RAISE News

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.

The RAISE project, in its mission to enhance collaboration and exchange among associations towards supporting scale-ups, organised two co-creation workshops, designed to share insights and develop practical solutions to enhance business models and partnerships within the European startup ecosystem. These workshops aimed to lay the groundwork for an interconnected startup space, fostering innovation and cooperation within the European Union.

By harnessing the collective expertise and insights of stakeholders, RAISE seeks to create a cohesive framework for supporting startups and scale-ups across Europe. These co-creation workshops serve as crucial platforms for fostering dialogue, driving innovation, and shaping the future of the European startup ecosystem.

Overview of the Sessions

RAISE organised two key meetings to facilitate the exchange of experiences:

1. 1st Co-Creation Workshop: Held virtually on December 7, 2022, with the participation of RAISE partners.
2. 2nd Hybrid Open Event: Conducted on January 23, 2023, in Brussels, combining in-person and virtual attendance.

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These sessions aimed to gather valuable insights and establish a unified approach to inform the public and targeted audiences about the project’s findings.

First Co-Creation Workshop

The initial workshop, attended by representatives from RAISE’s partner organisations, focused on exploring opportunities for collaboration with other projects funded in 2021. Attendees delved into potential interactions with projects such as Interconnected Innovation Ecosystems, Aerospace Districts, and more, identifying avenues for mutual benefit and knowledge sharing.

Moreover, participants received insights into the European innovation landscape, including updates on the New European Innovation Agenda and relevant tools and platforms provided by EISMEA. Key discussions revolved around accessing private funding, strengthening connections with investors, and leveraging existing partnerships for future initiatives.

Second Co-Creation Workshop

Building on the momentum of the first workshop, RAISE hosted its second co-creation session, centred on the New European Innovation Agenda and its implications for startups and scale-ups. Held in a hybrid format, the event brought together over 50 stakeholders from various levels – regional, national, and EU – encompassing policymakers, investment professionals, and program managers.

The workshop aimed to address the fragmented nature of startup support services at the EU level, fostering dialogue on initiatives to streamline support mechanisms and promote collaboration. Discussions revolved around the potential of the Innovation Agenda to drive startup growth, identify opportunities for cross-sectoral collaboration, and address challenges hindering entrepreneurial success.

The RAISE Project

The RAISE Project brings together networks and national and regional agencies across the EU to create a sustainable, integrated support framework for startups. By addressing various aspects such as initial funding, research support, public incentives, and internationalization, RAISE promotes competitive business models and innovative collaborations. The project aims to build a cohesive EU startup ecosystem, linking different regions into a unified framework.

Methodology

RAISE adopted a methodology to capture the goals, participants, interactions, and conclusions from the sessions. This included minutes from the events, satisfaction surveys, and interviews with participants. These insights informed the project’s findings and recommendations.

Target Audience

The sessions targeted a broad audience:

Primary Audiences:

• Public Sector: Officials managing local ecosystems and regional policies.
• Business Sector: Private supporters designing services for startup accelerators and promoting investment funds.
• Investor Communities: Investors interested in new developments in EC programs and initiatives.

Secondary Audiences:

• Policymakers, researchers, industry associations, business associations, and interest groups.
• Media outlets covering business and innovation topics.

Description of the Co-Creation Workshops

First Co-Creation Workshop

The first workshop, held virtually on December 7, 2022, involved representatives from five RAISE project partners, including the Startup Europe Regions Network, the European Business Angels Network, Fundecyt-PCTEX, the European Association of Development Agencies, and the International Consortium of Research Staff Associations.

Participants discussed opportunities for interaction with 12 other projects funded by the same call in 2021. They received updates on the European Innovation Agenda and relevant tools and platforms, such as the EISMEA Communication toolkit and the Horizon Results Platform. Key discussions focused on:

• Access to private funding and connections with investors.
• Linkages between the business and research communities.
• Access to information on public initiatives and programs at the EU and regional levels.

The conclusions from these debates helped curate the list of speakers and invitations for the second workshop.

Second Co-Creation Workshop

The second workshop, titled “The New European Innovation Agenda, Start-ups, and its Scale-up,” took place on January 23, 2023, from 09:30 to 14:30 in a hybrid format. The Startup Europe Regions Network headquarters in Brussels hosted the in-person session.

This event aimed to address the lack of integration between various support services and action plans at the EU level, which creates gaps in startup support. The focus was on the New European Innovation Agenda and its implications for organizations supporting scale-ups. Over 50 stakeholders, including regional, national, and EU-level policymakers, R&I programmers, capacity-building managers, private investors, and public funding representatives, participated in person and online.

Speakers:

• Anto Recio Cuesta (FUNDECYT-PCTEX Project Manager) provided an overview of the RAISE project.
• Jekaterina Novikova (DG RTD) and Viorel Peca (European Innovation Council) discussed the New European Innovation Agenda.
• Stéphane Ruiz-Coupeau (Agency of Innovation and Development of Andalusia), Miroslav Macan (Zagorje Development Agency), Greta Camilleri (Malta Enterprise), Lorenzo Valeriani (Meta Group), and José Vilar Gonzálbez (IVACE) shared strategies on supporting the scale-up of startups.
• Cristina Gallardo Rey (FUNDECYT-PCTEX) led a networking session on funding opportunities in the European Innovation Ecosystem 2023-2024 Work Programme.

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Speakers

1. Anto Recio Cuesta

Role: Social Innovation Manager, FUNDECYT-PCTEX 

Contribution: As the project manager for FUNDECYT-PCTEX, Anto Recio Cuesta kicked off the second co-creation workshop with welcome remarks and an overview of the RAISE project. His extensive experience in international collaborative development projects and innovative business financing provided valuable insights. Anto’s responsibilities included designing the methodological framework for training and incubation processes, and he facilitated the “train the trainers” sessions, ensuring a comprehensive and holistic project execution.

2. Jekaterina Novikova

Role: Innovation Policy Coordinator, DG RTD, European Commission 

Contribution: Jekaterina Novikova, an experienced EU official and innovation policy coordinator, presented the New European Innovation Agenda. Her background in implementing FP-7 and Horizon 2020 research projects and her research on the US innovation ecosystem provided a rich perspective on how to facilitate the transition of research results to the market. Jekaterina’s expertise in European Affairs and her experience as a Chartered Accountant added depth to her presentation.

3. Viorel Peca

Role: Head of Unit, Transition and Business Acceleration Services, European Innovation Council

Contribution:Viorel Peca led discussions on the New European Innovation Agenda and its implications for startups. With a mission to bring EIC-supported innovations to market, Viorel’s extensive background in managing various innovation units within the European Commission offered practical insights into accelerating business growth and technological advancements. His experience spanned roles from R&D at Alcatel to leadership positions in DG Connect.

4. Stéphane Ruiz-Coupeau

Role: Technical Advisor, Agency of Innovation and Development of Andalusia 

Contribution: Stéphane Ruiz-Coupeau shared strategies for supporting the scale-up of startups, drawing from his extensive experience in international management and finance. Co-leading Enterprise Europe Network activities in Andalusia and participating in thematic groups on scale-ups and access to finance, Stéphane provided practical advice and insights. His role in supporting potential scale-ups in the region highlighted effective approaches to fostering business growth.

5. Miroslav Macan

Role: Representative, Zagorje Development Agency 

Contribution: Miroslav Macan brought valuable experience in managing public and private investment projects and strategic planning at the regional policy level in Croatia. His work in bringing entrepreneurial investment to Krapina Zagorje County and supporting EU-funded projects provided a real-world perspective on the challenges and opportunities in regional development.

6. Greta Camilleri

Role: Research & Policy Coordinator, Malta Enterprise 

Contribution: Greta Camilleri discussed Malta Enterprise’s approach to supporting startup scale-ups, highlighting successful programs like the Malta Enterprise Startup Residence program and the Maltese Startup Finance Scheme. Her role in coordinating research initiatives and translating them into policy and practice offered attendees a practical example of effective startup support.

7. Lorenzo Valeriani

Role: Advisor and Coach, Meta Group 

Contribution: Lorenzo Valeriani shared his expertise in venture capital financial instruments and entrepreneurial support. As a project manager for InvestHorizon 2, Lorenzo’s insights into fundraising and internationalization processes were particularly valuable. His focus on innovation ecosystems and knowledge-intensive entrepreneurship provided actionable strategies for supporting startup growth.

8. José Vilar Gonzálbez

Role: Head of EU Programmes Service, IVACE 

Contribution: José Vilar Gonzálbez highlighted the importance of European projects in supporting startup and scale-up initiatives. With extensive experience in financial management and European project coordination, José provided insights into managing loan portfolios, funding schemes for SMEs, and the Horizon Europe Monitoring Commission. His practical advice on leveraging EU programs for business growth was well-received by the participants.

Results of the Workshops

After the second workshop, an evaluation questionnaire was distributed to gather feedback on the organization, speakers, and content. The overall satisfaction was high, with particular praise for the presentations by the EU Commission and regional experiences. However, there were suggestions for improving the space available for the main session, as the attendance exceeded expectations.

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The Malta Enterprise Startup Residence program and the Maltese Startup Finance Scheme were highlighted as notable initiatives with potential for replication in other regions. The networking session allowed participants to explore potential collaborations and deepen their understanding of each other’s work.

The topic “HORIZON-EIE-2024-CONNECT-01-03: Startup Europe” was highlighted as a priority for future collaborations. Participants were encouraged to continue their discussions through the Open Startup Forum of the RAISE Project.

The Insight

The co-creation workshops successfully facilitated discussions and knowledge exchange, setting the stage for a more integrated and supportive startup ecosystem in Europe. The insights gathered will guide future initiatives and collaborations, contributing to the growth and internationalization of European startups. The RAISE Project remains committed to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across the continent.

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…

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!