Description
There is a yawning gap between Europe’s world-class research and its commercialisation of innovation. Start-ups and companies who aim to develop research output into market products often end up in the figurative “Valley of Death”. It describes the lack of early-stage funding that inhibits the translation of European knowledge into marketable goods and services. The valley of death occurs in the stage after initial funding (e.g., from public funds or business angels) ends but before institutional investors are ready to support the market expansion of proven and market-ready products. While still existent, the problem has risen to the attention of investors and policymakers alike. New lines of public, private or hybrid funding are emerging to bridge the deadly gap. Funding sources are for example venture capitals, corporate venture capitals, business angels, banks, or impact investors.
The European Cluster Collaboration Platform, on behalf of the European Commission, organised the EU Clusters Talk “Private financing for clusters and projects: Options to access new funding sources” on 19 April 2023, 8:30 – 9:45 CET, to raise awareness about other funding sources than public funding programmes, discuss how to search for new funding sources, and how to access private financing for clusters, SMEs, and projects.
Speakers included:
- Bianca Dragomir, Director, AVAESEN;
- Gisela Sanchez, European Project Manager, Finance Innovation;
- Catriona Murphy, Cluster Manager, Ireland South East Financial Services Cluster;
- Kai Dombrowski, Senior Expert, Climate&Company.
This event is part of bi-weekly online meetings brought to the cluster community by the European Cluster Collaboration Platform. They offer up-to-date insights into the latest industrial policies and clusters’ involvement, projects, and best practices, the latest ECCP news, and funding opportunities. The EU Clusters Talks are a space to exchange knowledge and to discuss cluster-relevant topics, which will change with every meeting.
Watch the full recording of the webinar:
For further information, please see the webinar slides and download the event summary.
Location and date
Virtual Event