Knowledge Hub

Emerging EU innovation ecosystems—countries targeted under the EU’s ‘Widening Participation and Spreading Excellence’ policy, often referred to as ‘widening countries’—continue to face a persistent innovation gap compared to more mature innovation ecosystems in Western Europe. This divide is fueled by limited access to early-stage capital, a shortage of experienced investors, underdeveloped business angel networks, and

Cross-border investment plays a critical role in Europe’s innovation ecosystem. By enabling the movement of capital, knowledge, and expertise across national boundaries, it supports the development and scaling of startups and SMEs—key engines of economic resilience and technological progress.  Among early-stage investors, business angels are a vital part of this landscape. They provide not only

If we look at the current landscape of early stage Investing, we find: A Diversity Challenge. So the question is, can we bridge the Gender Gap in Business Angel Investing? Business Angel investing plays a vital role in fueling innovation across Europe. Yet, it remains strikingly homogeneous, especially in terms of gender and age. Women

Can we fund Deep Tech through Crowdfunding and Business Angels? Deep tech—technologies rooted in advanced scientific and engineering innovation—represents a critical pillar for Europe’s future prosperity. Whether solving grand challenges in climate, health, energy, or security, these ventures build the foundations of entirely new industries and systems.  But deep tech startups face a harsh reality:

Innovators today operate in a dynamic funding environment. Among the most prominent and accessible routes for startup finance are business angel (BA) investing and crowdfunding. Both models offer real value, but they reflect different philosophies, expectations, and processes. Understanding these differences is critical for founders seeking to navigate early-stage financing effectively.  Business Angels: Strategic Capital