Startup Genome with Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and the University City Science Center launch the world’s most comprehensive report on startup ecosystems, released at VivaTech Paris.
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. — June 12, 2025 — Startup Genome, in partnership with the Global Entrepreneurship Network, has released its flagship report in its 13th year - the 2025 Global Startup Ecosystem Report (GSER) - today at VivaTech, Paris. Widely regarded as the world’s most comprehensive research on startup ecosystems, the GSER leverages the largest quality-controlled dataset in the industry, analyzing data from over 5 million companies across 350+ entrepreneurial innovation ecosystems worldwide. In collaboration with Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania; The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia; and the University City Science Center, Philadelphia is featured in the #GSER2025.
Key highlights include:
- Ranking as the #13 Global Startup Ecosystem, moving up 12 spots from GSER 2024
- Amid a global decline of 14%, the ecosystem created $76 billion in Ecosystem Value in GSER 2025 July 1, 2022, to December 31, 2024, representing 3% compound annual growth compared to GSER 2023 July 1, 2020, to December 31, 2022 time period.
- Ecosystem Value is a measure of economic impact, calculated as the value of exits and startup valuations.
- Top 15 Global & Top 10 North America Ecosystem in Performance — measures the size and performance of an ecosystem based on the accumulated tech startup value created from exits and funding
- Top 20 Global & Top 10 North America Ecosystem in Funding — measures innovation through early-stage funding and investor’s activity
- Top 30 Global & Top 15 North America Ecosystem in Talent & Experience — measures long-term trends over the most significant performance factors and the ability to generate and keep talent in the ecosystem
- Top 30 Global & Top 10 North America Ecosystem in Knowledge — measures innovation through research and patent activity
Sectoral drivers of startup growth in Philadelphia: Life Sciences, AI, and Advanced Manufacturing are key strengths of Philadelphia’s startup ecosystem, supported by state funding, research infrastructure, and global investment. In 2024–2025, the city attracted over $900 million in equity funding and acquisitions, launched AI education initiatives, and expanded biotech and robotics facilities through public-private partnerships and university-led R&D.
Why startups choose Philadelphia: Philadelphia offers startups access to a diverse, internationally connected talent pipeline, supported by high graduate retention and inclusive workforce initiatives. In 2025, the city expanded collaborative programs and entrepreneurship training through organizations like Entrepreneur Works and the Welcoming Center, reinforcing its ecosystem’s structural commitment to equitable growth and cross-sector engagement.
“Philadelphia remains a leader in innovation thanks to its diverse talent supply, dedicated economic development partners, and world-class institutions that are putting out some of the most cutting-edge research in the country.” — Secretary Rick Siger, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development.
“We are proud to celebrate the advancement of Philadelphia’s innovation ecosystem, and thrilled that Philadelphia’s startup community continues to climb the ranks alongside other powerhouse cities around the globe. This confirms what we have long known: More startups are choosing Philadelphia because they know they can grow and thrive here. We are enormously grateful to our partners in this work, as well as to the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development for providing reliable funding and support for the statewide Ben Franklin network through the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority.” - Scott Nissenbaum, President and CEO, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania
"Our ascent in the global startup ecosystem rankings is a testament to Philadelphia's ability to turn bold ideas into impactful realities. As we continue to solidify our position as a global innovation leader, our commitment remains steadfast: empowering entrepreneurs, advancing transformative innovation, and delivering solutions that enhance lives both locally and worldwide. Together, we are cultivating a vibrant startup ecosystem that embodies the unique strengths and limitless potential of our city." – Tiffany Wilson, President & CEO, Science Center
“The Chamber is proud to collaborate with our visionary members like Ben Franklin Technology Partners and the University City Science Center to launch this report and drive continual regional growth. Philadelphia’s remarkable momentum in the tech and life sciences sectors is reflected in its new rank —affirming our region’s emergence as a global destination for innovation, business, and opportunity.” – Chellie Cameron, President & CEO, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia.
This year’s report delivers fresh insights on the world’s leading innovation ecosystems, highlighting key trends, investment flows, and policy strategies driving entrepreneurial success. It features rankings of the Top 40 global startup ecosystems and Top 100 emerging ecosystems, along with regional rankings. Built on over a decade of Startup Genome’s independent research and policy expertise, and driven by a consortium of representatives spanning 65+ countries, the report provides a data-rich analysis of startup activity and investment patterns. It provides actionable guidance for policymakers, ecosystem leaders, and founders to develop evidence-based strategies that strengthen startup communities - the world’s most powerful engine of job creation and economic growth.
"Philadelphia’s impressive rise in the global rankings reflects its growing role as a leading hub for Life Sciences, B2B innovation, and AI-native startups. We are honored to partner with Ben Franklin Technology Partners, The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, and the University City Science Center, whose leadership is shaping Philadelphia’s position as a global innovation powerhouse." — JF Gauthier, Founder & CEO, Startup Genome.
ABOUT BEN FRANKLIN TECHNOLOGY PARTNERS OF SOUTHEASTERN PENNSYLVANIA
Ranked among the most active seed and early-stage investors in the US, Ben Franklin Technology Partners of Southeastern Pennsylvania is a venture development organization that helps high-growth innovative enterprises plant and nurture their roots in the Philadelphia region. The nonprofit has supported more than 2,000 companies to deliver an economic impact of more than $5 billion and over 32,000 jobs created in the Philadelphia region. Ben Franklin Technology Partners is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and funded by the Ben Franklin Technology Development Authority (BFTDA).
ABOUT THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE FOR GREATER PHILADELPHIA
The Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia works together with members, investors, and stakeholders to realize our bold vision: Greater Philadelphia is a top global destination for business and a leader in inclusive growth. As the metro-regional chamber of commerce serving the 11-county, tri-state Greater Philadelphia region, we are the premier organization to convene and connect business, government and civic leaders to drive economic growth and prosperity for all.
ABOUT UNIVERSITY CITY SCIENCE CENTER
The Science Center is Philadelphia’s premier catalyst of entrepreneurial activity, healthcare innovation, and economic growth. Established in 1963, the nonprofit has been recognized by The Brookings Institution as a best-in-class investor, mentor, and economic development partner for young technology companies. Collaborating with key industry leaders, renowned research institutions, and a robust network of investors, the Science Center empowers startups at all stages to translate innovation into real-world impact.
ABOUT STARTUP GENOME
Startup Genome is the world-leading innovation ecosystem development organization, having worked with more than 180 economic and innovation ministries and public/private agencies in over 65 countries. We work to catalyze startup success and ecosystem growth and ensure that all cities and countries capture their fair share of the new economy. Startup Genome strategy clients grew their ecosystem values 59% faster than peers (41% vs. 25%). On average, Startup Genome clients produced $1.4 billion per year more in ecosystem value from an average starting point of $9.2 billion. Our evidence-based ecosystem research, advisory, and scaleup programs are rooted in global experience with the world’s largest AI-curated startup dataset and proprietary instruments developed from over a decade of primary research.
