Top 10 Fastest-Growing Startups in Europe: What They're Doing Right

At Mesogio, we're fascinated by what drives the growth of Europe’s startup scene and what we can learn from these companies to boost business transformations elsewhere.

In a rapidly evolving European business landscape, startups are rising above challenges to set new standards for growth, innovation, and resilience. The recently released Sifted 250 ranking highlights the 250 fastest-growing startups across Europe, with impressive feats of innovation, especially within fintech, healthtech, and climate technology.

At Mesogio, we're fascinated by what drives this growth and what we can learn from these companies to boost business transformations elsewhere.

Rewriting the Growth Playbook

The UK's Allica Bank, a neobank specifically designed for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), tops the list with a staggering compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1,438%. Founded in 2018, Allica Bank serves SMEs with over 10 employees, providing digital banking services that empower smaller businesses to thrive in a competitive environment. With a rise in revenue from £204k to £48.3 million in just two years, Allica demonstrates what's possible when companies focus on under-served market niches and implement targeted, scalable technology solutions."We believe SMEs are the backbone of any economy, and providing them with the financial tools they need can lead to exponential impact," said Richard Davies, CEO of Allica Bank.

Understanding the Factors Behind Growth

Denmark's kompasbank, coming in second with a CAGR of 1,149%, also focuses on SMEs, highlighting a regional trend of providing digital financial services to smaller businesses that drive the European economy. The pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of SMEs, revealing a need for agile financial support systems, which banks like Allica and kompasbank are capitalising on. Among other notable companies is Artios Pharma from the UK, focusing on novel cancer therapies, showing impressive growth at 697%. Growth in healthtech signals a continuing push towards innovation in life sciences and health, driven by investment and increasing public health demand.

These examples remind us of the importance of targeting impactful sectors — such as health and digital banking — that directly cater to emerging needs within society.

The Full Top 10 List

The top 10 startups on the Sifted 250 ranking represent a range of industries and countries, showcasing Europe’s growing diversity and capacity for innovation:

Allica Bank – Neobank for SMEs (UK)

kompasbank – Digital banking for SMEs (Denmark)

Artios Pharma – Cancer therapeutics (UK)

Finn – Car subscription service (Germany)

Orbem – AI-powered imaging for object scanning (Germany)

Klimate – Carbon removal strategies (Denmark)

Kovalee – Consumer app publishing (France)

Swan – Embedded banking solutions (France)

Jeff – Digital banking solutions (Latvia)

Dalma – Pet insurance technology (France)

These companies highlight how diverse sectors—fintech, healthtech, AI, and sustainability—are driving Europe’s startup ecosystem forward.

Key Takeaways for European SMEs

So what makes these startups special? Growth requires more than an idea; it takes a commitment to identifying an unmet need and developing a strategic approach to meet that need effectively.

Here are some critical insights from these success stories:

Focus on Niche Markets: Both Allica Bank and kompasbank zeroed in on SME banking, a traditionally under-served market, particularly with the digital options that are increasingly in demand. This focus enabled rapid growth through customer loyalty and a high adoption rate.
Capital Efficiency and Strategic Investment: Artios Pharma secured major funding early on, allowing it to invest significantly in R&D. The importance of aligning capital with a well-defined growth roadmap cannot be overstated.
Adapting to Challenges: A recurring theme among the Sifted 250 is adaptability. Many of these companies emerged stronger post-pandemic, having adopted new operational models, innovative solutions, and customer engagement tactics.

What This Means for European Business

European businesses must take note of these growth trends. The success of these startups demonstrates the importance of innovation, agility, and a deep understanding of market needs. For larger companies and organisations, collaborating with or learning from these startups can provide valuable insights into remaining competitive in a fast-changing economic landscape.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Europe’s Startup Ecosystem

As Europe continues to build on its reputation for innovation, the success of companies like those in the Sifted 250 shows that adaptability and vision are key to driving growth. At Mesogio, we’re inspired by how these startups use storytelling, targeted strategies, and innovative solutions to stand out in competitive markets. This aligns closely with our mission: helping organisations craft communication strategies that highlight their unique strengths and resonate deeply with their target audiences.

How Mesogio Can Assist

These growth stories hold valuable lessons for companies across Europe.

At Mesogio, we focus on the tools and communications that help companies scale — ensuring that their story connects with the audience they need.

We work closely with SMEs to craft strategies that highlight their unique offerings, positioning them for growth in an increasingly competitive market.

From digital content to influencer campaigns, we know how to build narratives that resonate and ensure your brand's story is not just heard but remembered.

Whether you’re a startup looking to scale or an established business seeking fresh ideas, Mesogio is here to help. We understand the value of storytelling in driving growth and are ready to help your organisation take the next big step.

If you're curious about how to craft a growth strategy that works or how to effectively communicate your brand's story, reach out to Mesogio.

We believe every great business has a story worth sharing — and we're here to make sure yours reaches the people who need to hear it.