Emerging Technology Hubs

We’ve Failed to Deepen Europe’s Moat It’s become super trendy to bash the EU: too slow, too regulated, not dynamic enough. I think 🤔 some of the perception lies in Europe’s invisible logos. While Silicon Valley and China slap their branding on everything, Europe quietly powers global tech behind the scenes. • ASML (Netherlands): The unsung hero behind every advanced chip. • Bosch (Germany): Driving EVs and autonomous tech forward. • Ericsson (Sweden) & Nokia (Finland): Building the world’s 5G backbone. What makes Europe strong isn’t flashy consumer brands—it’s our deep moats: • Technological sophistication • Trusted, resilient supply chains • Transparent, stable governance Let’s stop tearing ourselves apart and focus on building what the rest of the world can’t replicate.

Everybody thinks growing a web3 project is easy if you have money. Polkadot's example illustrates why this is NOT the case: 👇 So Polkadot spent $37m on Marketing in Q1 and Q2 2024. Some of the top categories were: • $10m on Ads and Sponsorships • $7.9m on Events/Conferences • $4.9m on Influencers • $4.1m on Digital Ads Yet despite these huge marketing activities, Polkadot somehow seems quiet and invisible. So what is it that they could have done better? Here are the top 8 ones for me: 1/ Slash all soccer club and race car sponsorships. These don't attract web3 developers and builders. Seems like we didn't learn our lessons from 2021 when projects splashed money on renaming stadiums and sponsoring all sorts of sports teams. 2/ Use respected influencers to educate about the advantages of your chain. Explain in layman's terms WHY and HOW your chain is different from 100+ other L1s and L2s out there. Simply Tweeting common sense threads and posts will not bring adoption. 3/ Build an in-house team of core contributors and loyal ambassadors and invest in their growth. Let them become the thought leaders of tomorrow in their domain and promote your chain. This is a long-term initiative but will pay big time down the road. 4/ Dramatically increase your funding for Community Building. Enable a variety of educational and ambassadorial programs.  Again, it was the community that kept Solana alive in Dec 2022 when everyone thought it was dead. When you splash 10x more funds on sports team sponsorships, it's sending the wrong to your community. 5/ Increase grants to attract tier one teams to build the best web3 dApps with killer UI/UX. Offer incentives to the existing top projects to bridge to your chain as well. 6/ Allocate more funds to organize dozens of informal Polkadot gatherings targeted at developers across the continents. Empower your community ambassadors and evangelists in different countries. Let them bring the best builders and developers together for casual meetups. 7/ Slash the budget on digital ads. Traditional ads that work well for web2 startups usually don't result in good conversions for web3 projects. 8/ Completely rethink your Media strategy. If you spent millions but people can't remember hearing about you recently, then it didn't work. That's because simply promoting a chain doesn't work. Instead, promote a new chain specific innovation or user facing feature or at least get creative with ads. Coinbase/Base and Solana are killing at this, so learn from them. -- In short, money is important but it's all about HOW you are spending in. And promoting a web3 chain is not the same as scaling a web2 startup. What works in web2 doesn't always fly in web3 and vice versa. Image source: DefiIgnas on X P.S. Anything else you'd add to the list? Let me know below. Follow 👉 Aram Mughalyan & consider sharing ♻️ this post if you like it.

Quantum Computing and Defense: The Next Strategic Frontier Quantum computing presents major implications for future military and defense technology. Based on available public and government data, five nations are leading global investment in quantum research with dual-use (civil and defense) potential: 🇨🇳 China ↳ Estimated $15 billion in national quantum R&D funding ↳ PLA-linked institutes developing quantum communication and sensing ↳ Quantum satellite demonstrations for secure communication ↳ Leads globally in quantum patents and publications 🇺🇸 United States ↳ Multi-billion-dollar investment through the National Quantum Initiative ↳ Coordination across DOE, NSF, DOD, and NIST ↳ Defense projects via DARPA and Air Force Research Lab ↳ Focus on quantum cryptography, simulation, and sensing systems 🇪🇺 European Union ↳ Over €10 billion committed by EU and member states collectively ↳ Quantum Flagship (€1 billion) drives collaborative R&D ↳ Focus on dual-use sensors, communications, and aircraft systems ↳ Partnerships across Germany, France, and the Netherlands 🇬🇧 United Kingdom ↳ £2.5 billion (≈ $3 billion) through the National Quantum Strategy ↳ MOD projects in quantum radar, navigation, and timing ↳ Strong collaboration between government, academia, and industry ↳ Clear pathway toward operational defense applications 🇨🇦 Canada ↳ CAD 360 million through the National Quantum Strategy ↳ Partnerships between universities and the Department of National Defence ↳ Research focused on secure communications and quantum simulation ↳ Active contributor within NATO’s emerging tech discussions These investments reflect each nation's strategic priorities in next-generation defense capabilities. The data shows substantial government commitment across all five countries, with varying approaches to implementation. What trends do you see in your country's technology investments? Share your thoughts on defense technology development ♻️ Repost to help people in your network Follow me for more defense technology analysis

The biggest winners in web3 won’t just build products—they’ll build ecosystems Here’s how we accidentally ended up doing both: When we entered web3 in 2021, we thought we were building a tech platform to help crypto companies grow But it quickly became clear: There was no growth ecosystem yet No playbooks. No community. No investor interest in the tools growth leaders actually needed So before we could build a product, we had to build the market around it In February 2022, we launched the first-ever community for crypto marketers—40 people sharing ideas, challenges, and lessons As the community grew, so did the category More builders entered. Tools for analytics, messaging, incentives, and attribution started to appear But investors still didn’t take web3 growth seriously. So in October 2022, we published the first market map with 70 growth tooling companies That changed everything What was once ignored had structure: • VCs paid attention • Funding flowed • And we got funded too (our lead VC came to us inbound 🤗) And by 2023, “web3 growth” was a real market Only then did we begin scaling our own customer data platform But there was still one more problem: marketing lacked credibility in crypto Unlike in web2, web3 marketers didn’t have influence—yet So in February 2024, we hosted the first-ever Safary Summit—a full day dedicated to web3 marketing, with 25 top minds across 11 panels The impact was immediate More summits followed. More communities launched. In 2022 and 2023, there were zero web3 marketing conferences. In 2024, there were dozens At the same time, top web3 marketers began building personal brands—giving the function visibility, legitimacy, and power Some people pushed back That’s when we knew it was working Today, our platform is growing faster than ever—because we didn’t just build a product We built the sandbox everyone else is now playing in That’s the opportunity in web3: Don’t just chase markets—create them

🌐 Unlocking India’s #Web3 Potential: Key Takeaways from Ireland’s Web3 Skills & Talent Pipeline Report 🚀 As India gears up for the Web3 decade, a recent Industry Insights Report on Web3 from Ireland offers valuable lessons for building a robust skills and talent ecosystem. Here’s how India’s Web3 industry can take inspiration and accelerate its growth: 1️⃣ Bridge the Skills Gap with Targeted Education The report highlights a global shortage of Web3 professionals, particularly in blockchain development, smart contract engineering, and community management. India can address this by developing comprehensive Web3 courses, from foundational programs for business leaders to advanced technical training. Collaborating with industry leaders to create up-to-date curricula will ensure relevance. 🇮🇳 Opportunity: Leverage India’s vast tech talent pool and edtech platforms to scale Web3 education. 2️⃣ Foster Non-Technical Roles for Inclusivity Web3 isn’t just about coders! Roles like community management and communication are critical in decentralized ecosystems. India’s vibrant startup culture can promote these roles, especially to attract diverse talent, including women and underrepresented groups. 💡 Action Point: Create mentorship programs and micro-credentials to empower non-technical professionals. 3️⃣ Advocate for Regulatory Clarity Ireland’s experience with the EU’s Markets in Crypto Assets Regulation (MiCA) shows the importance of clear regulations to boost investment and innovation. India’s Web3 industry can push for consistent policies on taxation, accounting, and crypto assets to create a conducive business environment. ⚖️ Why it matters: Regulatory certainty will attract global players and foster homegrown Web3 startups. 4️⃣ Build a Collaborative Ecosystem Ireland’s success stems from strong ties between government, academia, industry, and society. India can replicate this by fostering cross-sectoral collaboration, hosting Web3-focused events, and supporting startup incubators. 🌍 Example: Initiatives like Blockchain India Week could amplify community engagement and innovation. 5️⃣ Raise Public Awareness Low public awareness is a barrier to Web3 adoption. India can launch campaigns to demystify Web3, showcasing use cases like decentralized finance (DeFi) and self-sovereign identity (SSI). 📢 Pro Tip: Leverage India’s massive social media reach to educate and inspire adoption. 6️⃣ Invest in Infrastructure Scalable blockchain networks and decentralized applications are critical for Web3 growth. India’s tech giants and startups can collaborate to build interoperable infrastructure, supported by government funding like Ireland’s Disruptive Technologies Innovation Fund. Vision: Position India as a global hub for Web3 infrastructure development.

🇭🇷🚀 Is Croatia about to pull an “Estonia”.. and become Europe’s next tech powerhouse? Just spent a week in Zagreb, visiting BIRD Incubator (the nation’s only privately-run AI & startup hub) demo day and meeting great tech-savvy innovative AI founders and a strategy huddle with the Croatian National Tourist Board. Short answer: YES! Croatia’s innovation engine is revving, fast. Reasons to jump on board! 1️⃣ Startup density that punches above its weight Proximity is power! over half of Croatia’s total now call Zagreb home, and the city just cracked the Top 20 ecosystems in Eastern Europe. 2️⃣ Private and public infrastructure that founders actually use, for example BIRD Incubator (zero-equity, AI-only) sits alongside growing investor VC community to propel the ecosystem forward. 3️⃣ A serious talent pipeline 2 000+ STEM grads a year from FER & FOI, fluent English, and salaries founders can actually afford. Why Croatia should be on your radar 🔹 Investors – sane valuations, exits starting to pop. 🔹 Founders – lower burn than Berlin, direct flights to 120+ cities, the Adriatic heaven two hours away. 🔹 Remote teams – park on a nomad visa, 0 % tax on global income, build in an EU sandbox. I believe within five years from now people will mention Croatia for tech unicorns, not just Game of Thrones filming spots and the most beautiful beaches. It was great meeting so many amazing people, Slavija Jačan Obratov, Ante Bilić, Sven Harjaček, Vid Zavalić, Mia Tolusic, Albert Gajšak 🛠️, Matija K., Antonio Stipić, Rina Bogdanovic, Frano Primorac, Nikola Pević, Bruno Rožman of course Mario Ramić and many more... Have you ever visited Croatia? if yes comment down your experience, stories and thoughts! I personally can't wait to be back again soon... #Zagreb #Croatia #Startups #AI #DigitalNomads #Tourism #Innovation #CEE #Entrepreneurship

If you want to understand where European tech is headed next, Deep Tech is the part that’s hardest to ignore. This report maps what’s working, what’s missing, and where things are starting to move looking at everything from funding and exits to talent and commercialisation. Here are my key takeaways: 🔸 Deep Tech accounts for nearly one-third of all VC funding in Europe, outpacing every other sector in 2024. 🔸 UK, France, and Germany led funding, but over 50% of growth capital still comes from outside Europe. 🔸 AI, energy, compute, robotics, and space tech are drawing the most capital, with a strong focus on sovereignty and dual-use applications. 🔸 Deep Tech firms don’t fail more often than others, but they raise more, take longer to exit, and require different risk models. 🔸 The biggest gaps aren’t in science. They’re in talent networks, spinout frameworks, late-stage capital, and exit pathways. 🔸 Europe’s top research hubs are now better aligned with venture, but the flywheel is just starting to turn. There’s a lot being built, but the ecosystem still feels early. #deeptech #venturecapital #europetech #AI #couchonomics #payments #fintech #embeddedfinance #digitalassets #futureofmoney #futureoffinance - ⁠- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 👍 Hit like ♻️ Share it with your network 📢 Drop a comment 🎙️ Check out my podcast Couchonomics with Arjun on YouTube 📖 Get my weekly newsletter on LinkedIn: Couchonomics Crunch 🕺💃 In the MENA region? Join our Fintech Tuesdays community! 🤝 Let's connect! - ⁠- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

I am a founder from Eastern Europe. Is it an advantage or a disadvantage? A lot of people in the region lack confidence. They complain about being from a small country, a small market… and yes, that’s true. But I believe these “disadvantages” can actually be our biggest weapons. Here are a few I see: 1. Being a hacker In Bulgaria, nothing is given. Rules, systems, order — all fragile. If you want something, you hack your way there. From childhood, we’re trained to find creative shortcuts, to build from scraps, to survive. That’s the best school for entrepreneurship. 2. Global diaspora Bulgarians, Romanians, Poles, Ukrainians… we are everywhere. And our diaspora is one of the most open and helpful networks. Need intros in London, SF, Berlin? Someone is already there, willing to help. 3. Small market → global from day one We can’t play only at home. Our markets are too small. So we’re forced to think globally from the start — to design scalable products, price in EUR/USD, and pitch internationally. 4. Tech talent Strong math & engineering education created a talent pool that competes with the top tech hubs. Add in the outsourcing boom — which trained entire generations in global standards — and you get teams that can build world-class products at speed. 5. Tight ecosystem In small countries, everyone knows each other. Need to meet an investor, regulator, or founder? You’re usually one intro away. Bureaucracy might be slow, but relationships move fast. 6. English speaking Many of us take this for granted. But after living in Spain and traveling in Italy, I realized it’s not the same everywhere. In Eastern Europe, English is a real advantage. 7. Cost efficiency We know how to stretch every euro. Lower living costs mean founders can test ideas longer, hire strong teams earlier, and extend runway in ways impossible in Silicon Valley or London. 8. Resilience We grew up with uncertainty — political shifts, inflation, crises. We’re not shocked when the world shakes. We adapt, cut, rebuild. That resilience is priceless. I’m sure I’ve missed a few. What other competitive advantages do you see for founders coming from this region?

🚀 Europe’s Unicorn Factory Is Back in Business After the summer lull, Europe’s funding season is heating up again and the first half of 2025 has already delivered 12 new unicorns. From AI and biotech to defense tech, quantum computing, and renewables, investors are clearly betting on transformative technologies. Some highlights: IQM (Finland): quantum computing, $300M Series B Framer (Netherlands): no-code design, $2B valuation Lovable (Sweden): AI coding, $1.8B valuation just 8 months after launch Isomorphic Labs (UK): AI drug discovery, $600M round Neko Health (Sweden): preventative health scans, $260M Series B at $1.8B Quantum Systems, Tekever, Isar Aerospace: defense + space tech unicorns Mubi (UK): film streaming, $1B valuation The trend is clear, Europe is moving beyond consumer apps and fintech, doubling down on deep tech, dual-use defense, and AI-first platforms. If this momentum holds, 2025 could rival 2021’s unicorn boom but this time with a sharper focus on hard science and strategic industries.

Europe’s ability to remain competitive will depend on how effectively it advances critical technologies ranging from automation and programming to AI, connectivity, clean energy, and biosciences, since these domains are shaping future growth and resilience. When I reflect on this scenario, I see a continent with enormous potential but also a delicate balance to maintain. Ten areas of innovation are emerging as decisive: robotics and automation, programming environments powered by smarter algorithms, 5G and IoT connectivity, secure data frameworks, distributed infrastructure, biotechnologies, quantum and neuromorphic computing, advanced materials, applied AI, and clean technologies. Each of them is reshaping the way industries create value, how societies respond to global challenges, and how sustainable progress can be achieved. What strikes me most is the intersection of these technologies. Applied AI relies on connectivity and trust architecture to generate impact. Cleantech leverages new materials and distributed infrastructure to scale effectively. The Bio Revolution opens new horizons for health, agriculture, and environmental resilience. Progress in one field strengthens progress in others, and this dynamic interrelation is becoming the real driver of transformation. For leaders and decision makers, the question is how to embrace these advances with strategic clarity and responsible governance. Europe’s competitiveness in the coming years will depend on vision, collaboration, and the courage to invest where it matters most. #DigitalTransformation #AI #Cleantech #Innovation #FutureOfWork