Shaping policy, empowering innovation
Championing Innovation, Supporting Entrepreneurs
At Allied For Startups, our mission is to empower innovation and support the growth of startups. We advocate for policies that promote competition and enable entrepreneurial success, and work with innovation ecosystems around the world to build an environment where startups can thrive, scale, and make a real impact.
Turning Ideas
Into Impact
Through advocacy, research, and collaboration, we work to create the right conditions for startups to scale and succeed, both in Europe and across borders.
Policy advocacy
We bridge the gap between governments, entrepreneurs, and the broader innovation ecosystem. By actively engaging with policymakers, we advocate for policies that foster startup growth and remove barriers to innovation.
Collaboration and community
We unite startup associations, entrepreneurs, and key ecosystem stakeholders to align priorities, exchange knowledge, and amplify our collective impact.
Research
Through collecting testimonials and creating data-driven analysis, we identify the biggest challenges founders face, to drive meaningful policymaking leveraging a bottom-up approach.
Raising awareness
We ensure that the role of startups in economic and societal progress is recognised, valued, and reflected in decision-making.
The Story of Our Founders
Where it all started
Our story began in 2013, when our founder – Melissa Blaustein – was working abroad in Paris. There, she met Marie Ekeland, Simon Schaefer, Michael McGeary, and Gianmarco Carnovale after they had all attended a first-of-its-kind start-up policy event in London. What started as a simple conversation around their shared vision of supporting founders, quickly grew into a global network of innovators dedicated to ensuring that the voice of startups was heard in government.
Turning vision into reality
With the help of the strong founding “Continental Council”, many of whom are still with us today, this group set out to create a space where startup associations could collaborate and drive cross-border innovation. Just like that, Allied For Startups was born.
A decade of impact and growth
Over the past decade, we’ve impacted leaders, teams, officials, founders, and established companies, growing from 14 to more than 40 members. After ten years, Melissa Blaustein stepped down, but our journey still continues – and we are just getting started.
Creating a Lasting Impact
Through our Shared Values
Our commitment to innovation, empowerment, inclusion, and collaboration drives the startup ecosystem forward, creating a lasting impact.
Innovation
Innovation is at the heart of everything we do, as we advocate for policies that unlock opportunities for entrepreneurs and innovation to shape a better tomorrow.
Empowerment
We believe in creating an inclusive ecosystem where all voices are heard. By uniting, representing and amplifying perspectives from different areas, people and organisations we empower businesses to thrive and create lasting impact at local and global scales.
Collaboration
We also believe that we’re stronger together – aside from building a community, we foster meaningful connections between startups, policymakers, investors, universities, corporations, and other types of stakeholders.
Inclusion
We advocate for a regulatory environment where all startups and all entrepreneurs – regardless of size, background, gender or resources – have the opportunity to thrive.
Meet the People Behind Our Mission
Allied For Startups was built by passionate leaders who believe in the power of startups to drive change. Their vision, experience, and commitment fuel our mission to shape a future where innovation thrives.
Advocating For Policies
That Fuel Innovation and Growth
We are committed to creating a policy environment that empowers startups and scaleups to innovate, grow, and thrive. By championing competitiveness, access to funding, talent-friendly frameworks, and innovation-driven policies, we help entrepreneurs scale and drive economic progress.
Advocating for a simplified, scalable, and globally connected ecosystem where startups can innovate, grow, and expand across borders.
Ensuring startups have access to the funding, investment tools, and support they need to turn bold ideas into transformative solutions.
Building a skilled, mobile, and diverse workforce through smarter education, cross-border mobility, and reskilling initiatives.
Fostering a culture of innovation and entrepreneurship that allows startups to continue to push boundaries in AI, cloud computing, and cutting-edge technologies.
Fostering a competitive landscape where startups lead the charge in future-defining sectors.
Our Network,
Our Strength
Our membership is made up of a diverse range of organisations united by a common goal: to empower and support entrepreneurship, streamline the startup journey, and cultivate innovation. Together, we are committed to creating a policy environment where startups can thrive, unlocking opportunities and driving progress across Europe and globally.
Latest from Allied For Startups
Stay up to date with our latest publications and upcoming events – explore how we influence policies that impact startups and scale-ups globally, fostering innovation and driving positive change.
Allied For Startups’ Position on the Digital Fairness Act
Allied For Startups’ Position on the Digital Package and Omnibus
Joint Letter on the 28th Regime: One strong Europe, one framework to scale, one 28th Regime
Startup Innovation
in Action
Join the conversation where policy meets innovation. Allied For Startups brings together entrepreneurs, policymakers, and industry leaders to tackle the biggest challenges and opportunities facing startups today.
Stay Informed
Stay Ahead
Discover how we change the game. Our news and publications offer an inside look at the policy work driving innovation and change in the startup ecosystem.