Fit 4 Start and the LCI highlighted by FT and Statista

A publication from the Financial Times and Statista highlights the foundational work carried out by two key organisations in Luxembourg's startup ecosystem.

The Fit 4 Start acceleration programme by Luxinnovation and the Luxembourg-City Incubator (LCI) have recently been recognised as one of the top European Leading Start-up Hubs 2024, unveiled this Thursday in the Special Report by Financial Times and Statista.

This recognition is based on a selection process involving public calls for participation, a survey among alumni and peers, and comprehensive desk research.

It highlights both initiatives’ commitment to fostering innovation, supporting emerging businesses and contributing to Luxembourg’s thriving startup ecosystem.

The Special Report, featuring 125 awarded hubs from 19 countries and extending 2,000 invitations to organisations, is a testament to the exceptional standing in the European startup ecosystem of both the Fit 4 Start programme and the Luxembourg-City Incubator.

Three key criteria

The methodology used to determine the leading startup hubs involved a thorough analysis of three key criteria:

• The assessment by alumni who participated in at least one programme run by the respective hub.
• Recommendations from external experts, including investors such as business angels, representatives of venture capital firms, entrepreneurs and academics. The expert opinions emphasise the broader industry recognition and support for both initiatives.
• Examination of the most successful startups that emerged from each hub, further validating their impact on the entrepreneurial landscape.

This recognition highlights our continuous commitment to providing a supportive and innovative environment for the development of flourishing startups.” Sven Baltes, Manager – Start-up Relations at Luxinnovation

The track record of the Fit 4 Start programme and the Luxembourg-City Incubator of producing successful and sustainable businesses contributed significantly to their recognition.

“We are delighted and honoured to be recognised by the Financial Times and Statista as one of the leading European Startup Hubs for 2024,” said Bastien Berg, CEO of the Luxembourg-City Incubator.