Malta, a sunny Mediterranean island known for its rich history and picturesque landscapes, is rapidly becoming a hotspot for innovation and entrepreneurship. This small but thriving nation has successfully been positioning itself as a key player in the global tech scene, with a growing startup ecosystem that is attracting attention from investors, entrepreneurs, and corporates worldwide.
Supported by a strong network of enablers and public bodies, Malta offers a unique blend of local expertise and global connectivity, making it an attractive destination for startups seeking to scale. Its pro-business policies, competitive tax structures, and thriving tech infrastructure create an ecosystem where innovation can flourish. Entrepreneurs benefit from easy access to European markets, while also leveraging Malta’s extensive international partnerships to expand beyond the continent.
Now, these entrepreneurs and investors can also benefit from the newly launched Malta Tech Ecosystem Database, which enables stakeholders to track developments, explore emerging sectors, and forge valuable connections, further strengthening Malta’s position as a hub for innovation. This platform is funded by Malta Enterprise under the Start in Malta initiative, reinforcing the nation’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurship and technological growth.
A thriving startup landscape
Over the past few years, Maltese-founded startups have grown significantly, reaching a combined enterprise value of €4.6 billion—an impressive 2.3x growth since 2016. When including companies headquartered in Malta, the overall value of the tech ecosystem rises to an impressive €82 billion. Key industries driving this growth include fintech, enterprise software, and travel, which have attracted substantial venture capital interest since 2019. In 2024 alone, Malta saw one of its most active years for venture capital investment, with startups raising €43 million to date, underscoring the increasing confidence of investors in the region.
Fueling this growth is a strong pool of local talent, particularly from the University of Malta. Alumni-founded startups have contributed €1.5 billion in enterprise value and raised €260 million in venture capital funding since 2019. These startups, along with the wider ecosystem, benefit from a data-driven approach powered by Dealroom, a platform that aggregates insights on companies, investment trends, and innovation opportunities. Through this platform, stakeholders can track competitors, discover emerging categories, and explore new partnerships, making it a crucial tool for both startups and investors.
Collaboration and ecosystem support
Malta’s tech ecosystem is further supported by a collaborative environment where public bodies, venture capitalists, and corporations come together to foster innovation. Startups in Malta can leverage local resources while also tapping into global opportunities through initiatives that facilitate deal sourcing, corporate challenges, and talent recruitment. With such a robust foundation, Malta continues to attract startups looking for an ecosystem that offers both local support and international reach.
One of the resources that makes Malta even more attractive is its role as the host of the EU-Startups Summit. After a successful 2024 edition, the summit will return to Valletta on April 24-25, 2025, bringing together over 2,500 founders, investors, and corporates for networking, discussions, and showcasing innovations. This highlights Malta’s growing reputation as a destination for startups and entrepreneurs.
As Malta’s tech landscape grows, the island is well on its way to becoming a leading innovation hub in the Mediterranean. Entrepreneurs and investors can explore the opportunities within Malta’s ecosystem and stay informed about the latest trends at dealroom.co, where the future of tech in Malta is unfolding.
