An Interview with Jerzy Brodzikowski, General Manager of CIC Warsaw
Recently recognized by the Financial Times and Statista as one of Europe’s Leading Startup Hubs, CIC Warsaw currently supports 175 organizations and companies that are driving innovation while transforming Poland’s capital into a powerhouse of entrepreneurship. With Warsaw now ranked among the top three in the Financial Times’ European Cities & Regions of the Future ranking, the city is rapidly solidifying its place as one of the most dynamic business and technology centers in Europe.
This achievement follows last year’s recognition of CIC Rotterdam in the same ranking, further reinforcing CIC’s mission to foster thriving innovation ecosystems across the continent.
We sat down with Jerzy Brodzikowski, General Manager of CIC Warsaw, to explore what makes this ecosystem thrive and how CIC Warsaw is helping to elevate the city’s global innovation standing.
Q: What’s behind Warsaw’s emergence as an innovation hotspot?
This recognition confirms what we’ve long believed: Warsaw, and Poland more broadly, has become one of the world’s key hubs for entrepreneurship, collaboration, and development. It has everything needed for a world-class startup ecosystem. We have over 3,000 startups in Poland, about half of which operate in Warsaw, government-backed innovation initiatives, and an incredible talent pool from institutions including the University of Warsaw, Warsaw School of Economics, and Warsaw University of Technology.
What I find particularly exciting is that Warsaw isn’t just growing anymore – it’s now making a name for itself on the global stage. Being ranked among the top three cities in the Financial Times’ European Cities & Regions of the Future proves that this city has become a serious player in the global innovation economy. But this didn’t happen by chance. It’s thanks to the collective efforts of policymakers, investors, support organizations such as CIC Warsaw, and, most importantly, entrepreneurs who are building their businesses here.
Q: How does CIC Warsaw support startups beyond providing workspace?
We are, first and foremost, a support engine for innovation—creating opportunities for people to spark new ideas, form connections, and develop solutions that, hopefully, tackle some of the world’s biggest challenges. While our core business is providing flexible workspaces, coworking spaces, and event spaces for entrepreneurs, innovators, non-governmental organizations, and larger corporations, our clients come here for much more than a well-located, beautiful space—they come for the community we have built. When you surround ambitious entrepreneurs with investors, corporate innovators, and industry experts, incredible things happen. Deals are made over coffee. Mentors turn into co-founders. Startups find customers or investors without ever leaving the building.
Our impact speaks for itself. We host around 1,000 events every year, creating a space where entrepreneurs, investors, incubators, accelerators, and thought leaders come together. It’s all about fostering connections and giving people the opportunity to be part of the broader innovation ecosystem. We’ve seen incredible growth within our community—76% of our member companies have expanded since joining us, and one in four organizations has formed valuable partnerships through our network. That’s exactly what CIC is about: enabling collaboration that leads to real impact. A great example of this is our flagship Thursday Gatherings, organized by Venture Café Warsaw. Every two weeks, up to 400 startups, scale-ups, investors, and innovators come together at CIC Warsaw to exchange ideas, find new opportunities, and grow their ventures.
Today, CIC Warsaw is home to 700 professionals and serves as a daily hub for over 1,000 people. With such a vibrant community, we are committed to making innovation more inclusive. That’s why we actively support diversity, offering discounted rates for female entrepreneurs and NGOs. We want to ensure that Warsaw’s innovation scene benefits from a wide range of perspectives and talents.
Q: What’s next for CIC Warsaw?
We’re constantly working to expand our impact—whether by launching new support programs or reaching previously untapped audiences. A key focus is connecting Warsaw’s startups with global opportunities, empowering businesses in the CEE region and fostering their growth.
After all, CIC isn’t just in Warsaw—we have campuses around the world. This global presence allows startups in our community to tap into an international network and scale beyond local markets. Through our Passport Program, clients can seamlessly access any of our campuses, opening doors to new opportunities. Need connections on the East Coast? We can help. Looking to expand into Asia? We have people on the ground. We’re building bridges between Warsaw and the world’s top innovation hubs, making it easier for startups to grow globally while keeping their roots in Poland.
Q: What advice would you give to startups considering Warsaw as their base?
First, don’t build in isolation. The biggest mistake founders make is trying to do everything on their own. Warsaw’s startup ecosystem is one of the most connected in Europe, and tapping into that collective knowledge can accelerate your growth dramatically.
Second, think beyond Poland from day one. Warsaw is an incredible launchpad, but your ambitions should be global. CIC’s international network gives founders a fantastic advantage, providing access to partners, investors, and clients worldwide while staying based in one of Europe’s most exciting cities.
CIC Warsaw’s recognition as one of Europe’s leading startup hubs is more than just an award—it’s a milestone in the city’s rise as a major innovation force. As Warsaw continues climbing global innovation rankings, CIC Warsaw remains at the center of this transformation, creating a dynamic environment where the next generation of groundbreaking companies can thrive.
For entrepreneurs, investors, and partners looking to be part of Europe’s most exciting startup revolution, CIC Warsaw is the place to be.
