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 aims to 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. This new generation of Business Angels will bring fresh insights and investment capabilities to support our future technology leaders, ensuring a thriving and diverse investment and innovation environment 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 Euroquity – Bpifrance.
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.
Upcoming: Funding technology projects and startups at international level: role of Business Angels and other Innovation actors on 16 June 2025.
Upcoming: ESIL and the Next Generation of Angels: state of the art and future perspectives to build an innovative Europe, date TBC, December 2025.
Online Course
Coming soon: Becoming a successful business angel is about to be made a whole lot easier.
This autumn, ESIL will be launching a game-changing 20+ hour E-Learning course designed to turn aspiring and early-stage business angels into confident, knowledgeable investors. It’s the perfect tool to take your investment skills to the next level.
Additionally, 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.
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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!