The Connect2Scale project, aimed at enhancing startup investment and collaboration, has kicked off with a lot of energy, excitement, and enthusiasm across European capitals. Recent events in Estonia, Finland, Slovenia, Lithuania, and Latvia marked the project’s inauguration, gathering key stakeholders to strategize and discuss the future of startup ecosystems in the region.
The Connect2Scale project has made a resounding debut across European capitals, gathering momentum and enthusiasm for fostering startup growth and collaboration. Inaugural events have showcased the project’s potential to drive innovation and investment in the region’s burgeoning startup ecosystems. With a commitment to knowledge sharing and cross-border connectivity, Connect2Scale sets the stage for a vibrant future of entrepreneurship in Europe.
The events represented the official announcement of the project activities, starting with Angel Academy in March 2024: https://connect2scale.eu/events/
Estonia: EstBAN @ Fireside Chat
Tallin, 18 January 2024
The Estonian Startup Ecosystem Annual Fireside Chat, which is the most awaited startup and investor related event, provided the stage for the initiation of Connect2Scale. With over 150 attendees, including investors, founders, and policymakers, the event set a vibrant tone for the project’s inception. EstBAN Managing Director Anu Oks outlined the initiative’s objectives, paving the way for insightful discussions and predictions regarding the startup and investment landscape for 2023 and beyond.
Following Fireside Chat five Estonian startup and investor community leaders offered an insightful panel discussion about startup and investment climate in 2023 and presented expectations for 2024. The discussion was followed by a lively networking session. »The event in general was a huge success as there were so many participants, people are really engaged and enthusiastic about the whole area of news shared, topics discussed and projects to wait for« stated Ms. Oks.
Finland: FiBAN Special Event
Helsinki, 23 January 2024
FiBAN commenced the Connect2Scale project with a packed event at Innovestor’s premises in Helsinki centrum. Registration was closed a week before the event due to unexpected amount of participants.
Attendees were treated to engaging fireside chats with FiBAN co-founders, Riku Asikainen and Claes Mikko Nilsen followed by a presentation of brand new Finnish Angel Co-Investment Fund that provides equity investments into early stage businesses alongside with business angel syndicates.
The event concluded with an exciting introduction to Connect2Scale project and forthcoming activities, such as Angel Academy trainings and expeditions to Investment lighthouses. Attendees took advantage of the networking opportunity, since there were angel investors, venture capitalists, startups, media, and other ecosystem players present.
Slovenia: Business angels of Slovenia, Ecosystem Meetup in Ljubljana
Ljubljana, 24 January 2024
In Ljubljana, the event unfolded with a mix of Connect2Scale presentation, networking, motivational speeches, and panel discussions. Entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem stakeholders were inspired by a paralympic athlete and entrepreneur’s motivational speech, underscoring the importance of connectivity, persistence, and motivation in achieving goals.
A panel discussion on cross-border collaboration further emphasized the significance of connecting with the right partners beyond local markets, aligning perfectly with the Connect2Scale project’s objectives. Guests on the panel were different stakeholders: a startup founder with a cross border investment, an experienced investor, representatives from Slovene Enterprise fund and Slovene development and export bank. All guests on the panel and participants agreed on the importance of connecting with right partners and investors beyond local markets. The event with 45 participants concluded in the light of the project’s mission – with more networking and connecting.
Lithuania: LitBAN Gathering in Vilnius
Vilnius, 24 January 2024
LitBAN hosted a vibrant gathering at Rockit Vilnius, featuring presentations on Connect2Scale activities planned that include Lighthouses, Angel training, and Founder’s Club, followed by an engaging panel discussion on Angel investing. Attendees embraced networking opportunities, reinforcing the project’s ethos of collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Latvia: LatBAN Event in Riga
Riga, 31 January 2024
LatBAN’s event in Riga showcased the achievements of 2023, with notable increases in membership and investment activity.
Short networking session was followed by a brief presentation of LatBAN results by Cyril Golub, LatBAN Chairman of the Board.
A diverse panel of ecosystem players featuring speakers from the afresh launched Startup House, Startup Wise Guys, Latvian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, Commercialization Reactor, Latvian Space Industry Association and UniLab. shared insights and predictions for 2024, setting the stage for an exciting pitch session featuring innovative startups from Latvia and beyond.
The event rounded up with an exciting pitch session, followed by a fruitful networking session, echoing the spirit of cooperation central to Connect2Scale.
The kick-off event took place in a nice hotel in the quiet district of Riga with commanding views of the city skyline.
About Connect2Scale
Connect2Scale is a collaborative project initiated by a consortium of six countries to connect and educate investors on scaling up startups. Over a two-year period, the project aims to empower investors with the knowledge and resources needed to drive the growth of startups globally, fostering innovation and contributing to economic development.