Europe’s Rising Tech Giants: CNBC’s Breakdown of the Most Promising Firms

Europe’s technological landscape is becoming increasingly prosperous, with more billion-dollar technology startups – colloquially known as “unicorns” – sprouting up than ever before, as investors continuingly turn their attention and resources to the continent’s highest potential tech companies.

In 2014, funding for these very firms in the region stood at an impressive $2.88 billion. However, that figure nearly doubled in just a year, soaring up to $5.65 billion according to a report by technology-focused investment bank GP Bullhound.

During the renowned London Technology Week, an awards ceremony event known as The Europas recognized some of Europe’s most impressive and promising tech companies. Nominees spanned across a total of 25 categories including best e-commerce startup and best entertainment startup, with victors selected by a panel of venture capitalists and journalists.

Here’s a closer look at some of the standout winners.

Best Entertainment Startup – Spotify.

Music streaming titan Spotify bagged this title, recognized for its continued efforts to redefine the music industry. Although Spotify has been in operation for nearly a decade, their popularity has not waned nor their growth stagnated. The Swedish company recently amassed a substantial $526 million in a recent round of funding, rocketing their valuation to over $8 billion. Despite controversies with artists over royalty payouts and intense competition from industry heavyweights such as Apple Music, Jay Z’s Tidal service, and Google, Spotify shows no signs of slowing down.

Best E-Commerce Startup – Deliveroo.

In the world of food delivery, Deliveroo has shown noticeable growth and potential. The London-based startup earned the title of Best E-commerce Startup at The Europas, distinguishing itself from its competitors by offering a service that allows customers to order food from high-quality restaurants and have it delivered right to their doorstep.

Best Mobile Startup – Citymapper.

This U.K.-based urban navigation application, designed to assist people in navigating some of the world’s largest cities, was a standout winner at The Europas, taking home a total of three awards including “best travel startup” and the much-coveted “grand prix” prize.

Best FinTech Startup – Adyen.

Stepping onto the financial technology scene, Dutch company Adyen is the first-ever Netherlands unicorn. Adyen supplies the tech backbone for online, mobile, and in-store payment systems, and has managed to secure a $250 million series of funding, led by General Atlantic, Temasek, and Index Ventures.

Best Cybersecurity Startup – Digital Shadows.

Cybersecurity has become increasingly prominent in recent years and Digital Shadows is at the forefront of this. Aiming to protect businesses from dangerous hack attacks and data loss, Digital Shadows offers what they define as a “cyber threat intelligence company”.

Best Cryptocurrency Startup – Blockchain.

Blockchain, provider of the world’s most prevalent bitcoin wallet, offers secure storage, and enables individuals to carry out transactions using cryptocurrency. Despite the uncertainty and debate surrounding the future of bitcoin, Blockchain managed to secure $30.5 million in funding last year.

Best Games Startup – Space Ape Games.

Projected to rake in a whopping $30 billion from sales in the mobile gaming market this year, Space Ape Games has become a key player in the gaming industry, most notably for their popular title Samurai Seige.

Best Share Economy Startup – Hassle.com.

In the era of on-demand everything, Hassle.com has carved a niche for itself, providing users with the ability to order cleaning services to their door using their smartphone. The term ‘sharing economy’ has gained significant recognition over the years, encapsulating startups that facilitate the rental or borrowing of goods owned by others - straight from a smartphone app.

This article was updated in 2025 to reflect modern realities.