By Emmanuel Asiamah
Poland and the Baltic countries have solidified their positions as technology leaders in Central and Eastern Europe, with a combined market value of $117 billion, according to the latest Digital Champions CEE 2025 report.
Poland and Baltic Countries Lead CEE Tech Boom with $117 Billion Market Value
The technology sector in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has reached a remarkable milestone, with the region’s 100 largest tech firms now boasting a combined market capitalisation of nearly $117 billion, according to the newly released Digital Champions CEE 2025 report from the Digital Poland Foundation.
The study reveals that Poland, along with the Baltic nations, is at the forefront of this technological rise, underlining their emergence as dominant forces within Europe’s fast-growing digital economy.
Poland Tops Rankings with $43 Billion Tech Market
Poland, recognised as the largest economy in CEE, leads the regional rankings with an impressive 39 companies contributing a collective market value exceeding $43 billion. The report highlights Polish giants such as delivery platform InPost and e-commerce leader Allegro among the region’s top-performing firms.
Estonia follows closely, punching well above its weight with 13 companies valued at $21.7 billion — nearly double the combined value of Czech firms, despite both nations having the same number of tech champions on the list. The Czech Republic ranks third with 13 companies worth $12.2 billion collectively.
Baltic Countries Outperform Their Size
The Baltic states — Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia — continue to demonstrate exceptional performance relative to their size. With a combined 23 companies, the Baltic nations account for over 30% of the total market capitalisation of the region’s top tech firms, despite representing just 4% of the CEE population.
Estonian fintech company Wise stands out as a regional leader, further cementing Estonia’s status as a technological powerhouse.
Investment Driving Growth Despite Challenges
Rozalia Urbanek, Director of Investment at PFR Ventures, attributes much of the sector’s success to robust domestic equity funds and private investment. She points to success stories such as InPost, Booksy, and ICEYE — the latter co-founded by Polish entrepreneur Rafał Modrzewski, with significant operations in Poland — as prime examples of how local investment is fuelling innovation.
The CEE technology sector now represents over 8% of Europe’s digital economy, with growth rates two to three times higher than those seen in Western Europe over the past decade.
Barriers Remain but Optimism Prevails
However, not all is smooth sailing for the region’s tech sector. Filip Kaczmarzyk of XTB highlights the persistent challenge of limited capital access for companies seeking to expand internationally. Meanwhile, Allegro’s Marcin KuÅ›mierz has raised concerns over complex EU regulations and competition from outside Europe, which, he argues, place European firms at a disadvantage.
Despite these hurdles, investor sentiment remains positive. In 2024, CEE technology companies attracted €3.89 billion in investment, with Poland securing €592.1 million, placing it second only to Turkey.
A recent survey by The Recursive indicates that 62% of venture capitalists operating in the region expect an improved investment climate in 2025, with particular interest in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and deep tech.
CEE Poised for Continued Digital Growth
As Poland and the Baltic countries solidify their positions as tech champions, the broader CEE region appears well-positioned to further enhance its standing in the global digital economy. With strong investment momentum and a growing reputation for innovation, the future of Central and Eastern Europe’s technology sector looks increasingly bright.