The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has earned the top spot as the best-performing investor in the Financial Times backed Sifted’s 2024 ranking, recognized for its exceptional support of Europe’s most promising start-ups.
This prestigious recognition places EIT ahead of 49 other leading public and private investors, including venture capitalists (VCs), corporate venture capitalists (CVCs), public funds, banks, angel investors, and accelerators, reflecting the success of the entire EIT Community.
Key EIT-backed start-ups shaping the future of innovation
Among the top-ranked start-ups backed by EIT, Orbem and Klimate have made a significant impact, both securing spots in the top 10. Orbem (#5), winner of EIT Food’s Innovation Prize Competition 2019, is revolutionizing the poultry industry with AI-powered MRI technology. Their innovative in-ovo sexing solution, developed from PhD research at the Technical University of Munich, identifies a chick’s sex before hatching, helping to eliminate the unethical practice of culling male chicks. With the ability to scan up to 24,000 eggs per hour, Orbem offers both cost efficiency and ethical solutions. Recently securing a €30 million Series A round, the company is expanding its reach across Germany, France, and soon Italy, where legislative bans on chick culling have created a strong demand for their technology.
Klimate (#6) is at the forefront of carbon offsetting solutions, based in Denmark. Their platform improves the quality and verification of carbon removal projects, ensuring more effective sustainability investments. Co-founders Mads Emil Dalsgaard and Simon Bager use automation and data verification to optimize carbon offsetting for large enterprises. Klimate’s solution simplifies carbon management for corporations, with plans for expansion into the UK market.
In addition, Anybill (#34), an EIT-supported German fintech startup offering a SaaS solution for digital receipt management, and Neustark (#49), an EIT-supported Swiss-based carbon removal company specializing in CO₂ storage in recycled concrete, were also ranked among the top 50.
EIT’s impact: Supporting thousands of ventures and driving sustainable growth
This recognition highlights the EIT’s outstanding contribution to fostering innovation across Europe. As Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem, the EIT has directly supported over 9,900 ventures, brought more than 2,400 new products to market and trained over 880,000 learners in critical skills. With a leverage ratio of 5.6, the EIT has mobilised nearly €10 billion in external funding, empowering start-ups to tackle global challenges and drive sustainable growth. Its network of over 70 innovation hubs ensures an on-the-ground presence in every EU member state, making innovation accessible and impactful for all.
Explore how the EIT can support your innovation journey—visit our opportunities page to learn more.