Despite Europe’s commendable progress in fostering innovation and nurturing new ventures, underlying structural weaknesses persist. The fragmentation of Europe’s capital markets leads to risk-averse attitudes, while significant regional disparities challenge the continent’s growth trajectory. Addressing these challenges is crucial for Europe to reach the resilience and autonomy required for a sustainable future.
ESIL aims to support the innovation and investment landscapes across the European Union by bolstering angel investing communities. Starting from 2024, this new programme will target countries with less developed angel investing sectors, namely widening countries such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Romania, Poland, and Hungary. A particular emphasis will be placed on mentoring women and young investors, and promoting investment diversity. The initiative’s vision is to empower the evolving face of European angel investment and strengthen gender parity among investors. ESIL’s ultimate goal is to cultivate and empower the next generation of business angels, leveraging the potential of diverse participants from various geographies and communities. This new generation will bring fresh insights and investment capabilities to support our future technology leaders, ensuring a thriving and diverse investment and innovation environment across Europe. ESIL seeks to harness the energy and diversity of the younger generation in emerging European economies. It plans to concentrate their support and capacity-building efforts in these regions, fostering collaboration to build a vibrant and interconnected European angel community. Their vision is clear: to nurture and develop the next generation of angel investors across Europe.
The next gen of angels
ESIL is spearheading the establishment of a new community of business angel investors to drive the next wave of innovation and cultivate future-leading technology champions. With a commitment to fresh perspectives and forward–thinking ideas, this community aims to leverage their investment prowess to champion groundbreaking solutions addressing pressing challenges both in Europe and on a global scale. Their strategy focuses on harnessing the transformative power of digitalisation and technological advancements, promoting ESG principles (Environmental, Social and Governance), and unlocking the potential of a diverse investment landscape. Emphasising gender parity and inclusion, ESIL aspires to create an environment that supports both investors and the innovative entrepreneurs they intend to back.
Funded by the European Union through the European Innovation Council and SME Executive Agency EISMEA, ESIL is executed by a consortium of seasoned ecosystem participants deeply rooted in European investment and innovation circles, comprising META Group, BAE, and Bpifrance.
Business angels, early-stage investors, members of crowdfunding networks, and entrepreneurs are encouraged to join the ESIL community on EuroQuity to engage with fellow investors, crowdfunding platforms, venture capitalists, and innovative companies.
Matchmaking events
ESIL’s matchmaking events ignite connections between startups and investors across Europe. Looking for boosting innovation? Seeking funding for your business? These events put face-to-face with investors and startups in the sector of digital technologies and deep-tech innovation. Take part in our matchmaking events and get connected!
Workshops
The ESIL initiative proposes online and in person workshops to exchange with experienced panellists from the investment ecosystem.
A particular focus will be placed on the role of ESIL Next Gen Angels, as a pioneering initiative aimed at fostering a new generation of younger, more geographically diverse, and gender-inclusive angel investors in Europe and increasing the matchmaking between angel investors and high quality companies developing strategic products and technologies for Europe. By equipping attendees with valuable insights and fostering collaboration, the workshops strive to develop a concrete roadmap for amplifying the impact of ESIL and propelling sustainable gender-focused angel investment throughout Europe.
Watch the Workshop about How Business Angels and other Innovation Actors can support European Innovation Council activities
Training Programmes
One of the missions of ESIL initiative is to boost the Business Angels ecosystems in selected countries where the investment ecosystem still needs to be developed: Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.
In-presence and online trainings are regularly organised by Local Leaders and experts to share and mentor the current and future Next Generation of Angels.
See More Impact Stories
Proof of Concept: Co-Investment Fund for Science Based Companies
Accelerating Internationalisation of High Growth Startups
Better Monitoring for Shalegas Sites
Matchmaking events
ESIL’s matchmaking events ignite connections between startups and investors across Europe. Looking for boosting innovation? Seeking funding for your business? These events put face-to-face with investors and startups in the sector of digital technologies and deep-tech innovation. Take part in our matchmaking events and get connected!