Nuqleus is bringing another novelty to CEE’s deep tech ecosystem – a fundraising bootcamp designed to help CEE’s deep tech startups prepare for challenges in the growth phase, and to meet and build relationships with VCs actively participating in the late seed stage, institutional investors supporting deep tech startups across the growth phase, and industry leaders interested in pilot projects. The curated group made up of 10 seed-stage deep tech startups, 4 VCs, 3 industry leaders and 2 mentors is participating in the first edition of the Grow in Europe Bootcamp powered by Liftoff’s Cosmic partner: European Innovation Council (EIC). The bootcamp is happening 28 – 30 June at the beautiful Cres Island, as a boutique overture to one of the key deep tech events in the CEE region – Nuqleus Liftoff.
The Challenge and the Idea
Fundraising is not an easy job. Only a single-digit percentage of startups secure their first funding, and about half of seed-funded startups successfully raise a follow-on round. If you are a startup founder from the CEE region, your chances are even smaller. And if you are a deep tech startup founder from the CEE region, your fundraising path might be even more challenging. Based on our experience in helping deep tech startups fundraise through the Startup Builder program, and our matchmaking experience through the Scinergy project, we decided to create the program which helps CEE startups meet VCs investing in their industry, stage, and region. The 3-day long format happening outside the typical business setup was chosen as it gives the opportunity for participants to not only meet, but actually connect and have more meaningful, in-depth conversations. As someone working with all involved participants, Nuqleus serves as a perfect matchmaking platform, de-risking the process and enabling participants to focus on the important topics.
Concept
All participants were cherry-picked and interviewed during the scouting phase. This light due diligence ensures a clear match between participants, saving time and increasing the possibility of collaboration. The program is a mix of matchmaking, education and longer meetings with the most relevant participants.
- Taking care of all logistics (transportation, accommodation, food and drinks, and program setup)
- Cherry-picking the participants, ensuring the group’s quality, and guaranteeing multiple strong matches for every participant
- Increasing professional networks through speed-dating and meeting all the participants
- Longer, in-depth conversations with best matches
- “Go-to-(New)-Market Strategy” workshop focused on challenges in selling, entering new markets, and market positioning by Abhijeet Malik, international business growth expert and VC scout
- “Inside the Series A+ Investor Mindset” workshop focused on preparation necessities, most important metrics, the due diligence process, and other tips for successfully raising follow-up funding by Joško Bobanović, board director and investment professional with 20+ years of experience through some of the biggest European VCs such as Sofinnova Partners
The timing of the Grow in Europe Bootcamp, happening before the Liftoff, enables participants to also benefit from the typical benefits which every large event brings.
Participants
VC
Industry
Institutional Investors
This group is selected as it shares Nuqleus’ aspiration to empower CEE’s deep tech ecosystem by connecting all the stakeholders and help it grow.
