Startup Ecosystem Podcast

Building a successful startup ecosystem requires more than launching accelerators, distributing grants, or organizing events. In our latest episode, StartupBlink CEO Eli David Rokah explores what the 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Index reveals about the policies, business conditions, and entrepreneurial mindset that help innovation ecosystems grow. The episode also examines how governments, policy...

Artificial Intelligence is becoming an integral part of every startup ecosystem. In our latest episode, Eli David Rokah explores how governments, policymakers, and ecosystem developers can ensure their ecosystems are ready for the rise of AI. StartupBlink  is an innovation economy research center, working with more than 100 government entities, multilateral organizations and corporations. Its  glo...

Comparing a giant like  China , with more than a billion people, to  Estonia , with just over a million, shows why raw startup numbers only tell part of the story. In this episode, host Andrej Vaklinski  and  StartupBlink CEO Eli David Rokah  explore the  Absolute Power of Startup Ecosystems Report . Unlike the Global Startup Ecosystem Index, this ranking does not adjust results by population, rev...

In this episode, StartupBlink CEO Eli David Rokah joins host Andrej Vaklinski to explore the growing global trend of Startup Acts. They discuss what these acts are, why some countries adopt them, and whether they truly boost startup ecosystems. The conversation covers when Startup Acts work, when they risk doing more harm than good, and why improving the broader business environment is often the m...

In this episode, StartupBlink's CEO Eli David Rokah dives deep into most interesting trends in the global startup ecosystem in 2025, driven from our research in Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025. Download the full report here ! StartupBlink  is an innovation economy research center, working with more than 100 government entities, multilateral organizations and corporations. Its  global startup e...

In this episode, I sat down with StartupBlink CEO Eli David Rokah to talk about the launch of our Corporate Startup Activity Index. We discussed what corporate startup activity really means, how the Index was built, and some of the most surprising findings from the rankings. StartupBlink  is an innovation economy research center, working with more than 100 government entities, multilateral organiz...

In this special episode, we revisit a conversation between our CEO, Eli David Rokah, and Igor Madjov, Founder of Startup Macedonia , recorded during Eli's visit to North Macedonia, 2 years ago. They explore how Skopje is emerging as a tech hub, the city's transition from service-based agencies to product-driven innovation, and what ecosystem builders everywhere can learn from this journey.   Start...

In this episode of the Startup Ecosystem Podcast, we're traveling back in time by revisiting an old recording to explore the state of Bulgaria's startup ecosystem in 2022. This episode features an interview by Eli David Rokah, CEO of StartupBlink, with Momchil Vassilev, the Managing Director of  Endeavor Bulgaria , discussing how different stakeholders' involvement transformed the Bulgarian startu...

In this episode, our host, Plamen Ivanov, welcomes Norman Musengimana, the Business Development Manager of Kingston Economic Development Corporation, to discuss best practices for building a startup ecosystem in a small city. The Canadian city of Kingston, with a population of less than 500,000, serves as an inspiring example, demonstrating how such challenges can be overcome to rank your city in...

In this episode, our new host, Plamen Ivanov welcomes the CEO of StartupBlink, Eli David Rokah to discuss the latest findings from the 2024 Global Startup Ecosystem Index . Released on May 30, 2024, the Index ranks 1,240 cities and 119 countries, highlighting the latest trends in the global startup ecosystem. StartupBlink  is the startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than 10...

Discover the secrets of attracting foreign startups to your city, with lessons learned from Vienna Business Agency. In this episode, Mahmod Shamsil welcomes Gabriele Tatzberger, Head of  Startup Services at the Vienna Business Agency diving into Vienna's formula of attracting foreign startup to the city. StartupBlink  is the startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than 100 gov...

The secret of a successful startup ecosystem lies not just in the ideas or investments but significantly in the platforms that bring together its diverse players. This is where Slush , a leading startup conference. In this episode, Mahmod Shamsi welcomes Natalie Lingwood, Head of Expansion at Slush to discuss how they managed to organize a top startup conference. StartupBlink  is the startup ecosy...

In the competitive environment of startup ecosystems, how to scale your startups globally is a billion-dollar question. This interesting topic was the highlight of the 41st episode of the StartupBlink Ecosystem Podcast , where Mahmod Shamsi, Partnerships Manager at StartupBlink, engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Eli David, the CEO of StartupBlink. StartupBlink  is the startup ecosys...

In the heart of Africa, the Republic of Chad is currently undergoing a transformative wave in its startup ecosystem. This episode features a an interview with Hamid Khayar, a visionary ecosystem developer actively contributing to the development of Chad's startup ecosystem. StartupBlink  is the startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than 100 government entities. Its  global s...

In this episode of the Startup Ecosystem Podcast series, Martin Jordana welcomes David Kwok, the Director of Entrepreneurship & Innovation at YSpace —a university run community innovation hub nestled in Downtown Markham — to discuss Markham's startup ecosystem and YSpace's role in its development. StartupBlink is the startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than 100 government...

In this episode of the Startup Ecosystem Podcast, Eli David and Martin Jordana go further to discuss the cities of the future for startups. Tune in now to learn their predictions on how the global startup ecosystem will evolve over the next 20 years. StartupBlink  is the world's most comprehensive startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than 100 government entities. Its  globa...

  In this episode, Eli David and Martin Jordana delve into the latest Global Startup Ecosystem Index , discussing its highlights. Tune in to discover how startup ecosystems have evolved in 2023 with insights on microeconomic and macroeconomic trends. StartupBlink  is the world's most comprehensive startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than 100 government entities. Its  globa...

In this episode, Martin Jordana welcomes Irina Obushtarova, CEO of The Recursive , as she shares insights about the emerging startup ecosystems in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). Tune in to uncover the progress made by CEE ecosystems and explore the exciting developments shaping the region's entrepreneurial landscape. StartupBlink  is the world's most comprehensive startup ecosystem map and rese...

In this episode, Martin Jordana and Eli David discuss how to determine the right ecosystem for your startup. If you want to learn what are the factors that indicate if your ecosystem isthe right place for your startup, tune in and get more insights. StartupBlink  is the world's most comprehensive startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than 100 government entities. Its  global...

In this episode, Martin Jordana and Eli David discuss the optimal characteristics and mindsets of entrepreneurs to grow an ecosystem. If you want to learn about what it takes for  entrepreneurs to accelerate the growth of a startup ecosystem, tune in and get more insights. StartupBlink  is the world's most comprehensive startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than 100 governme...

In the new episode, Eli David and Martin Jordana talk about the startup ecosystem in smaller countries, discussing the privilege they may have over the big ones! StartupBlink  is the world's most comprehensive startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than 100 government entities. Its  global startup ecosystem map  has tens of thousands of registered startups, coworking spaces,...

In this episode, Martin Jordana and Eli David discuss how a government can damage the ecosystem and what should be the right approach towards elevating it. If you want to learn more about building a healthy startup ecosystem, listen and get more insights! StartupBlink  is the world's most comprehensive startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than 100 government entities. Its ...

Startups are an engine of change, pushing society forward by generating jobs, boosting the economy, and attracting foreign investors, contributing to economic development. Listen and find out more about the impact of startups on national and local economies! StartupBlink  is the world's most comprehensive startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than 100 government entities. It...

In this episode, Eli David and StartupBlink team discuss the significance of hosting startup conferences as a way to grow startup ecosystems. If you are curious about which ecosystems should join or host conferences, listen and get more insights! StartupBlink  is the world's most comprehensive startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than 100 government entities. Its  global st...

In this episode, Eli David and the StartupBlink team discuss the role of private-sector ecosystem developers and what should be the optimal private-public sector involvement in ecosystem development.  Listen to find an answer to "What is the role of private sector ecosystem developers?" StartupBlink is the world's most comprehensive startup ecosystem map and research center, working with more than...