Unleashing the Potential for Startup Malta

EU-Startups Summit Draws 2,000 Participants to Malta, Showcasing Island's Vibrant Startup Ecosystem

The recent EU-Startups Summit held in Malta on May 9-10 brought together an impressive gathering of 2,000 attendees, including startup enthusiasts, venture capitalists, investors, and service providers. Malta served as an ideal venue for the event, mirroring the characteristics of startups itself: compact yet brimming with talent, and boasting remarkable economic growth rates.

The prevailing trend at the summit underscored the dominance of artificial intelligence and technology, with these industries taking center stage. It's widely acknowledged that AI is poised to revolutionize sectors such as manufacturing, healthcare, and customer support. However, Werner Vogels, the CTO and VP of Amazon, emphasized during his address at the summit that startups with the greatest potential are those addressing future challenges such as population growth, healthcare, food scarcity, and climate change—essentially focusing on sustainability. Indeed, sustainability has become a top priority for stakeholders across the board, demanding that businesses take proactive measures in environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) domains.

For startups seeking to attract investment, be it for brand building, technology development, or scaling operations, showcasing readiness for investment is crucial. Beyond product innovation, vision, and strategic roadmap, investors increasingly evaluate factors like company valuation and due diligence. KPMG in Malta, with its extensive team of over 400 professionals locally and access to a global network of member firms, offers comprehensive support to startups and investors alike. From deal advisory to digital transformation, valuation, IPO readiness, legal and financial due diligence, and stock options issuance, KPMG provides end-to-end services tailored to the needs of startups.

Malta's appeal as an EU jurisdiction for company formation is underscored by its rapid development, robust economic growth, and unique tax environment, resulting in an attractive effective tax rate. Leveraging its expertise, KPMG in Malta has facilitated the establishment of numerous companies in a matter of weeks. Moreover, Malta offers an enticing option for third-country nationals seeking to reside in the country while working abroad, through the Nomad Residence Permit, facilitating seamless travel and residence for eligible individuals.