As we celebrate International Art Day, an occasion dedicated to honouring the immense diversity and richness of global art forms, it’s an opportune moment to spotlight the intersection of art and technology.
The European startup ecosystem, known for its vibrant creativity and innovative prowess, is playing a pivotal role in this convergence. From leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance graphic design to creating immersive storytelling platforms, these startups are reshaping the way we create, share, and interact with art.
On that note, we have curated a list of 10 promising startups, founded between 2020 and the present, that exemplify the innovative spirit of the European art and technology sector. These companies are not only enhancing the artistic experience for creators and audiences alike but are also leading the charge towards a more inclusive and accessible digital art world.
Artelize: Copenhagen-based Artelize, is a platform aimed to democratise access to and enhance participation in the performing arts, covering Opera and Classical music, Ballet & Dance, Musical, Spoken theatre, and Jazz. Founded in 2021, they have raised over €900K to bridge the gap in online visibility for artists and audiences alike, improving discoverability and engagement.
eShot Labs: Paris-based eShot Labs, allows users to generate NFTs directly from live or imported content, providing a framework for creating, auctioning, and monetising limited edition NFTs. Founded in 2022 and having raised over €3.5 million their white-label solution helps clients generate new revenue streams, enhance community engagement, and maintain total control over their NFTs.
Fx(hash): Lyon-based fx(hash) aims to transform how digital artists make a living by leveraging blockchain and NFTs to create the world’s leading generative art hub. Founded in 2021 and having raised over €4.6 million fx(hash) has created a thriving ecosystem for artists, collectors, and curators to explore, create, and share digital art, simplifying the process of buying, selling, and collecting generative art.
IONNYK: Based in Belgium, IONNYK aims to revolutionise the way we experience photographic art by introducing connected art frames that mimic the look of photographic paper. Founded in 2020, they have raised over €900K uncovering the magic of wireless e-paper technology through the lens of timeless and high-quality art, enhancing the aesthetic and emotional impact of digital photography.
LaCollection.io: Certified by the world’s leading museums this Parisian startup offers a unique platform for art lovers to explore and engage with digital art. Through curated exhibitions, workshops, and community engagement, the platform nurtures a new wave of collectors at the intersection of art and digital technology. Founded in 2021, they have raised over €360K to foster this community.
Pianity: Paris-based Pianity is a music NFT platform that revolutionizes how listeners engage with music and artists, creating authentic communities around music creation and appreciation. It offers a new way to experience and discover music across various genres for free. Founded in 2021 they have raised over €5.5 million pioneering a new era of music appreciation and art collection.
Quest Portal: Based in Reykjavík, Quest Portal is a virtual tabletop (VTT) designed for playing tabletop role-playing games (TTRPGs) on both desktop and mobile devices. Its mission is to increase creativity, empathy, and collaboration worldwide by making TTRPGs more accessible and social. Founded in 2021, it has secured over €6.4 million in funding so far.
Recraft: London-based Recraft is one of the first generative AI design tools that enable users to generate and edit vector art, icons, 3D images, and illustrations within a brand’s style controls, including the colour palette, geometry of icons, and style of lines. Founded in 2022, it has secured over €11 million, enabling designers to create branded assets without solely relying on text prompts.
Showcase: Based in Paris, Showcase provides tools enabling creators and curators to create personalised book showcases, featuring higher sales commissions and full audience ownership. It promotes a wide range of books in collaboration with top publishers, aiming to distribute more books widely. Founded in 2023, it has raised €150K to leverage data and AI to revolutionize the publishing industry.
Trax: Based in London, Trax is a web3 social marketplace for music, built on the Internet Computer. It serves as a digital haven for artists, offering a content aggregator and social marketplace. Founded in 2022, they have raised over €2.6 million to assist artists in creating a vibrant community of superfans.
These startups remind us of the boundless potential of combining art with technology. Their innovations not only pave the way for new forms of expression and engagement but also ensure that art remains a vital, evolving, and accessible part of our lives, increasing creativity and empathy worldwide.
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