Cumulative number of founding roles across the Skype ecosystem, 2004 to 2023YTD 1st Generation (Post-Skype) 1000 Next Generations 800 s e l o r g n i 600 d n u o f f o # e v i 400 t a l u m u C 200 0 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 11 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 Sources: Powered by Notes: Data is as of 20 September 2023. The outsized impact of Skype The initial experience at Skype acted as a launchpad for diverse entrepreneurial ventures. The visual be- low illustrates a fascinating network of innovation and entrepreneurship stemming from a single origin point, Skype. What this represents is the powerful impact that a successful and in昀氀uential company can have on its ecosystem. The individuals who have branched out from Skype, the “next-generation founders”, are leveraging their expertise to shape the future of their respective industries. The various companies emerging from Skype demonstrate the diversity in expertise and talent represented. The visualisation represents that innovation doesn’t stop with one successful company. It has a ripple effect and continues to boost the European tech 昀氀ywheel well after it’s 昀椀rst established. | 180