Sifted – Rising 100

The introduction to Sifted - Rising 100 highlights the challenges faced by startups in 2023. Funding has decreased significantly and expenses are rising, forcing startups to make difficult decisions such as cutting staff and putting expansion plans on hold. Exits are rare, with many CEOs waiting for an IPO opportunity. Investors have become more cautious and are now interested in businesses that can generate profits. The B2B software as a service (SaaS) industry is dominating the list of rising startups, with the majority valued at over $100 million. This list provides a realistic view of software startups that are resilient and promising in a tough economy. The companies on the list have collectively received €8.49 billion in funding and are all under seven years old. The top spot is occupied by a company providing tools for the chief financial officer, reflecting the importance of financial management for startup survival. Additionally, several startups have capitalized on the investor frenzy surrounding generative AI, while the crypto industry has seen a downturn, with only one crypto startup on the list.