2024 has been a testament to what ambitious founders can achieve when equipped with the right support, belief, and community. At Startup Wise Guys, our journey this year has been guided by one simple truth: it’s all about the founders.
From groundbreaking innovations to resilient growth stories, this year redefined possibilities across industries, geographies, and ecosystems. As investors and growth partners, we are honored to have played a role—whether through strategic investments, tailored programs, or powerful partnerships—helping startups turn vision into action and action into measurable impact that drives real change.
2024 in Numbers: A Year of Founder-Driven Impact
Metrics tell part of the story, but behind every number is a founder who dared to dream big. Alongside the founders, investors, mentors, and partners who believe in building a better future, we’ve achieved:
- €3.3+ Million total invested capital
- A 45% follow-on funding success rate, proving investor confidence in our startups.
- 38+ startups accelerated through our tailored programs.
- Over €26+ Million raised collectively by our portfolio startups this year.
- More than 500+ founders supported across all our programs.
- 4 successful exits—a testament to founders’ hard work and resilience.
- Supported by a network of 300+ mentors and experts, sharing knowledge and guidance.
Beyond these figures, 130+ portfolio companies actively fundraised this year, refining strategies and aligning with market demands. In verticals like SaaS, fintech, Cybersecurity & defence, and healthtech, hospitality and beyond saw remarkable progress, with 18 startups gearing up for new funding rounds in the next six months.
Founders Leading Innovation Across Industries
Their vision, grit, and relentless pursuit of progress turn dreams into breakthroughs and challenges into opportunities. This year was no different. Across industries and milestones, our Startup Wise Guys family—now over 800+ founders—proved that the future belongs to those who dare to build it.
From seed rounds to follow-on investments, these founders are reshaping SaaS fintech, cybersecurity & defence, healthtech, Web3, and beyond—creating solutions that matter.
Here’s how they made an impact in 2024 in various verticals:
Cybersecurity and Defense
→ ETHIACK: Raised €4M in seed funding for AI-driven Hackbots that proactively reshape digital security.
→ SensusQ: Secured €3.8M to advance AI-powered intelligence platforms for critical decision-making.
→ Cylock: Closed a €500K pre-seed round to enhance next-gen cybersecurity solutions.
Cognitive Research and XR
→ SOMAREALITY: Raised €2.6M to advance real-time eye-tracking technology, bridging cognitive research and XR applications.
→ 10X Immersive: Secured €285K to expand its footprint in virtual experiences.
Advanced Manufacturing
→ Fractory: Closed a €2M bridge round with Smartcap to lead in manufacturing innovation.
→ LetsData: Raised €1.5M to bolster AI-driven predictive analytics.
Fintech and Digital Solutions
→ Novus: Raised €650K to grow its digital banking solutions.
→ Trusted Twin: Closed a €500K seed round to strengthen data-sharing technology.
Startups like Jeff App secured $2M to expand financial inclusion in emerging markets, while Vado raised over €440K to revolutionize smart storage and delivery solutions. In the rapidly evolving space of fan engagement, Scorestars closed a €725K funding round to bring innovation to new markets, and Loyi raised €425K to transform banking loyalty programs using Web3 and gamification.
As we look ahead, we remain inspired by their success and committed to supporting the next wave of founders who dare to build the future.
Creating Impact Through Global and Flagship Programs
Every founder’s journey begins with an idea. But ideas alone don’t build businesses—it takes the right support, resources, and community to bring them to life.
In 2024, together with amazing partners we delivered programs that met founders where they are and helped them grow.
- Founders Club:
With six cohorts. 90+ teams, over 250 founders from 33 countries, fostering shared knowledge and support. - Bright Minds Academy (with RAW Ventures): Empowered participants with hands-on entrepreneurship and investment training.
- Growth Ukraine: Was the initiative powered by EBRD that enabled 12 Ukrainian scale-ups to showcase their resilience and innovation on a global stage.
- EmpoWomen Program: As part of the EU-supported Horizon Europe initiative, propelled 11 women-led deep-tech startups with dedicated acceleration and equity-free funding.
- “Esportare Innovazione”: In September, we joined ICE – ITA Formazione, Italian Tech Alliance, and InnovUp to support a 14-week program for over 100 Italian startups and SMEs, focused on investment readiness and scaling globally. Our mentors led key sessions, sharing insights to drive their success.
- Impact Hub Tbilisi: 9 teams from Georgia visited us in Tallinn office for the week of intense workshops. This collaboration marked the beginning of a thrilling chapter, connecting us more intimately with the vibrant startup scene in Georgia.
Programs like Angels Up Academy,Pre-accelerators in XR and Sustainability, and Cleantech Program in Azerbaijan underscore our commitment to tailoring support for diverse founders, sectors, and markets.
Flagship Accelerators: Focused, Industry-Specific Support
Our flagship accelerators are where bold ideas meet structured growth.It’s not just about refining their business strategies through expert-led workshops or connecting with industry mentors who provide hands-on guidance. It’s about being part of something bigger—a community that grows together. This year, our flagship accelerators brought together:
- Industry-expert mentors delivering hands-on guidance.
- Targeted workshops to solve practical business challenges.
- Global networks that opened doors to investors, partners, and peers.
These accelerators spanned critical verticals like SaaS, Cybersecurity & Defense, Web3, Fintech, Sustainability — providing founders with a structured environment to scale smarter, faster, and with confidence.
But there’s more to these programs than just the technical side. Every time a new batch comes together, it’s about more than growth—it’s about the human side, too. Founders come together in beautiful cities, forge meaningful connections, unwind, and even make lifelong friendships after days of hard work, intense workshops, and shared challenges.
See it for yourself in the video and experience the magic of what happens when hard work meets community.
Building Ecosystems: Partnerships That Drive Change
In 2024, we launched the first-ever Construction Tech Specialized Fund and Accelerator Program in Saudi Arabia, in partnership with SEEDRA Ventures and backed by the National Technology Development Program (NTDP).
Together with the award-winning WZMH Architects, we established the Construction Technology Innovation Lab in Riyadh—a cutting-edge hub to empower startups driving innovation in construction and real estate.
This program marks a pivotal step in reshaping the sector, fueling growth, and supporting Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 goals.
Advancing Sustainable Agriculture in Almería
In Spain, our partnership with the Andalusian Government aims to transform Almería into a global hub for sustainable agriculture through open innovation. This initiative connects emerging startups with leading corporations, fostering an industrial ecosystem that drives both technological advancement and environmental sustainability.
From smart cities to sustainable agriculture, these partnerships are more than initiatives—they are stepping stones toward resilient, future-ready ecosystems where startups can thrive and innovation becomes action.
This year brought remarkable milestones from our founders and impactful partnerships that reflect the strength and resilience of our community.
Join us to shape 2025
To wrap up, we have many reasons to be proud of this past year, 2024—all that our founders, startups, and ecosystems have achieved through bold ideas, relentless effort, and unwavering support. From raising funds to solving complex challenges, these stories inspire us to keep building, innovating, and empowering those who are shaping the future.
- Founders: Take your bold ideas to the next level with our accelerators and programs.
- Investors: Partner with us to back the world’s next industry-shaping startups.
- Corporate Innovators: Collaborate with cutting-edge startups to solve your biggest challenges.
Subscribe to our newsletter to stay updated or explore our programs to take the next step toward transformation.
Let’s make it happen together. 🚀
