—Aron Gebe, MS in Finance 2021, Intern at CEU InnovationsLab—
2020 was one of the most memorable years in history. The worldwide waves of quarantines not only disrupted the lives of many but also had a significant impact on the economy. While the full effect of the coronavirus on the global economy is yet to be known, one thing is certain: the global supply chain was disrupted in an unparalleled way.
Yet, what disrupted the operating models of large corporations and national education systems has only accelerated the trends and shifts in the startup industry, which - in some cases - had already appeared before the pandemic. From the rapid growth in e-commerce to the confident expansion in telehealth and remote working, everything revolves around consumer convenience and virtual solutions. What’s more is that sustainability will continue to play an integral part of any business, growing to be a global standard.
At the same time, all eyes are on the startups now: the industry is often equated with creative and innovative solutions from new perspectives. That is exactly what we need in the midst of the pandemic. So without further ado, here are 6 trends that will shape the startup industry in 2021.