5 Most Liveable Cities for Tech Founders and Talent
Every year, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU) releases its Global Liveability Index—ranking 173 cities across metrics like stability, healthcare, infrastructure, and education. But in 2025, the question for global entrepreneurs isn’t just where life is good. It’s where business can scale globally.
As talent becomes borderless and capital flows cross continents faster than ever, startup founders are no longer choosing cities just for lifestyle—they’re selecting launchpads. Below, we break down the top 5 liveable cities of 2025 and, more importantly, what they mean for tech leaders building the future.
5- 🇨🇦 Vancouver — North America’s Lifestyle-Driven Tech Powerhouse
Vancouver rounds out the top 10 globally in the EIU ranking—and it’s the only North American city on the list. Often overlooked in favor of Silicon Valley or Toronto, Vancouver is quietly becoming a cleantech and biotech supercluster.
In 2024, Vancouver startups attracted over $1.8B CAD in VC funding, with cleantech accounting for nearly 40%. Initiatives like Canada’s Net Zero Accelerator and programs from the British Columbia Innovation Council are drawing founders who want to build for impact.
Add to that a world-class quality of life, fast-track immigration for talent, and proximity to both the U.S. and Asia—and Vancouver becomes a seriously compelling base for any founder going global.
4- 🇦🇺 Melbourne — Australia’s Cultural Capital Is Building Global Tech
Melbourne ranks 4th globally, with particular strengths in education and healthcare. But the real story is how it’s grown into Australia’s most founder-friendly tech hub.
The Victorian government offers co-investment funds and R&D rebates up to 45% for early-stage startups. The city is home to Muru-D, Stone & Chalk, and LaunchVic—programs that collectively back hundreds of startups annually.
In 2024, Melbourne-based startups raised over $2.1B AUD, with surges in healthtech, edtech, and AI. Its multicultural talent pool (nearly 40% of residents are foreign-born) and quality infrastructure make it an ideal city to build both MVPs and global operations.
3- 🇳🇿 Auckland — The Quiet Gateway to Asia-Pacific
At #7 in the global livability ranking, Auckland might seem like a lifestyle pick—but look closer, and it reveals strategic value.
New Zealand’s government has doubled down on tech in the past five years, introducing innovation visas, R&D tax credits, and grants for cleantech and gaming ventures. Auckland startups raised over $300M NZD in 2024, much of it in creative and sustainable technologies.
Its time zone bridges the Americas and Asia, and its workforce—drawn from Māori, European, and pan-Asian communities—is as global as it gets. If you’re looking for a headquarters in the Pacific with growth grants and quality of life, Auckland deserves more attention than it gets.
2- 🇨🇭 Zurich — Swiss Stability Meets Deep Tech Precision
Zurich ties with Vienna in second place, with a livability score of 97.1. But its appeal for tech founders lies in its consistency: high trust markets, deep capital reserves, and global connectivity.
Backed by ETH Zurich—one of Europe’s most prestigious STEM universities—the city has become a deep tech and fintech magnet. Over CHF 3.2 billion (approx. €3.3B) were invested in Swiss tech startups in 2024 alone, much of it centered in Zurich. It’s also a leader in smart city innovation, ranked #2 globally by IMD.
For founders building in fintech, robotics, or precision engineering, Zurich offers both intellectual firepower and regulatory clarity—a rare combo.
1 – 🇩🇰 Copenhagen — Where Climate Goals Meet Startup Acceleration
Copenhagen takes the crown this year with an overall EIU score of 98/100. But beyond its clean streets and efficient metros, it’s becoming one of Europe’s most agile tech environments.
The city has experienced a tech ecosystem growth rate of 8% year-on-year, outpacing the European average. StartupBlink now ranks it among the top 20 startup ecosystems globally. What’s driving it? Strong public-private partnerships, deep incentives for green innovation, and hubs like Symbion and DTU Science Park, where over 700 startups are building everything from climate AI to next-gen urban mobility. For founders in sustainability, logistics, or AI, Copenhagen isn’t just liveable—it’s investable.
🇪🇸 [BONUS] Barcelona — The Tech Capital of Southern Europe
While not in the top 10 of the EIU’s 2025 Liveability Index, Barcelona punches far above its weight when it comes to startup potential and international founder magnetism.
With over 2,200 tech startups, the city boasts the 5th largest startup ecosystem in Europe, according to EU-Startups and Dealroom. It’s also home to Mobile World Congress (MWC) and 4YFN, two of the most influential tech events globally, which annually attract over 100,000+ attendees, including VCs, corporates, and governments.
The Catalan capital is leading in verticals like proptech, travel tech, healthtech, and increasingly AI, thanks to institutions like the Barcelona Supercomputing Center and the recent influx of AI-focused investment from both Spanish and international funds.
Government support is another key asset: initiatives like Barcelona Activa, Accio, and Club GLOBALS are helping to formalize and accelerate growth. Combined with competitive costs (Barcelona is 30–40% cheaper than major Western European capitals) and a global talent pool (over 30% of tech workers are international), the city has positioned itself as Southern Europe’s launchpad for global tech expansion.
And yes—the quality of life still counts. From beachside coworking to vibrant cultural life and year-round connectivity, Barcelona remains one of the most livable cities for founders who want to scale without sacrificing lifestyle.
🌐 Why This Matters Now
Tech founders in 2025 are no longer tied to geography. They’re choosing cities that offer the right mix of capital, talent, policy, and personal well-being. What these five cities have in common isn’t just parks or clean air—it’s that they offer a launchpad for international scale.
Choosing the right base can mean faster hiring, better investor alignment, easier market access—and less burnout. The difference between thriving and treading water often comes down to where you build, not just what you build.
🚀 At Club GLOBALS, We Connect You to The World
Through our GLOBALS On Tour, Xcellerator, and GLOBALS Tech Festival (GSTF), we actively help founders explore and expand into these and other high-growth ecosystems.
Want boots on the ground in Copenhagen, Melbourne or Zurich?
Let’s make it happen.
