The power of pan-European investment
Business Angels (BAs) and early-stage Innovation Actors such as Accelerators, Venture Builders, Proof of Concept (POC) and Seed Funds (IAs) can have a transformative effect on Europe’s innovation ecosystem. At the heart of this transformation lies a growing focus on pan-European investment, an approach that essentially transcends borders to create a truly interconnected system. Traditionally, angel investors have focused on local or national opportunities. While local investment will remain the driving factor for the majority of BAs, it is essential to build pan-European connections to allow locally funded startups to scale up fast and without barriers within Europe. Widening that vision to the whole of Europe can inject strong momentum into investment, particularly in funding for startups and R&D initiatives, offering an exciting and novel perspective.
What is Pan-European investment?
Pan-European investment refers to BAs and IAs collaborating across national boundaries to fund startups and other innovative projects and businesses. By pooling resources, expertise, and networks, these investors drive innovation in a way that no single country can achieve alone.
This approach is also essential for addressing the disparities in angel investment ecosystems across Europe. While countries like France, Germany and the Netherlands have robust markets, others, known as ‘widening’ countries, such as Bulgaria, Romania, and Croatia, are emerging players with as of yet untapped potential. Pan-European collaboration ensures that no country is left behind in Europe’s innovation journey.
Why does Pan-European investment matter?
Innovation across borders
Pan-European investment connects investors with startups tackling global challenges (clean technologies to deep-tech breakthroughs notably). Pan-European funding enables entrepreneurs to scale faster and access broader markets, amplifying their impact.
Unlocking untapped potential
Many European countries are home to talented entrepreneurs but lack a mature angel investment landscape in which to operate and grow. Initiatives like ESIL are bridging this gap by empowering local investors and connecting them with experienced angels from other regions.
Building a resilient ecosystem
A pan-European approach diversifies risk and strengthens resilience. By collaborating across borders, BAs and IAs create a safety net that protects against local market volatility. It also boosts a framework of trust between BAs as they invest in the private sector.
The role of ESIL in pan-European investment
ESIL is at the forefront of building and supporting a connected European angel investment community. Here’s how ESIL drives pan-European investment:
- Pitching events where BA-funded startups present to an audience of pan-European BAs and IAs.
- Workshops, training sessions and online courses provide aspiring and experienced angels with the skills to navigate pan-European deals.
- Seasoned investors guide new angels through syndication processes, from sourcing deals to closing them.
- Leveraging public-private funding partnerships amplifies investment capacity and reduces risks.
- Provides legal templates for structuring deals, streamlining negotiations, and increasing mutual understanding between investors and start-ups.
The next frontiers
Part of ESIL’s journey has, since 2017, been dedicated to strengthening investment in countries with emerging ecosystems, including Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.
These widening countries have rich potential but face unique challenges such as limited networks, funding constraints, and cultural barriers to innovation.
Learn more
Learn
Gain expert insights and essential skills through our upcoming comprehensive, self-paced online courses designed for aspiring and active business angels.
Match
Connect with startups and investors across Europe through exclusive matchmaking events that spark pan-European investment opportunities.
Formalise
Access ready-to-use pre-drafted legal contracts and agreements tailored to EU countries, making deal closures seamless and secure.