Créme de la créme of European startups are heading to Prague in April to clash for the European Champ title
On April 10, 2019, at the Prague Congress Centre, the first ever European Continental Finals of the global competition Startup World Cup 2019 will be held as a part of the Startup World Cup & Summit (SWCSummit). The winner is about to win $ 500,000 USD investment prize and the title of the European Startup Champion. They will also gain entry to the global Grand Finale, which is to be held in Silicon Valley in May. Apart from the competition, the event will welcome keynote speakers from all over the world, including Apple’s first CMO, John Rizzo, the ex-VP of Instagram and CEO of Strava, James Quarles, the bestselling author and founder of Electronic Arts, Dave Evans, Avast CEO, Vince Steckler, and the billionaire Karel Janeček. Along with them the organisers expect dozens of angel investors, founders, and innovators from all around Europe. They will all be ready to network, provide guidance to fresh entrepreneurs, and look for new business opportunities.
Hundreds of up-and-coming startups are confirmed to attend SWCSummit, one of the most important events in the startup world in the Central Europe region this year. The goal is to find the European champion, create a talent network, draw the public’s attention to small businesses’ added value, and, most importantly, boost the European startup scene’s confidence. “Europe used to be an unshakeable cradle of innovation. Nowadays, despite Europe’s huge potential to retain its position, we feel momentum is shifting away. With this in mind, we see SWCSummit as an opportunity to spark new connections, investments, and ideas that can help Europe reclaim its reputation of the global innovation epicenter,” says Vít Šubert, the startup incubator UP21 CEO and the event’s co-founder.
“There’s an opportunity for everyone at SWCSummit – not only startups vying for the title and $ 500,000 USD investment prize. The event will be divided into special zones dedicated to startups, innovators from the corporate world, investors, and the general public. All attendees will be brought together through Myia, a networking and matchmaking smartphone app,” explains Václav Pavlečka, the CEO of Air Ventures and the second co-founder of the event.
The startup event of the year
For the first time, Prague is going to witness the best startup projects in Europe, the winners of 13 regional finals of the Startup World Cup. The finalists will compete to win $ 500,000 USD investment prize, the title of the European Startup Champion, and participation at the global finals held in San Francisco. Europe is the first continent to hold its own finals of this startup competition.
In the scope of SWCSummit, the regional finals of Visegrád Group takes place. 265 confirmed startups will compete to become the winning startup of the V4 Regional Finals, who will gain entry to European Continental Finals as well as entry to the global grand finale taking place in Silicon Valley in May.
Learn more about the Startup World Cup & Summit
The Startup World Cup & Summit (SWCSummit) is a unique marriage between the two most significant startup summits to emerge over the last few years. The Startup World Cup is a global startup summit and competition organized by the Silicon Valley venture capital fund Fenox. It was created to support innovations worldwide, interconnect subjects within the startup ecosystem, open doors for talented entrepreneurs, and identify 20 of the best startup projects on the market today. Regional winners will compete at the grand finale in Silicon Valley for $1 million and other cool prizes. SWCSummit is organized by the investment fund Air Ventures and the startup incubator UP21. Dating back to 2012, the summit has attracted speakers from leading global corporations and startups, including TechCrunch editors, Startupbootcamp chiefs, Silicon Valley investors and representatives from companies like Tesla, SpaceX, Hyperloop Transport Technologies and Kiwi.com. The summit has also headlined corporate leaders like Andre Wehner from Škoda Auto and Tomáš Budník from O2. Learn more at www.swcsummit.com.
UP21 is an incubator and investor, providing startups with four crucial elements to help them succeed — financial support, specialized mentoring, personal development, and key industry skills. For each startup, UP21 creates a personalized navigation plan and leads innovators on their path to success in the spirit of its motto: “Investment is not enough. Ask for a great co-pilot.” Learn more at www.UP21.com.
Air Ventures supports rising tech startups. The fund invests in dynamic technology companies with the focus mostly on the Central European region, brings unique know-how to marketing strategy-building, and allows startups to reach audiences and attract customers efficiently. Learn more at www.airvcs.com
Commissioner Mariya Gabriel endorses the Western Balkan policy recommendations
It was only on 15 November 2018 at Startup Europe Summit in Sofia, Bulgaria, that the Founding Members of the Startup Europe Central and Eastern Europe Network (SECEEN) and the Startup Europe Western Balkans Network (SEWBN) publicly signed a Joint Declaration aimed at reinforcing the tech entrepreneurship ecosystems of their regions. Four months later, the Founding Members of the Startup Europe Western Balkans Network (Seavus Educational and Development Center – North Macedonia; Serbia Start Up- Serbia; Oficina- Albania; Innovation Centre Kosovo- Kosovo*; Digitalizuj.me- Montenegro; SPARK poslovni park d.o.o- Bosnia and Herzegovina) are proud to present the first joint effort from the Network– the Policy Recommendations reflecting the main challenges the Western Balkan countries need to tackle in order to thrive and be further connected to the European entrepreneurial ecosystem.
In her opening speech in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, at the Startup Europe Summit 2019, Mariya Gabriel highlighted the perfect timing for the Startup Europe Central and Eastern Europe Network and Startup Europe Western Balkans Network to be established, which is why she supported their launch back in November.
“[The Networks] focus on existing barriers for growth in the region and this Summit, now in Romania, is crucial because they will present publicly a set of concrete and actionable recommendations for European leaders and policymakers” – Mariya Gabriel, EU Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society
The Commissioner strongly believes that the policy recommendations are just the beginning of a long journey and everyone’s support is needed for the winds of change to blow strong. Throughout her speech, she pushed for active participation from all startups coming from Central and Eastern Europe and, in particular, the Western Balkan region and stressed that the opportunities provided by the Digital Agenda for Western Balkans should be seized. This is the only way for a truly Digital Single Market to be created.
Soon afterwards, Mariya Gabriel was handed over the policy recommendations by Europa Media Group, the Hungarian founding member and the leader of the two Networks, about which she said:
“This set of policy recommendations will facilitate the development of the Networks and contribute to the economic progress of their regions.”
Mariya Gabriel’s endorsement is already providing the boost that Western Balkan voices need in order to be heard by ecosystem players across Europe, thereby allowing everyone to benefit from a more equal and leveraged European startup ecosystem.
Concerning the policy recommendations for the Western Balkans
The policy recommendations, which are the very first joint endeavour of the Startup Europe Western Balkans Network, aim to facilitate the internationalisation of the Western Balkan countries and promote them in macroeconomic environments, as well as building bridges across the participating markets and cultures. In the long-run, the Western Balkan countries have a huge potential to become new hot spots attracting startups and innovators from all over Europe. However, common structural challenges must be addressed first through target measures. Some of the strategies that could be highlighted include building new collaboration mechanisms and support the existing ones, nurturing soft-landing opportunities and enhancing coordination both at national and regional levels.
For more information pertaining to the work of the Startup Europe Central and Eastern Europe Network and the Startup Europe Western Balkans Network, please contact Krisztina Toth at [email protected].
* This designation is without prejudice to positions on status and is in line with UNSCR 1244/99 and the ICJ Opinion on the Kosovo declaration of independence.
Pitching contest at Startup Europe Summit
We’re looking for 25 companies that have raised already seed or series A funding to join us at Startup Europe Summit, 21st-22nd March.
What we offer to the applicants with seed funding:
- Exhibition possibility
- Travel (economy) and accomodation (2-3 nights) costs will be covered for one representative from your country to Cluj-Napoca.
What we offer for the Series A companies:
- Possibility to pitch in front of an expert jury. The selected entries will have about 10 minutes to pitch, followed by a Q&A session. All pitching participants will be rewarded with access to top investors – something that can really mark a milestone in your entrepreneurial life! The companies the jury members represent are: AXON, Early Game Ventures, Index and Atomico. More details will follow.
- Travel (economy) and accomodation (2-3 nights) costs will be covered for one representative from your country to Cluj-Napoca.
How to apply?
- We welcome applications from Poland, Bulgaria, Hungary, Romania, Czech Republic, Slovenia, Slovakia and Croatia.
- all verticals are accepted
- send your pitch deck to [email protected]
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in the body of the email, tell us:
- why you’d like us to attend,
- what your expectations are,
- your vertical,
- contact details of the person who would be attending the event (name, surname, position, email, telephone);
- Subject: SES19
Apply by 4th March
What is Startup Europe Summit?
Startup Europe Summit is an event that brings together the leading players in technology entrepreneurship and innovation. This year, the summit will take place in Cluj-Napoca, Romania in light of the Romanian Presidency of the Council of the European Union. At the Summit you will be able to join thematic workshops, network with venture capitalists, engage with policy makers and learn how to grow your business abroad.
Startup Europe Summit draft agenda.
StartUp Europe Awards Special Edition SES19 is looking for the best European startups
StartUp Europe Awards (SEUA), an initiative supported by the European Commission in collaboration with Startup Europe and organized by the Finnova Foundation, is holding a Special Edition for European startups that will be recognized during the Startup Europe Summit 2019 (SES19), to be celebrated in Cluj-Napoca, Romani, on 21 and 22 March 2019.
This SEUA Special Edition SES19 will recognize five startups, one for each one of the following prizes: Female-led startup; Young-led startup (founder under 30); United Nations Sustainable Development Goals startup; Social Inclusion startup and Job Growth startup.
It is possible to apply to the awards for every startup created 5 or less years ago in Europe. To apply, startups must fill in with detail the form found in the website of the SEUA Special Edition, and the deadline to apply ends on 23:59 hours (CET) of 17 February 2019. The startups should choose the prize most suitable for them (just one option).
A multidisciplinary jury, composed by professionals from different countries and fields, will make the selection of the best EU startups taking into account existing startups in the EU that meet these criteria and the applications received. Some of the jury members are part of the High Level group of experts from Startup Europe (European Commission).
Benefits for the selected startups
Winning startups will be invited to participate in the Startup Europe Summit SES19 that will take place between 21 and 22 March in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. The expenses during both days for 1 member of the startup will be reimbursed (transport from country of origin to Cluj-Napoca, accommodation and daily allowance).
The startups will be recognized in a ceremony that will be held on March 21 in the frame of the Startup Europe Summit 2019 and will count with the presence of authorities from the European Commission, key influencers, investors, tech leaders, tech journalists, policy makers and entrepreneurs.
In SES19, the selected startups will be able to showcase their innovation in the networking area of the conference and will gain exposure and visibility through the StartUp Europe Awards Media Alliance composed by more than 30 media outlets and social networking sites.
The selected startups will pass to the European level of the next StartUp Europe Awards edition, regardless of any other startup competing or awarded in their country or category.
StartUp Europe Awards (SEUA) is an open innovation initiative promoted by the European Commission and the Finnova Foundation in collaboration with StartUp Europe; it is supported by the President of the European Parliament, the President of the Committee of the Regions, the Vice-President of the Economic and Social Committee and several members from the European Parliament. StartUp Europe Awards is sponsored by StartUp Europe Accelerator.
SEUA has celebrated two European finals (one in Brussels and the other one in Sofia), and is going to launch the third edition during the first quarter of 2019.
The winning startups will have access to information on opportunities offered by the European Union to boost and internationalize their projects through the StartUp Europe Accelerator program of the Finnova Foundation.
For more information about the StartUp Europe Awards Special Edition SES19 please visit https://bit.ly/2RMIL42
Startup Europe Summit 2019
Known as an evolving tech hub in Romania, the city of Cluj-Napoca will host the fourth edition of Startup Europe Summit in 2019, the perfect occasion to recognize the best European startups.
In the previous edition of the Startup Europe Summit, startups found information about new funding opportunities; meetings with investors, corporates and leading enterprises and public administration representatives as well as networking with a vivid community of key decision makers and tech leaders within EU, notably Central Eastern Europe and Western Balkans regions.
Press contact
Catalina Valencia
MY-GATEWAY EMBRACES THE NEW YEAR WITH A GOLDEN TICKET TO STARTUP OLÉ.
What did you write in your New Year’s resolutions list?
Did you wish for happiness, travelling to a Western European country, attending startup events, meeting new investors..? If this is the case, I’m thrilled to announce that Startup Olé is looking for 15 CEE startups to join the event! Yes, you read it well: 15 startups!
MY-GATEWAY will help detect those Central and Eastern European startups that will benefit the most from attending the Spanish event, making sure startups are well aware of the opportunities they can be catered for. The target of our contest are startups based either in Romania, Czech Republic and Slovenia.
Those startups will need to really convince and tell us why they think Startup Olé can help them out boost their business growth, and, of course, send us a pitch deck. Attending Startup Olé can be a truly enriching experience… as you long as you prepare well for it! By using the Startup Olé app, you can gain access to investors, corporates, mentors and set up meetings with our fellow attendees.
To make sure you stand out as you deserve, you’ll be provided with a whole stand to show your product and sell it to your target, so do come prepared with merchandising and flyers that can help you achieve your objectives! And…did I already say that travel and accommodation costs are included for one representative of your team? We really don’t want the distance, and its costs, to be a problem. That’s why travel and subsistence expenses are entirely covered by us.
Last but not least, some of the startups which will go through our selection process will also gain the possibility to join the PITCHING competition.
What do YOU need to do?
In order to be eligible for this contest you’ll have to do the following:
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send your pitch deck to
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in the body of the email, tell us:
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why you’d like us to attend,
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what your expectations are,
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your vertical,
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contact details of the person who would be attending the event (name, surname, email, telephone);
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and also:
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on social media, share/retweet a message in which you saw the open call promoted (in your email, we’d like to see the link to your publication or a screenshot)
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and follow and/or like MY-GATEWAY social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram)
Deadline for applications: 4th of February 2019
What is Startup Olé?
Startup Olé 2019 will take place in Salamanca (Spain) from 26-29 of March and it will gather +30.000 attendees from 120 countries; +850 startups, scaleups and spin-offs; +500 speakers; +250 corporates and investors with an investment portfolio of over €50k M. Our fifth edition will be the biggest so far and we are working hard to make this an event that you will never forget, so do not wait any longer and join the family!
What is MY-GATEWAY?
MY-GATEWAY is an initiative of Startup Europe that aims to strengthen the capacities of high-tech start-ups and innovative SMEs in the CEE region to become better connected, gain higher market exposure, and have improved, streamlined access to funding opportunities and talents.
Startup Europe Summit 2018
Featured guests:
- Mariya Gabriel, Commissioner for the Digital Economy and Society, European Commission
- Simon Schaefer, Founder & CEO of Factory, President of Startup Portugal and Angel Investor in Europe.
- Anja Monrad, Senior Vice President & General Manager at Dell EMC, CEE and chair of the Digital Skills and Jobs Coalition Governing Board.
Previous editions have featured key influencers such as Commissioners Kroes, Oettinger, and Moedas, President of the European Committee of the Regions Markku Markkula or executives such as former Uber CEO, Travis Kalanick.
What you will find within the Summit?
Breaking news from EU & Tech Leaders
Get inspired from leading tech stars and EU policymakers. Discover new funding opportunities, including programs to support startups (Startup Europe, European Innovation Council). Learn how you can change the tech game.
Business first
It’s about doing business deals. Meeting with investors, corporates and leading enterprises. Discovering how public administration from across the region and Europe can help. This is the place to be.
Ecosystem building – Networking
Startup Europe Summit attendees are driven and focused. Whether you’re looking for funding, a new job, your new co-founder or investment, the summit offers several ways to help you connect with the right people efficiently and effectively.
Three reasons to attend:
- Learn about European funding opportunities directly from Brussels. With more than €10 Billions in the pipeline, EU is becoming the main investor in Europe!
- Network with the key decision makers and tech leaders within EU, notably Central Eastern Europe and Western Balkans regions
- Have access to business deals with corporates- investors – and public administrations for startups and scaleups.
Register now to join 400 key European startup ecosystem enablers – accelerators, investors, entrepreneurs, academia, policy makers and media representatives.
You can find more details about the programme below:
Registration concludes on 12 November 2018, 12:00 CET. On-site registration is not possible.
Register for the Startup Europe Summit
Networking marketplace: If you want to get the most out of your participation to the event, take a few minutes to see who else is attending the Summit and arrange bilateral meetings with the participants that are of your interest. Participants can look each other up on the participants directory of the event page, and use the personal messaging feature to arrange a bilateral meeting during the event.
MY-GATEWAY project wants 22 CEE and Western Balkan startups to attend Startup Europe Summit!
In total twenty-two startups, twelve from Central and Eastern Europe and ten from the Western Balkans, will be selected to attend this year’s edition of ‘The European Startup Event’. A committee comprised of leading startup support organizations from the CEE and Western Balkan countries will select the startups through specific criteria.
Selected startups will be given the possibility to meet high-profile people such as Prime Ministers and European Commission policymakers to discuss European entrepreneurship and new opportunities. The one-day Summit will be filled with workshops on how to access venture capital, business angel funding, EU funding and panel talks on how to scale-up. Travel and accommodation expenses of one representative per selected startup selected will be reimbursed by the European Commission.
Take a look at the Summit’s agenda here.
Would you like to apply? Click here.
‘We need to create programs and policies to connect ecosystems, founders and startups at European level.’
Mariya Gabriel, European Commissioner for Digital Economy and Society, and also key-note speaker at the Summit, said at her speech on Masters of Digital.
‘This is with a view to accelerate growth, cooperation and diversity.’
In order to be considered for the application process and be eventually selected to attend Startup Europe Summit, startups need to have a high growth potential, a prototype or viable business plan and a unique business idea.
What is Startup Europe Summit?
Startup Europe Summit is a European Commission event which aims to bring together startup founders and policy makers. More than 400 people will attend this year’s Bulgarian edition to learn about new funding opportunities, meet entrepreneurs and ecosystem builders and benefit from the possibility of closing a business deal.
Check out the agenda here.
What is MY-GATEWAY?
MY-GATEWAY is an initiative of Startup Europe that aims to strengthen the capacities of high-tech start-ups and innovative SMEs in the CEE region to become better connected, gain higher market exposure, and have improved streamlined access to funding opportunities and talents.
Innovation Fund awards grant to MY-GATEWAY advisor to promote young ideas!
4th September 2018 – MY-GATEWAY project is very pleased to announce that Seavus Incubator, together with Business-Technological Accelerator “UKIM” DOO Skopje and the Company for Business, Technical Support and Education “ICS Factor” received a total of 1.5 million Euros from the Innovation Fund to establish business accelerators for young people.
Seavus Educational and Development Center is one of MY-GATEWAY’s advisors, prividing counsel on how MY-GATEWAY activities can be adapted to the Balkan region.
The aim of those business accelerators is to provide young, creative people with the tools needed to start and develop specific businesses that will profit and participate in the progress of the Macedonian economy.
After signing the agreement, Vesna Ivanovska, general manager of Seavus Educational and Development Center, one of the three companies that received help to form a business accelerator, said she expects this project to have a big social impact.
“This project will encourage young businesses in Macedonia when they need it the most”
said Vesna.
