Europe’s tech landscape is constantly evolving, and so too are the voices that drive the industry forward. However, some figures remain present year after year.
The eighth edition of the Tyto Tech 500 shines a light on the most influential leaders shaping conversations and driving decisions across Europe’s technology industry.
In addition to revealing the who’s who of Europe’s tech elite, the report highlights the shifting trends and dynamics of the industry and who is influencing change across the technology sector.
Based on in-depth analysis and multiple data points, the Tyto Tech 500 is an invaluable ally for communications teams, organisations, or individuals seeking to comprehend and conquer the European tech domain in 2025.
This year’s report identifies four key themes:
1. The Rise of the Super Influencer
Social media has transformed how influence is gained and maintained, with a new class of ‘Super Influencers’ emerging and gaining recognition across all forums.
This elite group of powerful figures can impact market moves, shape government policy, and make or break business deals with their actions and opinions.
The Tyto Tech 500 reveals that just 82 individuals have maintained a consistently high level of influence for four years or more. Some of the most prominent individuals include Money Saving Expert, Martin Lewis; French astronaut, Thomas Pesquet; and German academic and YouTube personality, Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim.
These Super Influencers have mastered the art of connecting with audiences, using their platforms to engage with the media, online channels, and industry events.
For communications teams, these Super Influencers offer a model of how multi-channel engagement can build authority and drive industry-wide movements.
2. Business Leaders Step into the Spotlight
Business leaders have emerged as the top industry influencers, surpassing journalists as the most prominent voices in Europe.
The Tyto Tech 500 reveals a 26% increase in influential business leaders, who are harnessing the power of online platforms like LinkedIn to reach audiences and now make up 47% of the tech power list. What’s more, our data shows a 443% rise in bloggers, with many also publishing newsletters with large numbers of subscribers.
In contrast, the number of journalists featured has fallen by 29%, accounting for just 28% of the pan-European ranking.
This trend highlights the growing importance of personal branding for industry leaders. Today, business leaders are not only leading companies but are also becoming influential voices on industry trends, innovation, and policy.
For PR and marketing teams, there’s a valuable opportunity to help amplify business leaders’ voices, building credibility and trust with audiences across the region.
3. Winners and Losers in the Changing Tech Landscape
2024 has been a year of mixed fortunes for different tech sectors.
AI & Data Science (+153%), MarTech (+125%), and Enterprise Tech (+63%) have seen significant gains in influence, driven by rapid digital transformation and a focus on innovation.
On the other hand, sectors like SpaceTech (-56%), BioTech (-53%), and RetailTech (-44%) have struggled, largely due to regulatory hurdles and economic pressures that have impacted funding.
For communications teams, there are invaluable insights to be gained and lessons to be learned from understanding why some individuals have managed to cut through the noise as dominant voices on hot topics or stay relevant in a shifting landscape.
4. The Persistent Gender Gap
While the representation of women in Europe’s tech industry has improved in recent years, they are still underrepresented, especially in the higher echelons of the list.
Women make up 27% of the Tyto Tech 500 (the same proportion as last year), but only 16 of the Super Influencers are female. Within the top 100, only one woman – Mai Thi Nguyen-Kim – has consistently ranked in the Tyto Tech 500 since 2021.
The Tyto Tech 500 highlights the industry-wide challenges that limit women’s influence and opportunities, including limited access to funding and leadership roles.
As Europe’s tech sector strives for greater diversity, there’s an urgent need for concrete steps to break down these barriers, ensuring women’s voices are heard at all levels of decision-making.
At Tyto, we’re focused on creating an environment where women and people from all backgrounds can thrive, and our DEI promises guide how we recruit, how we work, and how our business is run. However, we recognise that more effort is required.
From creating opportunities for more women to become company spokespeople to ensuring equal representation at industry events, communications teams can and must take action to promote and support women’s voices in Europe’s tech industry.
A powerful tool for technology communicators
As the first data-driven ranking of its kind, the Tyto Tech 500 is more than a report – it is a powerful tool for understanding who truly carries the influence in Europe’s tech ecosystem.
This year’s report reveals how that influence is shifting across 17 sectors and names the top tech influencers across the UK, Germany, France, and the Netherlands.
Download the Tyto Tech 500 to gain vital insights into the emerging trends that comms teams need to be aware of to stay ahead in 2025 and beyond.
