Alokta’s Post

Luxembourg Venture Days 2024 are just around the corner! On October 16-17, LUXEXPO THE BOX will be hosting the second edition of the Luxembourg Venture Days, bringing together startups, scaleups, and investors from around the globe for a dynamic two-day summit. Why should YOU be there? For Startups: Seize this opportunity to pitch your business, expand your network, and secure invaluable partnerships. For Investors: Discover promising startups, explore new investment opportunities, and build strategic alliances with industry leaders. Luxembourg is a recognized European Hub for private equity and venture capital, making this event an ideal platform for forging connections that matter. This event amplifies the potential to spark new collaborations and ideas that will drive the future. Don’t miss out on keynotes, panels, and networking opportunities that will fuel innovation and collaboration across the ecosystem. Don't miss out on these two days filled with engaging panels, masterclasses from industry leaders, reverse pitches and, of course, unbeatable networking opportunities. Find out more about the event and register here:  https://lnkd.in/evwur8-p Organized by Luxinnovation GIE and LPEA - Luxembourg Private Equity & Venture Capital Association under the umbrella of Startup Luxembourg, the #LVD will further establish Luxembourg as a premier location for startups and investors alike. #InvestmentOpportunities #StartupsInEurope #VentureCapital #PrivateEquity #Innovation

🚀 Join us for an exhilarating innovation challenge at House Of Startups in Luxembourg! 🌟 Witness the magic of ideation as three teams tackle a real-world business case in just 1.5 hours. From brainstorming to pitching, experience the journey of turning ideas into reality. Don't miss out! Register now via the link that you can find in the post down below #InnovationChallenge #Entrepreneurship #LuxembourgTech #IdeationJourney

Can work be fun? Yes, if you attend events like the startup days in Berne! 🦄 You meet passionate people. Most attendees are truly excited about their job, be it a startup, a cause or investing. 🦄 You hear new opinions. There is little beating around the bush. Most attendees will share their personal assessments. 🦄 You learn new things. In the sessions, you can listen to senior members of the Swiss startup ecosystem talking about their learnings and directly ask them your most pressing questions. For example, in Gina Domanig’s session on: What does it take for Swiss startups to attract international investors? Discussed with Péter Fankhauser (anybotics), Matteo Vanotti (xFarm Technologies) and Richard Riggs (Aramco Ventures). Matteo and Peter interact with 60 – 180 VCs for each funding round. They recommend picking the right group of investors for each round: ❗ Think about what market or industry knowledge, network and skills you need for your next steps as a startup and chose your investors accordingly. Both also stressed the importance of having an international mindset, English as corporate language and an accounting system that makes sense to international VCs. Gina added that corporate VCs are important players in industrial climate-tech. Often, they have deeper pockets than other VCs and offer tangible things like pilot projects and industry knowledge. Richard Riggs, Corporate VC at Aramco Ventures, is a good example with their USD 7 billion fund! Richard is heading Aramco’s European VC investments. Aramco Ventures are focused on technology relevant to them in the short and mid-term. And how long does it take to close a round currently? The panelists agreed that you need between 6 – 9 months. The Technology Fund team was using the matchmaking sessions to connect with Swiss climate-tech startups. Dimitri Lenzin, Alex Mercandetti, Dominik Mohr and I held over 30 meetings to find out if startups were able to apply for a loan guarantee by the Swiss Technology Fund. In addition, Petra R. met with many of our Swiss ecosystem partners. 👉 Mark your calendar for next year: The startup days are taking place on May 13th and 14th 2025. Thank you, @Linden Live Learning Labs, Alexandra Leemann, Dominik Isler, Michael Hebeisen, Florence Hübner and team, for a fantastic networking and learning opportunity. Work can be fun! #swissstartups #climatetech #deeptech Emerald Technology Ventures

Value creation beyond the newly raised capital for the Fund IV 🔭 At UVC Partners we believe in the empowerment of the next generation of innovators, and our recently closed €250 million Fund IV is a renewal of our commitment towards this mission.📈🤝 We go way beyond providing just capital; with a dedicated value creation team, we connect startups within the UnternehmerTUM’s ecosystem (Europe’s leading startup hub, according to the Financial Times) to an extensive network of over 1,000 partners, including influential figures in the corporate, business, and political sectors. Managing Partner Helmut Schoenenberger elaborates: “Outstanding education, research and innovation are the driving forces of strong and sustainable societies. For more than 20 years UnternehmerTUM as a leading European startup factory loves to contribute to these three missions and accelerate the university innovation ecosystem. UVC Partners - the VC behind UnternehmerTUM - plays a key role by providing startups with capital, a strong industry network and long-term, strategic thinking. With this mindset, UVC Partners together with UnternehmerTUM helps the next generation of entrepreneurs to build new technology and market leaders in Europe.”  UVC Partners has a rich history of investing in groundbreaking founders and their cutting-edge startups, and we’re excited to keep advancing Europe’s leading and most promising companies.🚀 Read more in our press release: https://lnkd.in/d8bRr8_E And in the Handelsblatt article written by Nadine Schimroszik: https://lnkd.in/dcRSDVi5 📬 Don't want to miss any news from UVC Partners? Subscribe to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/e6YhJmVF

Pitching to VCs? Here’s your ultimate guide, straight from Quentin Dupraz at Ilavska Vuillermoz Capital, shared during the #LuVentureDays. Part 2 💡 Quentin highlighted key elements every startup must include in their pitch deck to capture a VC’s attention. Here are the must-have slides: 1️⃣ Introduction: keep it simple — what does your company do? 2️⃣ Problem: why does your company exist? Clearly define the problem you’re solving in a way that’s relatable. 3️⃣ Why Now? Timing is everything. Show why your solution is crucial at this moment. 4️⃣ Solution & Product: make it crystal clear how your product or service is the best solution for the problem you’ve identified. 5️⃣ Market & Traction: start with a niche market and expand from there. Back your claims with real results — think metrics like 800 paying users, 40% growth per month, $150k annual revenue run rate. 6️⃣ Business Model: show how you plan to generate revenue and who your customers are. 7️⃣ Go-to-Market Strategy: what’s your growth strategy? Highlight your distribution channels and partnerships. 8️⃣ Team: prove that your team is the right one to bring this vision to life. Complementary skills and resilience are critical. 9️⃣ Fundraising: be clear — how much are you raising and for what? Break it down by product development, marketing, and key milestones. Startup Luxembourg, LPEA - Luxembourg Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, LuXembourg - Let's Make It Happen, The LHoFT - Luxembourg House of Financial Technology, Luxinnovation GIE, University of Luxembourg Incubator and Entrepreneurship Programme, Luxembourg-City Incubator, PULSE, LBAN - Luxembourg Business Angel Network, Paul Wurth InCub, Le Village by CA, Technoport SA, GP Bullhound, Tomorrow Street, Expon Capital, Dealflow.eu, gener8tor, House of Startups Luxembourg, Cluster for Logistics Luxembourg - C4L

Call for Applications: Two Startups Wanted for Startup Board Academy Due Diligence on March 26 in TECHNOPARK® Zürich !! Are you on the fundraising process? Before you step into the high-stakes meetings with investors, seize this unparalleled opportunity for your startup to be rigorously evaluated by the seasoned board members, corporate investors, and business angels of the Startup Board Academy Why Participate, Especially During Fundraising? 💡 Unbiased & Neutral Feedback: Obtain critical insights and unbiased feedback from experts who have navigated the startup investment landscape successfully. This feedback is gold dust as you prepare to meet potential investors. 🤝 Meet the Expectations of Investors and Board Members: Understanding how professional board members and investors assess startups can give you a crucial edge in your fundraising efforts. 🚀 A Strategic Advantage: Being 'due diligence ready' signals to potential investors that you are serious, prepared, and a step ahead in the game. Details: This is free and if you are selected you will receive a free workshop for one of the Startup Board Academy advanced education webinar! 🔗 Application Link: https://lnkd.in/ejZ5CqbZ If you want to know more you can contact Clara Alonso or Virginie Verdon Jacques Hefti Laura Fontana Karim Maizar Benedict Stalder Jean de Wolff

🌟 Exciting News in the European VC Scene 🌟 🚀 The rise of European VC firms operating as entrepreneurs backing entrepreneurs is gaining momentum with the recent addition of Swedish fund Node.vc joining the league. 💼 With €71 million in funding to deploy into startups, the entrepreneurial spirit is reaching new heights in the European investment landscape. 🔮 Prediction: 1. This trend of VC firms aligning themselves closely with the entrepreneurial journey will continue to grow as startups seek more than just financial backing. 2. Node.vc and its peers are poised to play a crucial role in fostering innovation and driving the startup ecosystem forward in Europe. 🌐 General Commentary: 1. The approach of being entrepreneurs themselves in the VC world brings a deeper level of understanding and support to the startups they invest in. 2. This shift signifies a shift towards more hands-on and value-driven investing, signaling a positive evolution in the European startup and investment landscape. Let's stay tuned for the exciting developments that will unfold as these entrepreneurial VC firms make their mark on the future of startup innovation in Europe! 🚀 #EuropeanVC #Innovation #StartupEcosystem 🌍

As you might know, at Freiraum Ventures we have a soft spot for university teams, and as such, some recent findings by Adam Shuaib, PhD caught our attention. Adam found that only 15% of Europe's unicorn founders are alumni of the 5 most represented universities, suggesting that a big chunk of investment opportunities can be found outside the usual suspects like London, Paris and Berlin. Yet, as the majority of VC money continues to flow into the flashy startup hubs, we risk overlooking success stories in other ecosystems. Head over to our blog where we explain how VCs can adopt a more unified approach to back our homegrown champions and ensure Europe remains competitive at a global scale. Read the full piece here 👉 https://shorturl.at/4dDe5

🤔 How could the new €100m fund reshape the future of Nordic startups? Maki VC has made waves in the investment landscape by officially closing its third fund at an impressive €100 million, aiming to propel Scandinavian startups to new heights. This robust financial backing signals a vote of confidence in the innovation ecosystem thriving across Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Norway. With a clear focus on supporting early-stage companies that harness technology as their main growth driver, Maki VC's diligent approach is poised to influence many budding entrepreneurs and established enterprises alike. The Nordic region continues to cultivate an environment characterized by innovation and creativity. Greater access to funding not only paves the way for transformative ideas but also fosters collaborations that bridge gaps between various sectors. Maki VC’s commitment extends beyond just monetary support; they are dedicated to partnering with visionary founders who possess ambitious plans for growth while making impactful changes within their communities. So, what areas will this newly acquired fund target? The firm expresses particular interest in industries like software development, healthcare technology advancements, sustainability-focused projects, as well as those aimed at enhancing digital experiences – all components indicative of today’s fast-paced market demands. Each investment reflects a thoughtful consideration of potential partnerships and alliances according to market needs and trajectories already established within these sectors. As companies are increasingly challenged by rapidly evolving technologies and shifting consumer preferences setting sail into uncertain waters of post-pandemic recovery phase - securing sound investments becomes essential! Are you eager for opportunities that fuel your innovative ambitions? Maki VC invites corporate partners seeking ways to drive meaningful change through tangible investments! Connect with startups working on groundbreaking projects that can kickstart your corporate innovation journey 🚀 Don’t miss out on engaging conversations around collaboration opportunities with pioneering brands across the Nordics – book a meeting today! https://lnkd.in/dFYwmbHq Let’s collectively explore how we can shape future successes together! 🌍 #NordicStartups #InnovationEcosystem #VentureCapital #CorporateInnovation #MakiVC #StartupFunding #DigitalTransformation #TechnologyInvestment #SustainabilityDriven #HealthcareTech Read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/dhGzHZSH

“You can leave the floor - no perfect pitch exists!” - that’s how Quentin Dupraz from Ilavska Vuillermoz Capital kicked off one of the most insightful sessions I’ve attended with Alokta during #LuVentureDays 😅 It’s clear that the startup world is changing - creativity and non-traditional approaches are emerging more and more as the new norm 🔥No longer just about ticking boxes, founders are learning how to stand out and tell compelling stories. Here are some of the key points Quentin shared that really stuck with me: 🎯Investing is like a love affair You build long-term relationships that suit both sides. Be clear about your needs, expectations, and boundaries while encouraging the other side to do the same. This creates transparency and avoids misunderstandings. 🎯Go beyond good Finding 10 good companies isn’t enough. The goal? Spotting the fantastic ones that truly stand out. 🎯Pitching is just the start The pitch gets you in the room, but what happens next is about building trust and relationships. It’s your ability to tell a compelling story that makes the real difference. 🎯It’s all about the narrative Most pitches fall short because they don’t convey the full story. Show what you’ve already accomplished — talk about the hours spent, the research done, and the lessons learned. 🎯Timing is key VCs face huge risks with timing, and your startup has to be front and center. A simple product with a clear vision goes a long way. A big market? Great — but it’s the niche you’ve mastered that makes you stand out. 🎯Monetization from the start Even if you’re pre-revenue, outline how you plan to monetize. And when discussing your go-to-market strategy, be sure to show off your distribution channels and partnerships. 🎯The power of teamwork A complementary team is a must, and founders who can demonstrate flexibility and resilience are the ones who succeed when things don’t go as planned — which they rarely do in startups! 🎯 Avoid overload Keep your slides focused and to the point — just enough to spark curiosity. In early-stage startups, focus on your ideal customer profile rather than the competition. The key takeaway? Make your pitch simple yet powerful. Focus on the story, the vision, and the team behind it. To read more: Alokta Startup Luxembourg, LPEA - Luxembourg Private Equity & Venture Capital Association, LuXembourg - Let's Make It Happen, The LHoFT - Luxembourg House of Financial Technology, Luxinnovation GIE, University of Luxembourg Incubator and Entrepreneurship Programme, Luxembourg-City Incubator, PULSE, LBAN - Luxembourg Business Angel Network, Paul Wurth InCub, Le Village by CA, Technoport SA, GP Bullhound, Tomorrow Street, Expon Capital, Dealflow.eu, gener8tor, House of Startups Luxembourg, Cluster for Logistics Luxembourg - C4L