Building data foundations for Europe’s startups and scaleups

Europe has no shortage of ambition when it comes to startups. The European Commission’s Startup and Scaleup Strategy lays out clear objectives: foster conditions for more companies to grow, scale internationally, and compete with innovation powerhouses like the U.S. and China. Yet, as emphasized at TechBBQ 2025 in Copenhagen, ambition alone will not suffice. Without robust, comparable data systems, even the most forward-looking strategies risk falling short.

One panel that addressed this challenge took place in the Danish Entrepreneurs x TechBBQ Policy Lounge, titled “Building Data Foundations for Europe’s Startup & Scaleup Goals.” Moderated by Stina Lantz, CEO of Swedish Incubators & Science Parks, the session brought together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and data experts to explore how robust data infrastructure can turn strategy into impact.

Data as the pillar of evidence-based policy

Opening the session, Stina Lantz emphasized that the fragmented data landscape undermines policymaking:

“We need to move from fragmented statistics and isolated reports to a common European fact base. Only then can we create policies that truly strengthen our startups and scaleups, regardless of where they are located in the EU.”

Her message was unambiguous: data is not merely useful—it is the foundational infrastructure supporting effective policy.

Sweden’s approach: Sweden Startup Nation

In Sweden, work is underway through Sweden Startup Nation, a newly established independent national actor created to strengthen the country’s startup and scaleup ecosystem with better data and insights. The initiative is backed by BLING, FUHS, the universities’ Innovation Offices, and SISP, bringing together more than 100 research and innovation environments across the country.

Its goal is to close knowledge gaps by collecting and analyzing data on startups and scaleups, and to provide policymakers, investors, and ecosystem actors with a stronger evidence base for decision-making. As Lantz noted:

“We see great value in building a shared knowledge platform that combines data and insights from across the ecosystem. This strengthens not just Sweden, but our contribution to a more evidence-driven European startup policy.”

Portugal: Building a national data platform

Echoing this approach, João Silva, Head of Data & Tech and Public Policies at Startup Portugal, explained how his country is also developing a national data platform to support evidence-based policymaking:

“We are developing a national data platform that gives us a clear picture of the ecosystem. It’s about creating infrastructure that is both reliable and open, so that policymakers and entrepreneurs alike can use the same knowledge base.”

Portugal’s model demonstrates the potential for national platforms to feed into a broader European framework, where countries contribute insights while aligning with shared standards.

From reports to real-world action

For the entrepreneurs on stage, the message was unequivocal: data must not remain confined to policy circles but serve as a living resource that founders can use.

Karin Ebbinghaus, CEO and co-founder of Elonroad, stressed:

“For entrepreneurs, data needs to be practical and actionable. We rely on it to make better decisions, identify opportunities, and attract the right investors. If data stays locked away in policy reports, it loses its value to those building companies every day.”

Arthur Casper Storm Teglbjærg, CEO and co-founder of SPAAK, added:

“Startups live and die by timing. Data must be transparent and accessible in real time. If it’s delayed or too complex to access, it becomes irrelevant for the decisions that founders need to take.”

The European dimension: shared standards and coordination

Bringing a broader perspective, Peter van Sabben, CMO of Dealroom, argued that Europe will not realize its potential unless national systems converge:

“The real potential emerges when we can compare data across member states on equal terms. Shared standards and cross-border collaboration are essential if Europe wants to allocate resources effectively and track progress over time.”

For investors and policymakers alike, cross-country comparability is the linchpin of Europe’s competitiveness.

From ambition to measurable impact

The panel highlighted both the urgency and the opportunity: Europe’s startup and scaleup goals will remain aspirational without robust data systems. To move from ambition to measurable impact, four priorities stand out:

• Empower national initiatives such as Sweden Startup Nation and Startup Portugal to serve as testbeds for data-driven policymaking.
• Ensure usability for entrepreneurs and investors — and foster a cultural shift in how data is used. Data must not only be real-time, open, and practical for decision-making, but also accompanied by a shift in mindset across ecosystems and governments. Using data as a living, shared resource rather than a static reporting tool requires new habits, openness, and trust.
• Harmonize standards across borders so Europe can benchmark performance and direct resources effectively.
• Foster cross-sector collaboration among policymakers, entrepreneurs, investors, and data providers.

Creating a common ground

In her closing remarks, Stina Lantz captured the essence of the discussion:

“Data is not just about counting startups or tracking funding rounds. It’s about creating a common ground that brings policymakers, entrepreneurs, and investors together to make better, faster, and fairer decisions for Europe’s future.”

The message from the Policy Lounge was unmistakable: if Europe wants to move from ambition to action, building strong, interoperable, and inclusive data systems must be the next frontier.