Startup Ecosystem Rankings 2025 Reveal Global & MEAIPT Leaders

This year, the startup ecosystem rankings 2025 continue to highlight a sharp divide between the global leaders and fast-emerging ecosystems in the MEAIPT (Middle East, Africa, India, Pakistan, Turkey) region. On the global stage, the U.S., U.K., and Israel maintain their dominance, while Singapore is making a notable push upward. Meanwhile, in MEAIPT, the United Arab Emirates leads regional momentum with standout ecosystem growth.

Global Landscape in Startup Ecosystem Rankings 2025

At the top, the “big three” that consists of United States (1st), United Kingdom (2nd), and Israel (3rd) remain firmly entrenched. The U.S. continues as the uncontested leader, though growth is cooling, with an 18.2% growth rate, the lowest among the top 50 ecosystems. Its overall score advantage over the UK remains nearly fourfold.

The U.K. (26.3% growth) is gaining ground, widening its gap over Israel and showing strong momentum. Israel itself stays stable at 20.6% growth.

Singapore, now ranked 4th globally, recorded a remarkable 44.9% annual ecosystem growth, placing it closer to Israel than to Canada (5th). Canada drops to 5th, with only 18.8% growth, a sign it’s struggling to keep pace.

Sweden (6th) posts growth above 30%, making it one of the top performers in the top ten. Germany (7th) and France (8th) maintain strong, steady rankings with 28.4% and 30.2% growth respectively. Switzerland overtakes the Netherlands to capture 9th, while the Netherlands falls to 10th.

MEAIPT Snapshot: Regional Movers

In the MEAIPT region, UAE leads the charge with an ecosystem growth rate of +32.0%, climbing two spots to global rank 21, and boasting three homegrown unicorns. India drops three places to 22nd despite 16.8% growth.

Saudi Arabia stands out with explosive growth of 236.8%, jumping +27 positions to global rank 38, also with three unicorns. Turkey rises one spot to 39th (+7.0% growth), Cyprus jumps five places into the top 40 (+28.2%), and Kenya climbs five spots to 58th (+33.5%). Bahrain also moves up, thanks to 40.1% growth.

Other noteworthy moves in startup ecosystem rankings 2025 include Egypt, edging up one rank; and Nigeria, slipping two spots despite modest 5.4% growth.

Why These Moves Matter in Startup Ecosystem Rankings 2025

These rankings reflect not only prestige, but also indicators of where capital, talent, and opportunity are concentrating. Global players still wield strength thanks to scale, network effects, and institutional support. But the MEAIPT region is showing that rapid acceleration is possible with the right policies, investor flows, and startup culture.

The momentum in the UAE and Saudi Arabia suggests that more global recognition, capital inflows, and local successes will likely follow. Meanwhile, Singapore’s surge shows that smaller nations with smart strategy can climb fast.

What’s Next?

For founders and investors, the real story is opportunity. We’re talking about the rising ecosystems in MEAIPT and Southeast Asia are becoming fertile grounds for disruption, talent, and new venture creation.

As capital flows diversify, those tracking these rankings will want to watch not just who leads today, but who is accelerating fastest. The startup ecosystem rankings 2025 indicate a world where entrenched leaders maintain dominance, yet emerging regions are catching fire.