Bridging the gap: connecting deep tech innovators with next-gen angels
Deep tech innovation is a core feature of Europe’s future economy, driving advancements in AI, biotech, quantum computing, and other cutting-edge fields. Yet, despite its potential, deep tech teams (both research projects and newly established startups) often face a significant challenge: securing the right funding and strategic support to transition from research to market-ready solutions.
There is an urgent need to encourage and support more connections between researchers and innovation actors in order to build a more resilient and competitive innovation ecosystem. This is particularly true for Business Angels (BAs), Accelerators, Venture builders, who can patiently work alongside deep tech innovations teams, while also potentially providing the European Innovation Council (EIC) with high-quality applications. By bringing in Innovations Actors such as Bas, at such an early stage, ESIL strengthens the link between deep tech teams and high-quality funding and investment opportunities, ensuring that promising innovations receive not only funding but also strategic guidance – and further down the road, the necessary investment to scale up successfully.
ESIL aims to serve as a matchmaking platform, where deep tech teams can find the support they need to grow, backed by the knowledge and networking opportunities provided by the EIC.
The unique challenges of radical innovation
Unlike incremental innovation, radical deep tech innovation requires long development cycles, significant initial grant funding, subsequent investment, and highly specialised knowledge. These factors can make it difficult to attract investors who seek faster returns. However, the impact of successful deep tech innovations is profound, offering breakthroughs that can transform industries and society.
For deep tech teams, the key challenge is finding patient innovation actors who understand the risks and rewards of deep tech. This is where a new generation of Business Angels, equipped with industry knowledge and a long-term vision, can provide not only funding but also mentorship, strategic guidance, and access to networks that facilitate scaling across Europe.
The role of the European Innovation Council (EIC)
The European Innovation Council (EIC) is a key EU initiative designed to support groundbreaking startups and scale-ups, particularly in deep tech. Through programmes like the Accelerator, Pathfinder, and Transition, ranging from Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 0 to 9, the EIC provides financial grants, equity investments, and expert mentoring to help innovative ventures bridge the gap between research and market success. By combining public funding with private investment, it plays a crucial role in scaling Europe’s most promising deep tech projects and companies.
A major challenge for the EIC however, is ensuring the quality and sustainability of the innovations it funds. By integrating innovation actors such as Business Angels in early-stage investments, projects such as those found in Pathfinder and Transition phases and startups such as those found in Transition and Accelerator phases can benefit from early strategic input, helping them develop investment-ready innovations. This collaborative approach strengthens the ecosystem, ensuring that EIC-backed projects align with long-term market viability and investor expectations.
A matching platform
ESIL stands at the crossroads of deep tech, the EIC, and the next generation of Business Angels and Innovation Actors. By providing structured matchmaking opportunities, training programmes and various resources, ESIL helps:
- Business Angels gain access to high-quality projects and startups, ensuring they can connect with the most promising deep tech ventures.
- Radical innovation teams connect with Business Angels and other Innovation Actors who understand deep tech’s potential and challenges.
- The wider innovation ecosystem build stronger networks that enable deep tech projects to scale across Europe, while leading to a more collaborative investment ecosystem.
Through pitch events, workshops, and matchmaking events, ESIL creates an environment where deep tech projects and startups can find not just financial support but also the strategic backing required to navigate commercialisation and market expansion. It provides a direct connection to the EIC, ensuring entrepreneurs and investors have the knowledge to fully make use of EIC opportunities and programmes.
Driving the future of European deep tech
The synergy between deep tech entrepreneurs, Innovation Actors such as Business Angels and the EIC, is crucial for Europe’s innovation ecosystem. As technologies evolve and global competition intensifies, supporting stronger collaborations and investment opportunities will determine Europe’s ability to lead in next-generation technologies.
For deep tech project startups, engaging with ESIL means gaining the know-how and the networks needed to access funding, expertise, and mentorship. For investors, it offers a gateway to high-potential innovations with the support of Europe’s most forward-thinking public and private funding mechanisms.
By strengthening these connections, ESIL ensures that deep tech innovations don’t just remain ideas but that they become transformative solutions that shape the future.
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