The impact of AI on the growth of Polish startups

by Izabela Swistak

The fact that startups – known for their innovative nature – are embracing artificial intelligence is hardly surprising, given that AI algorithms power many everyday technologies. However, can true innovation exist without AI?

Poland is ranked the seventh most startup-friendly nation in the world (CEOWORLD 2024 Rankings), and plays an increasingly important role in tech, so it is worth learning what key players in Poland believe. So can true innovation exist without AI?

Most of the Polish startup community believes true innovation cannot exist without AI, or at the very least, should not.

33% of Polish startups are powered by AI

According to the Polish Startups 2023 report by the Startup Poland Foundation, one-third of Polish startups stated that their product or service was either based on or supported by AI.

Some Polish startups use AI to enhance marketing or sales processes, while others have built their entire offering around artificial intelligence, creating exciting and groundbreaking solutions. By combining AI with the unique expertise of their founders, Polish startups are starting to distinguish themselves from global competitors. The success of Eleven Labs and AI Clearing confirms a significant surge in interest from investors worldwide.

Success of Eleven Labs and AI Clearing

Both companies have secured tens of millions of euros in investments. Eleven Labs specialises in using AI to produce voices in various languages, and accents for dubbing films or recording audiobooks. It reached unicorn status with a valuation exceeding USD 1 billion, and received EUR 72 million in Series B funding.

AI Clearing uses AI to monitor progress and ensure quality control in construction projects such as solar farms, roads, or airports. The startup secured PLN 62 million in Series A funding and attracted the interest of New York-based Prudence Fund. Investors have shown confidence in the company’s solution, which provides automatic and comprehensive analysis of a wide range of data from construction sites.

Harnessing the power of AI across industries

Polish startups are exploring the potential of AI across various industries, using it to facilitate education (CampusAI), improve children’s physiotherapy (Phibox), manage soil yields and fertilisation (Nirby), monitor seismic activity (Atro Tectonic), and combat infertility (MIM Fertility), to name but a few examples. These companies are growing rapidly and garnering attention from investors in Europe and beyond, further demonstrating the increased visibility and economic potential of Polish startups that leverage artificial intelligence.