Azerbaijan’s startup ecosystem now comprises 161 companies and has grown more than 7% over the past year, according to Vusal Gasimli, executive director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication.
Vusal Gasimli said the overall value of Azerbaijan’s startup ecosystem is now approaching $600 million. Despite this growth, the country ranks 81st in the global startup ecosystem rankings, which he said points to significant room for faster expansion.
Gasimli made the remarks at the closing event, Demo Day, of the “Startup School 4: Five Continents – 500 Startups” global innovation program, organized by the Enterprise Azerbaijan portal. The portal is run by the center Gasimli heads.
Global startup funding hits record levels
Gasimli noted that the global startup sector is also expanding rapidly. He said funding raised by startups worldwide in the first half of 2026 topped $500 billion, already surpassing the full-year total for 2025.
Last year’s global figure exceeded $400 billion. Global startup funding rose 17% in 2025 compared with 2024, and that pace of growth is expected to continue, he said.
