RAISE News

Startup Coaching Session: Business Model Actions
Startup Coaching Session: Business Model Actions 723 1024 RAISE fosters startup growth and scale-up within and across Europe

In the forthcoming month of October, we are honoured to host the Startup Coaching Session: Business Model Actions by SERN. This event is a vital component of the EU-funded project RAISE – a platform championing competitive business models, unconventional partnerships, and comprehensive solutions throughout Europe. RAISE aspires to weave a cohesive fabric of an EU-wide startup ecosystem.

Scheduled for the 3rd of October, the Startup Coaching Session: Business Model Actions will assemble selected startup founders and distinguished representatives in an engaging and collaborative atmosphere. This session aims to furnish invaluable insights and pragmatic solutions tailored to amplify startups’ business models. It is equally relevant for individuals seeking to fortify their comprehension of both business model actions and strategic partnership manoeuvres.

The Startup Coaching Session: Business Model Actions is projected to yield profound discussions and foster an exchange of best practices among esteemed invitees. It would be a privilege to extend an invitation for your esteemed presence to grace this event and share your profound insights during the session.

Key Event Details

  • Date: 3rd of October
  • Time: 9:45 to 13:00 CET
  • Venue: Online
  • Price: Free

The coaching session has limited participation, which will be decided further regarding the quality of the answers provided by the company’s representatives. 

Please register here!

Further questions should be requested from the following contacts: giorgio.alessandro@startupregions.eu & mariana.andre@startupregions.eu

Spain Hosts Innovative RAISE Coaching Sessions Empowering Technological Female Entrepreneurship in Rural Environments
Spain Hosts Innovative RAISE Coaching Sessions Empowering Technological Female Entrepreneurship in Rural Environments 1024 696 RAISE fosters startup growth and scale-up within and across Europe

An event organized by Fundecyt-PCTEX, as a part of the EU-funded RAISE project which aims to support startups and foster innovation, “Coaching Sessions on Technological Female Entrepreneurship in Rural Environments” took place on Friday, June 30th, 2023, at the Events Hall of the Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Extremadura.

The coaching sessions were designed for women-led startups in rural environments, individuals interested in rural and female entrepreneurship, and those curious about EU projects and innovation support services.

The event provided valuable insights into the world of women’s technological startups, enhancing their business models and offering a closer look at rural entrepreneurship. The coaching sessions aimed to:

  • Share life experiences of female startup founders.
  • Illuminate the significance of solid business plans for success in rural entrepreneurship.
  • Encourage networking and collaboration among female entrepreneurs in rural areas.

The Programme

The coaching session comprised two parts: introductory talks and presentations, followed by matchmaking sessions with startups, with a breakfast break in between.

Theory and Lessons: In the morning session, representatives from the RAISE project led discussions, offering a comprehensive overview of business partnership actions and addressing challenges faced by participants.

Coaching Sessions: Participants had the opportunity to connect with other startup representatives and experts in a relaxed setting.

Key Takeaways

Participants left the coaching session with:

  • A deeper understanding of rural business model actions and business partnership actions.
  • Practical skills to enhance their startup’s success in rural areas.
  • Insights from peers and interactive networking opportunities.

Meet the Coaches

The event was co-organised with the Association Women Space Extremadura, a non-profit association bringing together women researchers and professionals from various fields. Two notable coaches were:

Ana Galán: Co-founder of The Geco Company and Vice-president of Women Space Extremadura, Ana Galán has over 15 years of experience in digital communications, helping numerous businesses navigate the digital landscape.

Cristina Rivera: Co-founder of Alzabrand and founding partner of Women Space Extremadura, Cristina Rivera specializes in design methodologies, foreign trade, and digital marketing. She has a wealth of experience in enhancing the visibility of products and services.

Coaching Sessions on Technological Female Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas
Coaching Sessions on Technological Female Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas 1024 512 RAISE fosters startup growth and scale-up within and across Europe

Date: Friday, June 30th, 2023

Time: 11:00 – 13:30

Location: Parque Científico y Tecnológico de Extremadura, Events Hall

Organised by: Fundecyt-PCTEX, The RAISE project

(Project number: 101070749, 20222-2024)


The Raise project is an EU-funded project aimed at contributing to the development of a new and sustainable integrated support framework for startups.

In this framework, Fundecyt-PCTEX cooperates with EU networks to execute support programs for startups from different perspectives (networks of regions, researchers, or business angels) and aims to join their programs to strengthen their services. The Coaching Sessions on Technological Female Entrepreneurship in Rural Areas will provide a local vision of female and rural startups and will serve as testing examples of these support experiences.

WHO CAN TAKE PART?

This session is oriented to women-led startups in rural environments, people interested in rural or female entrepreneurship, and people interested in EU projects and support services for innovation.

ABOUT THE EVENT

Participation in this coaching session will provide inspiration to the business model of the women’s technological startups, enhance it, and offer a broader and closer look at entrepreneurship with a focus on the rural world.

The coaching session’s purpose is to provide startup founders and representatives with a comprehensive understanding of women-led business model actions and business partnership actions. In addition, these sessions are expected to:

  • Enable participants to learn from other women startups’ life experiences.
  • Provide a wider vision of start-ups as a crucial asset for success in rural environments, addressing the strengths and difficulties they may encounter in entrepreneurship, as well as the importance of a solid business plan.
  • Foster networking opportunities and mutual cooperation among female entrepreneurs in rural areas, promoting local meetups and a sense of community.

PROGRAMME

The coaching session will take place in Badajoz and will consist of two parts: Introductory talks and presentations followed by a matchmaking session with startups, with a breakfast in between.

Theory and Lessons: During the morning session, representatives from the RAISE project will lead the discussions and provide a comprehensive overview of business partnership actions. The representatives will also address the problems and challenges identified by the participants.

Coaching Sessions: The participants connect with other startup representatives and experts in a relaxed environment.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

By the end of the coaching session, participants can expect to:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of rural business model actions and business partnership actions.
  • Develop practical skills and knowledge to improve their start-up’s success rate in rural areas.
  • Learn from external experiences and peers through interactive sessions and networking opportunities.

AGENDA

11.00-11.10 h: Welcome words

Luis Casas Luengo, General Manager in Fundecyt Science and Technology Park of Extremadura (TBC).

11.10-11.20 h: Startup Support Services at Fundecyt Science and Technology Park of Extremadura

Anto Recio, Project Manager EU Digital Innovation Hub.

11.20-11.30h: RAISE Project Presentation

Cristina Gallardo, Project Manager of the RAISE project.

11.30h-12.00h: Individual presentation of the participants and initial matchmaking

3 minutes per participant.

12.00h-13.00h Bilateral Coaching Sessions

Bilateral coaching sessions will continue throughout June and July with additional online sessions. The participants in the coaching sessions will receive recommendations for the future of their business.


PROFILE OF PARTICIPANTS

Ana Galán 

Co-founder of The Geco Company.

Vice-president and member of the communications team of the Women Space Extremadura association.

She graduated in Advertising and Public Relations, specialising in Graphic Design and Digital Marketing.

Ana has more than 15 years of experience in the digital communications sector. Throughout her career, she has worked in corporate identity and social media design and has helped many freelancers and companies to introduce and improve their businesses in the digital world.

She has led several trainings related to digital skills and operational management of SMEs.

Cristina Rivera

Co-founder of Alzabrand.

Founding partner and member of the communications team of the Women Space Extremadura association.

Member of the Boards of Directors and communications team of the Designers Association of Extremadura (DIEX).

She graduated in Industrial Design, specialising in design methodologies, service, and product design.

Cristina has a broad experience in foreign trade, social media, and the creation of corporate identity, communication, and management of creative, cultural, and social projects. Her experience enriched her professionalism both creatively and analytically. Also, she works as a consultant in the marketing and digitalisation areas of several companies, proving greater visibility of products and services, as well as an increase in the business value chain.

Moreover, she has been a mentor of entrepreneurs since 2018 in the framework of advisory programmes for SMEs and freelancers in Extremadura.

The activity is co-organised with the Association Women Space Extremadura, a non-profit association that brings together women researchers and professionals linked to the world of applied sciences; engineers and workers in technology companies; businesswomen and technology entrepreneurs, designers and creative artists; professionals from the humanities sector applied to digitalisation; teachers and trainers from the scientific and technological world of Extremadura.

Women Space will provide the coaches for the session and the activity.

Manifesto for a Common Action Strategy with Impact in Startups
Manifesto for a Common Action Strategy with Impact in Startups 1024 614 RAISE fosters startup growth and scale-up within and across Europe


As part of its efforts to promote a dynamic and influential startup ecosystem, the RAISE project has developed the Manifesto for a Common Action Strategy with Impact in Startups. The manifesto aims to provide a framework for fostering collaboration and driving meaningful outcomes within the startup community. By outlining a shared vision and strategy, it seeks to empower startups and create an environment conducive to their success.

This manifesto serves as a guiding light for startups, emphasizing shared values and collective responsibility. It underscores the importance of collaboration, diversity, entrepreneurial mindsets, sustainable growth, ethical behavior, and talent development in shaping the future and driving positive change in the world of startups.

The manifesto outlines key viewpoints aimed at revolutionizing the startup landscape:

The unveiling of the manifesto marks a significant milestone in the efforts to empower startups and create a supportive environment for entrepreneurial ventures. The RAISE project encourages startups, entrepreneurs, investors, and stakeholders to align their strategies and actions with the principles outlined in the manifesto. By doing so, they can collectively shape a future where startups thrive, drive positive change, and make a lasting impact on the global stage.

Download the PDF document here.

Start-up Coaching Session: Business Model Actions and Business Partnership Actions
Start-up Coaching Session: Business Model Actions and Business Partnership Actions 1024 512 RAISE fosters startup growth and scale-up within and across Europe

Boost Your Start-up Success: Join the Business Model and Partnership Coaching Session for Valuable Insights and Practical Solutions

Date: Wednesday, September 11-14th, 2023
Time: 13:00 – 17:00
Location: Brussels

Organised by: Regions’ Alliances for Interconnected Start-up Ecosystems (RAISE)

The RAISE Start-up Coaching Session: Business Model Actions and Business Partnership, originally scheduled for June 14, has been postponed. Instead of organizing the session online, we have made the decision to hold it in person in Brussels in September, during the week of September 11th to 15th.

The nature of this coaching session requires direct work with mentors and more interactivity, which is best facilitated through in-person interaction. Therefore, to ensure the effectiveness of the session and provide participants with the best experience, the RAISE consortium has decided to postpone the event to September. We believe that the in-person format will offer a valuable opportunity for meaningful collaboration and networking.

Please note that only selected participants from the BENELUX countries will be able to attend this coaching session.

We will be sending out further details regarding the rescheduled event, including the updated agenda and venue information, closer to the new date. Kindly mark your calendars and make the necessary arrangements to join us in Brussels for this enriching coaching session.

Thank you for your understanding. We look forward to welcoming you in person in September for the RAISE Start-up Coaching Session.

……………………………………………………………..

Participating in this full-day coaching session can enhance your startup’s business model and partnerships, offering valuable insights, practical solutions, and personalized coaching for skill development in these areas.

The coaching session’s purpose is to provide start-up founders and representatives with a comprehensive understanding of business model actions and business partnership actions, enabling participants to acquire valuable knowledge and develop essential skills to improve the success rate of their start-ups. Whether you are just starting out or looking to optimize your existing start-up, this session will provide you with practical guidance and valuable insights.

Program

The coaching session will take place in Brussels and will consist of two parts: theory and lessons in the morning, followed by individualized coaching in the afternoon.

Theory and Lessons: During the morning session, external experts will lead the discussions and provide a comprehensive overview of business model actions and business partnership actions. The experts will also address the problems and challenges identified by the participants in the pre-session form, which will be sent to all registered start-up representatives. This interactive session will make use of tools like Slido and Kahoot games to ensure an engaging learning experience for all participants.

Individualized Coaching: In the afternoon, participants will be divided into two groups of five representatives each and will attend individualized coaching sessions. Each group will have the opportunity to work closely with an expert in their respective area of interest. These coaching sessions will include interactive learning activities such as role-plays and case studies, allowing participants to apply the knowledge gained during the morning session. After approximately 1.5 hours, the groups will switch rooms to attend the coaching session with the other expert, ensuring a well-rounded learning experience.

Networking Event: The coaching session will conclude with a small networking event, providing participants with the opportunity to connect with other start-up representatives and experts in a relaxed environment. Additionally, participants will have the option to sign up for follow-up coaching if they require further support beyond the session.

Key Takeaways

By the end of the coaching session, participants can expect to:

  • Gain a deeper understanding of business model actions and business partnership actions.
  • Develop practical skills and knowledge to improve their start-up’s success rate.
  • Learn from external experts and peers through interactive sessions and networking opportunities.
  • Access personalized coaching and guidance tailored to their specific needs.


Project Consortium Organizations

The RAISE project is implemented by a consortium of five organizations, with Startup Europe Regions Network (SERN) leading the initiative. These organizations are actively involved in supporting start-up growth at the European level, covering a wide range of areas such as access to public funding, business angels, research, and innovation.

Register here!

Call for Startups to pitch at the EBAN 2023 Annual Congress: Apply now, and join us in Greece this May!
Call for Startups to pitch at the EBAN 2023 Annual Congress: Apply now, and join us in Greece this May! 1024 341 RAISE fosters startup growth and scale-up within and across Europe

Startups seeking equity investments between €50K – €5M, from any EU country, are invited to apply for the EBAN 2023 Annual Congress hosted in Thessaloniki, Greece, from May 24-26. This unique event provides startups with an opportunity to pitch their businesses in front of some of the world’s best angels and compete for an investment prize that surpassed €200k last year. The event is about networking and taking your business to the next level, and all startups that apply get a free ticket to attend.

The Congress welcomes companies from all industries and sectors and is an ideal platform for startups and investors to take their businesses and portfolios to the next level. The event features top-tier speakers and provides unparalleled networking opportunities for investors from around the world. Immersing yourself in invaluable workshops and sessions while enjoying the Mediterranean Sea, ancient history, and modern innovation in a fantastic, rich atmosphere is an experience like no other.

If you’re attending the Congress with a group of four or more investors from your network, you can benefit from a special discount code by contacting info@eban email to learn more about this amazing offer.

In the past, the EBAN Summit 2022 saw Interstellar Lab, a female-led company, receive a €228,700 investment. This year’s Congress could be your chance to showcase your project and growth potential. Applications close on April 18th, so be sure to read the application guidelines carefully and apply here as soon as possible.

The EBAN 2023 Annual Congress will be co-hosted by EBAN and Enterprise Greece SA in Thessaloniki from May 24-26. The event offers a unique opportunity for angel investors to take their investing game to the next level. Attendees will have access to invaluable workshops and sessions, top-tier speakers, and unparalleled networking opportunities with investors from around the world.

Register now to join the #EBANCongress and spend three days in a fantastic, rich atmosphere where the Mediterranean Sea meets ancient history and modern innovation. If you’re attending the Congress with a group of four or more investors from your network, please get in touch through info@eban email to learn more about the special discount code offer.

The EBAN 2023 Annual Congress is an event not to be missed. Pitch your business, connect with investors, and take your business to the next level. Apply now and join us in Greece this May!

Guidance and self-assessment on various aspects of scaling up startups
Guidance and self-assessment on various aspects of scaling up startups 1024 768 RAISE fosters startup growth and scale-up within and across Europe

EU-wide initiative to boost startups’ scaling up process is underway with the launch of Horizon Europe project RAISE – Regions’ Alliances for Interconnected Startup Ecosystems. The five organisations involved in the project include Startup Europe Regions Network (SERN), European Business Angels Network (EBAN), European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA), Foundation FUNDECYT Scientific and Technological Park of Extremadura (FUNDECYT-PCTEX) and ICORSA.

The team, spearheaded by EBAN, is currently working on Deliverable 2.1: Design and testing of the pilot Actions. Each partner will create and carry out pilot actions for the following:

  • Business model actions (SERN)
  • Seed capital/Venture Capital actions (EBAN)
  • Business Partnerships actions (EURADA)
  • Talent matching (ICORSA)
  • Women Entrepreneurship/Rural entrepreneurship (F-PCTEX)

The document (deliverable) aims to provide guidance and self-assessment on various aspects of scaling up, such as market analysis, product development, team management, funding sources and social impact, through a set of worksheets. The worksheets will be tested and piloted by project partners to maximise outreach and impact among start-ups and investors.

It also defines the coordination and monitoring activities to ensure the quality and effectiveness of the pilot actions. Regular meetings, feedback sessions, data collection, and evaluation methods will be implemented to evaluate the impact of the pilot actions.

The ultimate goal of RAISE is to improve the practices and performance of start-ups in scaling up their businesses, foster collaboration and innovation among start-ups, investors, and project partners, and contribute to building a unique agenda for an interconnected EU start-up space.

This initiative is expected to increase awareness and understanding of the SNS among start-ups and investors, and also to bring new opportunities for growth and innovation. The project will play a crucial role in shaping the future of the European start-up ecosystem and its competitiveness in the global market.

Angel Investors and Startups: A Match Made in Heaven
Angel Investors and Startups: A Match Made in Heaven 1 1 RAISE fosters startup growth and scale-up within and across Europe

Starting a business is a risky venture that requires significant financial resources. For many entrepreneurs, finding the necessary funding to get their startup off the ground can be a daunting task. This is where angel investors come in, providing not only funding but also valuable expertise and connections to help startups succeed. In this article, we will explore the role of angel investors in startup funding and what entrepreneurs can expect when seeking their support.

What are Angel Investors?

Angel investors are high net worth individuals who provide financial backing to early-stage startups, usually in exchange for equity in the company. These investors are typically successful business leaders or entrepreneurs themselves who have a keen eye for potential business opportunities and are willing to take risks in exchange for potential high returns. Unlike venture capitalists, who invest other people’s money, angel investors use their own funds to invest in startups.

What do Angel Investors Look for in Startups?

Angel investors are looking for startups with high growth potential, innovative ideas, and a strong team. They want to see a clear and well-executed business plan, a competitive advantage in the market, and a path to profitability. Angel investors also want to invest in startups that align with their personal interests or experiences. For example, an angel investor who has experience in the healthcare industry may be more interested in investing in a health-tech startup.

What are the Benefits of Working with Angel Investors?

Aside from the obvious financial benefits, working with angel investors provides startups with several advantages. First and foremost, angel investors bring expertise and knowledge to the table. Many have experience in starting and scaling businesses, which can be invaluable to a startup that is just starting out. They can also provide valuable connections to potential customers, partners, and other investors.

Working with angel investors can also help startups establish credibility in the market. When a startup is able to secure funding from reputable angel investors, it sends a signal to other investors, customers, and partners that the startup is a viable and promising business.

What Should Startups Expect when Seeking Angel Investor Funding?

Securing funding from angel investors is a competitive and challenging process. Startups should be prepared to put in the work to make a strong case for their business. This includes having a well-defined business plan, a strong team, and a clear understanding of the market and competition.

Startups should also be prepared to give up a portion of their equity in exchange for funding. This can be a difficult decision, but it is important to remember that angel investors are taking a significant risk by investing in an early-stage startup. Giving up equity is a way to compensate them for that risk.

Conclusion

Angel investors play a crucial role in funding and supporting early-stage startups. They provide not only financial resources but also valuable expertise and connections that can help startups succeed. Entrepreneurs seeking funding from angel investors should be prepared to make a strong case for their business and be willing to give up a portion of their equity in exchange for funding. With the right investor and the right partnership, startups can achieve success and take their business to the next level.

EURADA Brokerage Event 2023
EURADA Brokerage Event 2023 1024 576 RAISE fosters startup growth and scale-up within and across Europe

The EURADA Secretariat is pleased to announce the official schedule of the 8th edition of the EURADA Brokerage Event, which will take place on March 29, 2023. The event will be held at the premises of EURADA in Brussels, as well as online, providing an exceptional opportunity for participants from all corners of Europe to gain insight into European funding opportunities through EU programs such as Horizon Europe and Interreg Europe. The event, which will be a hybrid event lasting for one day, aims to bring together experts in the fields of regional development, innovation, smart specialization strategies, and others, to find new partners for ongoing or future European project proposals and learn from each other.

The event comprises four sessions dedicated to funding opportunities: Interreg Europe, Erasmus+, Horizon Europe, and the I3 Instrument. The European Commission and the Interreg Europe Joint Secretariat will present current and future initiatives and funding opportunities in support of research, innovation, and policy development and implementation. You can check the draft agenda of the event by clicking here.

If you are interested in participating in the pitching session, you can either present a successful project from the past, a project idea for an upcoming call, or yourself/your organization. During the registration process, you will be given these options. Please note that pitch applications will be evaluated, and participants will receive an email confirmation about their participation in the pitching session by March 17, 2023, at the latest.

To facilitate networking, the short profiles of all registered participants will be shared prior to the event. The public catalogue of participants and profiles will be available for all attendees to arrange bilateral meetings, create consortiums for potential projects, and forge links for future partnerships.

Given the success of past editions, at least 20 Regional Development Agencies are expected to participate in person at the premises in Brussels, while the remaining 50 will participate online. EURADA aspires to make this event one of the most enriching and fruitful opportunities for European development agencies in 2023. Experts in the innovation field will hopefully generate synergies that translate into new partnerships for ongoing or future proposals.

Regarding accommodation in Brussels, EURADA has agreements with three hotels: Motel One single room at a discounted rate of €139 per night, Hotel Thon single room for €190 per night, and Moxy Hotel single room for €160 per night. If you are interested in these discounted prices, please contact EURADA’s colleague Giacomo Frisanco, who will explain how to get access to this special EURADA tariff.

Source: EURADA

EVENT: What are the most efficient tools and policy instruments to support start-ups to scale up?
EVENT: What are the most efficient tools and policy instruments to support start-ups to scale up? 1024 652 RAISE fosters startup growth and scale-up within and across Europe

What are the most efficient tool and policy instruments to support start-ups to scale up? Find out more on the New European Innovation Agenda that aims to position Europe at the forefront of the new wave of deep tech innovation and start-ups, and a selection of funding opportunities in the European Innovation Ecosystem 2023-2024. Join us at the RAISE 2nd Co-creation Workshop in Brussels or online, on January 23, 2023 at 9:30.

In the process of avoiding the existing lack of integration between different support services and action plans that creates gaps in start-up support at the EU level, the RAISE consortium organize its first in a series of exchange of experience open sessions to promote discussion on future initiatives to building a unique agenda for an interconnected EU start-up space with the focus on the New European Innovation Agenda.

Stakeholders at regional, national, and EU level covering the lifecycle of start-ups growth, R&I programmers and policymakers, capacity building programmes managers and technicians, private investment or representatives of access to public funding organizations are invited to participate in this online session to find points of interaction and advancement around the New European Innovation Agenda, its novelties for scale-ups supporting organizations and the resulting opportunities for collaboration of the first steps of its implementation.

RAISE Project is a joint initiative of networks and national and regional agencies at the EU level collaborating for a sustainable integrated support framework to foster start-up growth and scale-up within and across Europe.

Register here!

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