Healf leads Sifted’s 250 fastest-growing European startups

Sifted’s latest ranking of Europe’s 250 fastest-growing startups places Dublin-based wellness marketplace Healf at the top, measured by headcount expansion rather than revenue or funding. The list, published this week, moves away from traditional growth benchmarks as European startups face a funding slowdown.

Healf, which connects users with wellness practitioners, did not disclose revenue figures but confirmed rapid hiring as the basis for its position. The ranking follows a 63% drop in European startup funding in August, per StartupReader’s earlier coverage, though ten companies still secured rounds exceeding €10 million that month. Sifted’s methodology prioritizes headcount growth over financial performance, a choice that fits with recent discussions at the Sifted Summit, where startups explored digital funding alternatives to venture capital.

This change in how growth is measured raises questions about what matters most in a downturn. While Healf’s rise points to healthtech’s strength, it also shows the difference between growing teams and building sustainable revenue. StartupReader’s September coverage noted Dublin’s growing role as a tech hub, and Healf’s ranking might reflect the city’s increasing importance in sectors that don’t depend as much on traditional funding. It’s still unclear whether headcount-based rankings will last if funding stays tight.

Sources: sifted.eu