There’s no doubt that the key to building a thriving start-up ecosystem is people. You can provide opportunities, training and necessary funding, but once they’ve seen what’s around the corner, it might be really hard to make them stay. That’s how V4 Startup and Innovation Tour Fastlane came to be. It’s a series of events organised by Enterprise Hungary Nonprofit Ltd. in co-operation with Hiventures and the Hungarian Development Bank to discuss brain drain and promote brain circulation amongst the Central and Eastern European countries.
Research shows that a returning entrepreneur or startup impacts the region in a significant way, both on the economic and societal level. Their experience and skills help the entire startup ecosystem gain momentum and international importance.The more recognised the project is, the better, because it sets an example for other start-ups which might wish to leave for larger destinations. It is then in the best interest of the state, as well as private sectors to take initiative and create a viable alternative to those international hot-spots.
The first part of Fastlane already took place in Bratislava, Slovakia, on October 12th. The next in line is Prague, Czech Republic, on October 26th. The last event will be held in Warsaw on November 12th, in Mindspace Hala Koszyki. Follow this link for the facebook event.
Fastlane promises a busy and interesting schedule. First, Sebastian Tamas, Director of the Hungarian Trading House’s Innotrade Program, will give a speech. Next, Startup Campus Budapest will be introduced. Following that, there will be a panel discussion moderated by Imre Hild, Global Managing Partner at Global Traction. Enterprise Hungary has also invited some of the most prominent experts of the region: Maciej Sadowski, co-founder CEO at StartUp Hub Poland; Álmos Mikesy, investment director at Hiventures; Piotr Piasek, co-founder of Wolves Summit; Eszter Szabó, Council Member of Krynica Economic Forum & president of #Wbusinessangels and Zsolt Gémesi, head of incubation at Enterprise Hungary Invest. They will discuss how to build an attractive startup ecosystem that entrepreneurs would gladly stay in or return to. However, that’s not all! All the participating start-ups will have an opportunity to pitch. The guest speakers will form a jury, which will choose the most promising business idea. The award is a golden ticket to the Get in the Ring Budapest regional semifinals, which will take place on December 1st. The last part of the evening will be dedicated to networking, so put on your most charming smile and get to know other creative and ambitious people!
V4 Startup and Innovation Tour Fastlane is free but registration is required. You can do it here. For start-ups that would like to participate, apply here.
See you on November 16th!
