As years go by, increasing numbers of global investors look towards Easter and Central Europe due to our dynamically growing startup ecosystem. The trend does not come as a surprise – many local businesses begin their business plans with a focus towards international expansion. If you’re an entrepreneur with a similar mindset, or an investor on the hunt for innovative local startups to support, the CEE Business Angels Network has just announced a project which just may pique your interest.
In the first-ever online edition of the CEE Startup Challenge, organizers are looking for startups in the following sectors: Industry 4.0, Energy & Cleantech, Smart Cities & Home, Life Science, Fintech, Big Data & Analytics, Business & ICT, Lifestyle. The applications will remain open until May 21st.
By offering a one-stop network of global investors and partners interested in the Eastern and Central Europe region, we’re providing entrepreneurs with a chance to not only gain funding, but also a local know-how and a list of connections vital for the scaling up process of each company – explains Ewa Chronowska, the founder of the CEE Business Angels Network.
There’s quite a lot at stake – the laureates will receive access to global investors, corporations, and media partners, leading to real business support from internationally acclaimed mentors. While the full prize package has not been announced yet, organizers promise a prize value of 50 thousand Euros.
The local startup ecosystem is growing at a very fast pace, and it’s currently practically impossible to keep up with every single conference and startup events. By moving to the virtual world, the CEE Startup Challenge effectively connects investors with projects in need of financing, so that all participants gain access to many possibilities without leaving their office adds Chronowska.
The innovative formula of the contest is a response to a real need on the part of entrepreneurs to minimize the time needed to reach suitable investors, present their ideas, and gain financing; as for investors, they contest poses a chance to discover and analyse brand new projects. All of these needs are met with the use of automation and investment process management tools – states Łukarz Balcerzak, the founder of Vestbee.
Interested? The CEE Startup Challenge is currently accepting applications. With over two weeks left to go, you still have plenty of time to create a perfect pitch for your project. In case you wouldn’t mind some help along the way, take a look at the free e-book provided on the CEE Startup Challenge’s website – the comprehensive guide will surely improve your odds at wowing the investors.
