broader growth ambitions,” the report writes. It also highlights VivaTech as a key catalyst in this growth. “Since its inception, Viva Technology has served as the connective tissue between French startups and the global tech world.”
The report's deep dive into Paris offers a detailed picture of the factors driving the ecosystem's success. From world-class talent to unparalleled government support, academic support to public-private collaboration, and a focus on the Paris 2024 Olympics as an economic and innovation accelerator, Paris' technological capabilities shine.
Building Tomorrow Together
The GSER 2025 shows the global startup landscape evolving fast, driven by AI and new emerging hubs. Read the full report here.
As innovation spreads beyond traditional centers, collaboration and bold investment are key. VivaTech is proud to connect startups and leaders shaping the future—now is the time to seize these opportunities and build the next wave of global innovation.
