Overview of the Startup Scene in Malta
Malta has a growing startup scene with a focus on technology and innovation. The number of startups in Malta has been increasing in recent years, with an estimated 500+ startups currently operating in the country. The most popular industries for startups in Malta include fintech, blockchain, iGaming, and digital marketing
Growing Industries in Malta
- Fintech: Malta has become a hub for fintech companies, with a number of established and up-and-coming startups operating in the sector. Examples of notable fintech startups in Malta include Binance, BitBay, and OKEx
- Blockchain: Malta has positioned itself as a leader in the blockchain industry, with a number of blockchain-based startups operating in the country. Examples of notable blockchain startups in Malta include Palladium, XCaliber, and Omnitude
- iGaming: Malta has a thriving iGaming industry, with a number of startups operating in the sector. Examples of notable iGaming startups in Malta include Unibet, 888, and Betway
- Digital Marketing: Malta has a number of startups operating in the digital marketing space, including Infinium and AdLemons
Fundraising in Malta
- Malta has a growing investment community, with a number of business angels and venture capital firms actively investing in startups in the country
- In 2020, startups in Malta raised an estimated €30 million in funding
Active Investors and Incubators in Malta
- Some of the most active business angels and venture capital firms in Malta include Malta Enterprise, Invest Malta, and SRI Capital
- Malta also has a number of incubators and acceleration programs, such as Malta Enterprise, Innovative Startup, and The Startup Hub
Government Initiatives to Boost the Startup Ecosystem in Malta
- The Maltese government has been actively supporting the startup ecosystem in the country, with a number of initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and innovation
- Initiatives include tax incentives for startups, access to funding and support programs, and a supportive regulatory environment for new businesses
Comparison to the Rest of the Region
- Malta has a well-established startup ecosystem compared to some other countries in the region, but it faces competition from other European countries such as Germany, the UK, and France
- However, Malta's focus on technology and innovation, combined with its supportive government initiatives, position it well for continued growth in the startup sector