Periodic Reporting for period 1 - Connect2Scale (Connect2Scale - Uniting European Investors and Scaleups)
Berichtszeitraum: 2023-09-01 bis 2025-02-28
The Connect2Scale aims to foster the growth and scalability of European start-ups by strengthening collaboration among investors and innovation ecosystem stakeholders. The project is implemented by Business Angel Networks from Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia, the European Business Angels Network and coordinated by Civitta.
The core objectives of the project are:
- To promote cross-border investment cooperation by establishing structures for sustained collaboration among investor networks.
- To increase the investment readiness of start-ups in emerging ecosystems through targeted training, mentoring, and networking activities.
- To improve the capacity and competencies of business angels via structured knowledge transfer mechanisms and tailored training programmes.
- To strengthen the policy and regulatory dialogue between public and private stakeholders through ecosystem roundtables.
- To facilitate the development of more open, data-informed, and collaborative innovation ecosystems in the EU.
Key actions undertaken to realise these objectives include:
- Establishment of Investment Lighthouses: Digital platforms in each partner country serving as knowledge centres on the local investment landscape, regulatory conditions, and policy frameworks.
- Investment Ecosystem Roundtables: Forums that bring together investors and policymakers to identify investment barriers and promote a more favourable environment for cross-border funding.
- Investor Capacity-Building Academy: Delivery of training programmes and knowledge-sharing sessions for both new and experienced business angels.
- Lighthouse Expeditions and Pitching Events: Study visits and pitching days that enable direct engagement between investors and start-ups.
The core objectives of the project are:
- To promote cross-border investment cooperation by establishing structures for sustained collaboration among investor networks.
- To increase the investment readiness of start-ups in emerging ecosystems through targeted training, mentoring, and networking activities.
- To improve the capacity and competencies of business angels via structured knowledge transfer mechanisms and tailored training programmes.
- To strengthen the policy and regulatory dialogue between public and private stakeholders through ecosystem roundtables.
- To facilitate the development of more open, data-informed, and collaborative innovation ecosystems in the EU.
Key actions undertaken to realise these objectives include:
- Establishment of Investment Lighthouses: Digital platforms in each partner country serving as knowledge centres on the local investment landscape, regulatory conditions, and policy frameworks.
- Investment Ecosystem Roundtables: Forums that bring together investors and policymakers to identify investment barriers and promote a more favourable environment for cross-border funding.
- Investor Capacity-Building Academy: Delivery of training programmes and knowledge-sharing sessions for both new and experienced business angels.
- Lighthouse Expeditions and Pitching Events: Study visits and pitching days that enable direct engagement between investors and start-ups.
In its first 18 months, Connect2Scale has moved from concept to action, transforming fragmented investment landscapes into connected ecosystems. The consortium has:
Connected ecosystems: By establishing cross-country collaboration structures, the project has created a foundation for joint investor actions. BANs from Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia now work seamlessly, co-creating initiatives and engaging investors at scale.
- Built investor capacity: The Investment Academy’s first round equipped new and experienced angels with practical tools and knowledge. Tailored sessions on portfolio building, due diligence, and exit strategies attracted 200+ investors, 29% of whom were women - boosting diversity in angel networks.
- Brought investors & start-ups together: Five cross-border expeditions and pitching days showcased emerging ecosystems, exposing investors to 984 start-ups. Stronger ties were built through direct engagement, resulting in active co-investment discussions.
- Activated local ecosystems: The introduction of Investment Lighthouses has demystified the regulatory and investment landscape in five countries, serving as a “one-stop-shop” for cross-border investors. Initial engagement metrics - 500+ visitors - signal strong market demand.
- Strengthened policy dialogue: Investment Ecosystem Roundtables opened new channels between policymakers and investors, surfacing actionable policy recommendations on topics such as tax harmonization and public co-investment funds.
Connect2Scale is actively transforming the European start-up ecosystem into a more connected, transparent, and investor-friendly environment for both founders and financiers.
Connected ecosystems: By establishing cross-country collaboration structures, the project has created a foundation for joint investor actions. BANs from Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, and Slovenia now work seamlessly, co-creating initiatives and engaging investors at scale.
- Built investor capacity: The Investment Academy’s first round equipped new and experienced angels with practical tools and knowledge. Tailored sessions on portfolio building, due diligence, and exit strategies attracted 200+ investors, 29% of whom were women - boosting diversity in angel networks.
- Brought investors & start-ups together: Five cross-border expeditions and pitching days showcased emerging ecosystems, exposing investors to 984 start-ups. Stronger ties were built through direct engagement, resulting in active co-investment discussions.
- Activated local ecosystems: The introduction of Investment Lighthouses has demystified the regulatory and investment landscape in five countries, serving as a “one-stop-shop” for cross-border investors. Initial engagement metrics - 500+ visitors - signal strong market demand.
- Strengthened policy dialogue: Investment Ecosystem Roundtables opened new channels between policymakers and investors, surfacing actionable policy recommendations on topics such as tax harmonization and public co-investment funds.
Connect2Scale is actively transforming the European start-up ecosystem into a more connected, transparent, and investor-friendly environment for both founders and financiers.
Connect2Scale has introduced a scalable and innovative model for investor engagement through the creation of Investment Lighthouses - a major step beyond traditional investment facilitation platforms in Europe. These digital hubs streamline and enhance access to key services such as market intelligence, investor networking, legal guidance, and compliance tools, all within an integrated platform designed for both angels and VCs.
ILs improve cross-border investment by simplifying administrative processes and clarifying legal frameworks, while data-driven tools and ecosystem mapping support smarter investment decisions. They also offer updated, country-specific regulatory insights, helping reduce legal uncertainty and boost confidence in transnational investments.
ILs improve cross-border investment by simplifying administrative processes and clarifying legal frameworks, while data-driven tools and ecosystem mapping support smarter investment decisions. They also offer updated, country-specific regulatory insights, helping reduce legal uncertainty and boost confidence in transnational investments.