RAISE News

Giacomo Frisanco, a representative of the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA), will take the stage at the European Week of Regions and Cities 2023 (EWRC2023 – Brussels, Belgium – October 11, 2023) to shed light on the RAISE project, a pioneering initiative aimed at breaking barriers to cross-border cooperation within the European startup ecosystem.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 11, 2023
• Time: 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM CET
• Location: SQUARE Brussels Meeting Centre, Room 314-316
• Format: Workshop
• Theme: Breaking barriers to cross-border cooperation

The workshop, scheduled during the EWRC2023, will kick off with a concise introduction to the RAISE Project, followed by a comprehensive presentation by a representative from the European Commission on European Funds. To ensure the effective reception of information, a fun Kahoot game will be organized. The workshop will culminate with two interactive and enlightening activities: “Startup Scaling” Simulation Game and “European Funding Competition.”

Giacomo Frisanco’s presentation at EWRC2023 promises to illuminate the significance of the RAISE project and its transformative impact on the European startup landscape. As barriers to cross-border cooperation crumble, the future of European entrepreneurship looks brighter than ever.

About the RAISE Project: The RAISE project stands as a flagship initiative in the realm of European Union-funded projects. It is executed by a consortium comprising five esteemed organizations, led by the Startup Europe Regions Network (SERN). The consortium also includes The European Business Angels Network (EBAN), the European Association of Development Agencies (EURADA), the Foundation FUNDECYT Scientific and Technological Park of Extremadura (FUNDECYT-PCTEX), and the International Consortium of Research Staff Associations (ICoRSA).

The fundamental objective of the RAISE project is to forge a new and sustainable integrated support framework that fosters the growth and scaling-up of startups across Europe. This framework encompasses a wide spectrum of dimensions, spanning from initial funding and research support to public incentives and internationalisation. RAISE seeks to promote competitive business models, encourage unconventional collaborations, and stimulate innovative solutions from across Europe.

Most notably, the RAISE project is pivotal in the establishment of a genuine EU startup ecosystem. This ecosystem is not tethered to a single city or region but transcends geographical boundaries, linking all European startups together in a cohesive network.

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

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.

Date: Friday, June 30^th, 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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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.

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.

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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!

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.

Over 50 people joined the RAISE consortium’s workshop in Brussels and online on January 23, 2023, aimed at bridging gaps in EU startup support.

The event focused on discussions about efficient tools and policy instruments to scale up startups, with participants exploring the New European Innovation Agenda and funding opportunities in the 2023-2024 European Innovation Ecosystem.

Stakeholders from regional, national, and EU levels, including policymakers, investors, and program managers, came together in person and online to collaborate on advancing the startup ecosystem.

Learn More…