Connect2Scale Investment Lighthouse Expeditions to Slovenia and Estonia were organised this May, both hosting an international delegation of business angels and VCs from Europe.
EXPEDITION TO SLOVENIA
We joined forces with the 4NGELS initiative for an incredible experience that brought together a diverse group of investors from across Europe. This journey, designed to showcase Slovenia’s vibrant startup and venture landscape, proved to be both inspiring and eventful.
Our group comprised 32 investors from Poland, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, Romania, Croatia, and Macedonia. The diversity of the group added a rich dynamic to our exploration of Slovenia’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing varied perspectives and fostering cross-border collaboration.
The journey began with a welcoming dinner in Ljubljana, setting a warm and collaborative tone for the days ahead. Monday was a whirlwind of activity as we delved into the innovative spirit of Technology Park Ljubljana. Here, we visited successful companies such as XLAB, a global leader in IT innovation, and Acies Bio, a notable biotech firm.
A highlight of the day was a visit to the Žalec Beer Fountain, where we treated our guests to a tour and tasting session. Slovenia’s reputation for rich hop cultivation made this an authentic and delightful experience.
Our next destination was Maribor, where we explored the Slovene Enterprise Fund. The day concluded with an investors’ dinner at the prestigious PODIM Conference, providing a platform for further networking and exchange of ideas.
Engaging with PODIM Conference
Tuesday was dedicated to the PODIM Conference, renowned for its exceptional program. Our involvement included a panel discussion on cross-border investing, showcasing the potential for collaborative investment opportunities. The highlight was the pitching session by the top three 4NGELS startups, presenting to an audience of over 50 investors. The excitement is palpable as we await to see which startup will secure a cross-border syndicated investment.
The trip also saw moments of personal celebration, with two birthdays being marked during our visit. These celebrations added a personal touch to our professional journey, fostering a sense of community and camaraderie among the group.
Our journey concluded with a delightful ice cream tasting session before we headed back to Ljubljana, bringing an end to a memorable and enriching experience.
This initiative not only highlighted Slovenia’s thriving startup scene but also reinforced the importance of cross-border collaboration in driving innovation and growth.
See the official aftermovie HERE.
EXPEDITION TO ESTONIA
From May 20th to 22nd, 2024, Tallinn, Estonia, stood as the epicenter of entrepreneurial dynamism, hosting the prestigious EBAN Congress. Revered as one of Europe’s most influential angel investing conferences, this annual event is organized by the European Business Angels Network (EBAN) in collaboration with various European business angel networks. In 2024, the Estonian Business Angel Network (EstBAN) proudly hosted the congress with essential support from the InvestEU portal. Tallinn, often referred to as the Unicorn Factory, provided an ideal backdrop for this gathering of over 500 investors, startup founders, and members of the startup community. The congress, featuring nearly 70 speakers, drawing attendees from 50 countries and showcasing 43 startups vying for international investment.
As part of the Connect2Scale programme, Civitta organized the “Lighthouse Expeditions”, offering deep dives into either the Estonian startup ecosystem (Growing Unicorns) or the country’s rich culture and history (Essence of Estonia).
The “Growing Unicorns” tour treated 50 savvy investors to a day brimming with innovation and insight. Kicking off with a thrilling scooter ride to Bolt Headquarters, co-founder Martin Villig unveiled Bolt’s bold urban agenda. The journey continued to the vibrant Telliskivi Creative Area, home to the VIVITA Creativity Accelerator, where discussions with Estonian luminaries explored the future of entrepreneurship. The tour culminated at Lift99, an epicenter of Estonian startup prowess, where participants immersed themselves in the world of Estonian unicorns. Ragnar Sass delivered a captivating keynote on the strategic value of investing in Ukraine, sparking global conversations.
The “Essence of Estonia” tour offered a captivating exploration of the nation’s heritage and cutting-edge innovations. Participants embarked on a journey steeped in history, beginning with a guided walk through Tallinn’s Old Town, where ancient Estonian culture and natural beauty came to life. The tour continued to the revered Song Festival Grounds, a symbolic site for Estonian traditions and community spirit. At Ülemiste City, attendees witnessed firsthand the world’s most advanced digital society at the e-Estonia Briefing Centre, before engaging with Startup Estonia at the Baltic states’ largest business campus. Concluding with a bus ride back to the starting point, the tour left participants enriched with a deepened appreciation for Estonia’s past, present, and pioneering spirit in the global arena of entrepreneurship and innovation.
As the EBAN Congress drew to a close, participants departed Tallinn with not only newfound insights and connections but also a profound sense of the collaborative spirit that drives entrepreneurial success across the region. See tyhe official aftermovie HERE.
Looking ahead, the Connect2Scale programme promises many more investment Lighthouse Expeditions, exploring and showcasing consortium partners’ ecosystems and others.