In a triumphant display of resilience, business software defied economic odds, revealing a remarkable 7.4% year-on-year investment surge throughout 2022. This surge stands in stark contrast to the broader technology sector's downturn. Notably, the European tech landscape suffered a nearly 19% decline over the same period.
Amid these findings emerges a portrait of the European business software ecosystem, meticulously painted by Notion Capital. This venture capital firm's comprehensive analysis charts an exhilarating narrative of startups and scale-ups within the business software domain. These actors, embracing technologies as diverse as artificial intelligence, quantum computing, and blockchain, have coalesced into an industry that radiates dynamism.
Notably, this sector's collective value, bolstered by the prowess of its innovators, escalated from $712 billion in 2021 to an awe-inspiring $1.2 trillion in 2022. The narrative extends beyond mere numbers, encapsulating the transformation of business software from its foundational B2BSaaS origins into a universe of multifaceted applications across industries.
In this, the significance of business software within the European tech landscape becomes undeniable. Accounting for 30% of the total market value in 2022, these entities command an impressive $1.1 trillion out of the overarching tech sector value of $3.7 trillion. A sharp ascent from their 18% share just the year prior. The juxtaposition against the American scene is intriguing. While European business software startup valuations soared from $712 billion to $1.2 trillion, US counterparts experienced a 12% drop from $4.2 trillion to $3.7 trillion in 2022 before reclaiming lost ground in 2023.
Digging deeper into this narrative, the study underscores the stability of employment levels within European business software companies, holding steady at 2.8 million individuals from 2022 to 2023. A remarkable feat, especially following a substantial 27% employment surge in 2021.
Furthermore, the tale reveals the magnetic allure of European business software entities for foreign investors. American and Asian investors have amplified their role, contributing to more than 40% of total investments in 2021. US-based investors, in particular, play a pivotal part in later-stage investment deals, igniting the spark for future growth.
As the curtain draws on this captivating analysis, the resilience and potential of European business software stand as a testament to its ability to flourish even amid turbulent times. This resounding success paves the way for a future illuminated by innovation, collaboration, and continued growth.
