Startup Genome
Startup Genome is the world's leading innovation policy research and advisory firm. They have advised on the ecosystem development strategy and action plans of more than 150 government and agency clients across six continents in over 55 countries to date.
Goals and Challenges
Startup Genome publishes the global benchmark report on startup ecosystems, covering data from more than 300 cities. Their site had to reflect that authority and make a dense body of research, rankings and data accessible to founders, investors and governments.
The main challenge was content density. The site mixes global rankings, downloadable reports, ecosystem profiles and advisory services. Without clear hierarchy, users don't reach the content they came for.
Design Strategy
We worked on site architecture, navigation patterns and the visual system. The design had to project analytical rigour without feeling academic. That's not a trivial tension when the client's core product is research credibility.
The resulting design system balances information density with readability. The annual report sits at the centre of the visual hierarchy, and different user profiles (ecosystems, investors, governments) find their entry point without the site splitting into disconnected sections.
