F/MS Top Startup Cities

5 min read

Kosice, Slovakia #526 in 2025

Kosice, Slovakia: Startup City (#526)

City Scores

City Total Score

0.343

Overall ranking score

Quality Score

0.04

Ecosystem quality rating

Quantity Score

0.04

Ecosystem size rating

Business Score

0.26

Business environment rating

Score Distribution

Score Comparison

MeanCEO Index Click to scroll to details

60

Startup Ecosystem in Košice 🌟

TL;DR

Košice is currently ranked as the 526th city in the Global F/MS “Best Cities for Startups” Index. As the second-largest city in Slovakia, Košice boasts a burgeoning startup scene, driven by supportive policies, a vibrant community, and blossoming tech opportunities.

Startup-Friendly Stuff 📈

1. Ease of Company Registration

  • Business Registration: Streamlined processes make founding a startup straightforward, with online registration options available.
  • Startup Incentives: Local initiatives support tech and innovative startups, easing financial burdens.

2. Employment Law 🏢

  • Labor Regulations: Comprehensive laws ensure employee rights; however, navigating these can be intricate for new ventures.
  • Hiring Foreign Talent: Documented processes are in place, including necessary work permits for overseas hires.

3. Taxation 💰

  • Corporate Tax Rate: The standard corporate tax rate is around 21%, with reductions available for qualifying startups.
  • VAT Regulations: Competitive VAT rates primarily benefit service and tech industries.

4. Quality of Life 🌆

  • Living Standards: High quality with a reasonably low cost of living compared to other EU cities, making it attractive for startups and expatriates.
  • Culture and Leisure: A vibrant cultural scene filled with theaters, museums, parks, and an energetic nightlife.

5. Bureaucracy 🗂️

  • Ease of Navigation: Generally user-friendly; however, some official processes can experience delays.
  • Government Support: A variety of programs are tailored to promote innovation and assist entrepreneurs.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs 🌍

  • Startup Visas & Permits: Options are available to make it easier for foreign entrepreneurs to establish their businesses.
  • Residency Options: Long-term residency options are granted to qualifying individuals, bolstering the international workforce.

Startup Community 🤝

7. Networking Events

  • An array of regular meetups, hackathons, and workshops that foster collaboration and innovation.
  • Annual startup competitions attract local and international participants, spurring venture growth.

8. Subsidies and Funding 💵

  • Strong governmental and EU support for tech startups, providing grants and funding opportunities.
  • Various incubator and accelerator programs available to nurture fledgling enterprises.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

  • Investments: A growing number of VC firms are keen to invest in Košice’s tech startups.
  • Major Firms: Access to both domestic and international investors focused on multiple sectors.

10. Incubators & Accelerators 🚀

  • Diverse programs available that span various industries, offering mentorship, workspace, and financial support.
  • Notable incubators include the Tech Park Košice, designed to facilitate tech innovations.

Technology & Industry Priorities 🔧

  • Focus Areas: Emphasis on IT, software development, AI, and smart city technologies.
  • Government Initiatives: Push towards integrating technology in urban solutions, promoting a future-ready ecosystem.

Business Culture 🏙️

  • Language: Slovak is the primary business language, but English is commonly used in the startup community.
  • Work Environment: Collaborative and supportive, fostering creativity and innovation among teams.

General Pros and Cons ⚖️

Pros:

  • Strong community support and networking opportunities for startups.
  • Affordable living costs relative to major European cities.
  • Increasing government and EU focused initiatives for entrepreneurs.

Cons:

  • A still-nascent VC ecosystem compared to larger European markets.
  • Some bureaucratic processes may be slower than desired.

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs 👩‍💼

  • A growing emphasis on supporting female entrepreneurs through networks, funding opportunities, and dedicated events.
  • Programs focused on women’s entrepreneurship are increasingly supported by local incubators.

Košice offers a promising landscape for startups with its supportive community, thriving entrepreneurial spirit, and abundant resources. 🌍🚀

MeanCEO Index for Košice, Slovakia 🌟

Košice is steadily rising as a thriving startup hub in Slovakia, but how favorable is it for female entrepreneurs? Let’s evaluate the MeanCEO Index score based on ten essential factors that shape this entrepreneurial landscape.

1. Weather ☀️

  • Score: 5/10
    • Košice experiences a continental climate with warm summers but cold winters. While there are sunny days, the overall weather might not be as favorable for year-round outdoor activities compared to milder regions.

2. Location 🏞️

  • Score: 4/10
    • Situated inland, Košice lacks direct access to beaches or sea. While surrounded by beautiful nature, it doesn’t offer the immediate coastal charm that many entrepreneurs might seek.

3. Women Friendly 👩‍💼

  • Score: 7/10
    • With evolving attitudes toward gender equality, Košice is making strides in supporting women. Initiatives aimed at female entrepreneurship are gaining traction, creating a more inclusive environment.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

  • Score: 6/10
    • While generally hospitable, the local culture may take time to adapt for female foreigners. However, the emerging community makes efforts to foster connections.

5. English as a Business Language 📚

  • Score: 7/10
    • English is common in the startup community, especially among younger generations. While it’s not the primary business language, many entrepreneurs can navigate in English.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍴

  • Score: 6/10
    • Slovak cuisine is hearty with an emphasis on meat and potatoes, but it lacks variety and healthy options common in other European countries. Local wines are a plus, adding to the culinary experience.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family 💍

  • Score: 6/10
    • The social scene is friendly but relatively small. While there are attractive individuals, the tight-knit community may present challenges in finding diverse social connections.

8. Medicine 🏥

  • Score: 8/10
    • Access to healthcare is generally good, with timely appointments available in many cases, thanks to the public healthcare system. Costs are also manageable for residents.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

  • Score: 7/10
    • Local public transport is decent, but options may be less frequent compared to larger cities. There is an international airport, making travel accessible, though connectivity can vary.

10. Startup Mindset 💡

  • Score: 8/10
    • Košice encourages innovation and learning from failure, significantly among its startup community. This mindset fosters resilience and creates supportive networks for entrepreneurs.

MeanCEO Index Score: 60/100 🎉

Košice presents a promising but mixed environment for female entrepreneurs. While it boasts supportive initiatives and a burgeoning startup community, challenges such as weather, location, and a still-developing cultural openness need to be addressed. Nonetheless, the supportive networking opportunities and government initiatives make it an intriguing place for women looking to embark on their entrepreneurial journey.

Wishing you success and growth in Košice’s dynamic startup landscape! 🌍🚀