London’s thriving startup ecosystem has earned global recognition again. In the newly released Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025 by StartupBlink, London has climbed an impressive 165 spots globally. Nationally, the city has moved up to the 12th position, overtaking Hamilton (13th), Saint John (14th), Winnipeg (15th), and Fredericton (16th).
This jump in ranking reflects massive momentum in London’s tech and innovation ecosystem, driven by ambitious founders, visionary industry leaders, collaborative public-private partnerships, and sustained support from champions like TechAlliance of Southwestern Ontario. The annual Global Startup Ecosystem Index benchmarks over 1,000 cities worldwide, tracking performance across innovation infrastructure, startup activity, and international competitiveness—offering a vital dashboard for measuring industry health and progress.
Recognition on this global index is a testament to the ambition of our startup founders and the strength of our innovation economy. Coupled with London’s position as #4 on CBRE’s report on Top Emerging Tech Markets in North America, the StartupBlink index amplifies the region’s acceleration, and its global position, fortifying London, Ontario as one of the best places in Canada to become a unicorn. As the lead voice for the industry, TechAlliance fosters a vibrant tech community, empowering the growth of competitive, world-class ventures that drive economic prosperity here in Southwestern Ontario, while also shaping and fueling Canada’s innovation economy.
In 2024, Canada attracted $8.8 billion USD in funding and was home to 22 unicorn companies. While the nation experienced a slight dip—falling from 4th to 5th place in the global rankings—the Global Startup Ecosystem Index points to strong fundamentals and an optimistic future, especially as efforts shift toward producing startups with greater international competitiveness. That growth starts at the regional level.
Doubling down on investor, founder and industry engagement, with a mandate to accelerate the growth of tech companies in Southwestern Ontario, TechAlliance supports entrepreneurs and their companies with strategic advisory, investment-readiness, storytelling, and advocacy. This approach not only builds a highly competitive local economy but also positions the greater London area as a key Canadian contributor on the global innovation map.