In the last decade, the term startup has become synonymous with innovation, dynamism, and business with global ambitions. But what does a startup company actually represent? Does it always have to be connected to the IT industry?

A startup is not just a company – it is a way of thinking.

The startup company is a young and agile business aimed at developing a unique product or service, often in conditions of high uncertainty. It is not just a small company – it is a company that seeks to solve an existing problem in a new, innovative way, with the potential to grow quickly and impact the broader market. Startups often begin with minimal resources but with a strong vision and a desire for change.

The IT industry – a common, but not the only stage for startups.

Although many successful startup stories come from the IT sector (like Facebook, Airbnb, or Uber), the term startup is not reserved solely for technology. Today, there are startups in the fields of biotechnology, sustainable fashion, agritech, education, medicine, food and drinks, and even art.

Examples of startup companies outside the IT industry:

1. Impossible Foods (SAD) – an agritech startup
   Impossible Foods created plant-based alternatives to meat that look, smell, and taste like real meat, but are sustainable and environmentally friendly. Aiming to reduce animal meat and its impact on the environment, this company is becoming a global leader in agritech innovations. Although it is not a technology in the traditional sense, their innovative approach and use of science to develop products have put this company on the map of successful startups.
2. Allbirds (USA/New Zealand) – a sustainable fashion startup
   Allbirds creates eco-friendly shoes and clothing using natural materials such as Merino wool and sugarcane. Their mission is to create fashion products that not only look good but also reduce the impact on the planet. This startup is an example of how fashion can be innovative and eco-conscious.
3. Sweetgreen (USA) – a startup for healthy eating
   Sweetgreen is a startup that promotes healthy eating through its salad restaurants. The company uses local and organic ingredients and revolutionizes the way people think about healthy food. Their innovative business model in the hospitality industry allows them to grow and become a leader in the fast-healthy food industry.
4. Biolive (Greece) – startup for organic products
   Biolive is a startup that focuses on the production of organic and natural cosmetic products made from olive oil. By using traditional Greek methods and local resources, the company combines tradition with innovation to produce premium cosmetics that meet modern health and environmental responsibility needs.