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Why international angel investing is the future

July 9, 2025

As innovation becomes increasingly global, angel investing must evolve beyond national boundaries. This was the central message of ESIL’s June 2025 workshop, which brought together leading personalities from across continents to discuss one critical idea: the future of innovation depends on international angel investing. From early-stage deep tech funding to cross-border syndication models and EU-wide co-investment platforms, this interactive workshop proved that the power of angel investors is amplified when borders are surmounted. 

 

The case for going global 

Angel investing is no longer a local game. Startups today are born global, and the capital that fuels them must follow suit. International angel investing offers: 

 

  • Access to broader deal flow across diverse markets 
  • Risk diversification through geographic spread 
  • Stronger syndication models that pool expertise and capital 
  • Greater impact by backing solutions to global challenges 

By connecting ecosystems, ESIL helps investors and founders tap into a wider network of opportunities, tools, and co-investment platforms that make cross-border collaboration not only possible, but essential.

 

Key themes from the workshop 

  1. Smarter syndication across borders
    Cross-border syndication is no longer a luxury—it’s a strategic necessity. International angel groups are coordinating due diligence, sharing deal flow, and co-investing in startups that span continents. These networks are proving that trust, transparency, and shared standards can drive better returns and smarter capital deployment.
  2. Institutional tools that enable global reach
    Platforms like EuroQuity and Angelwise, along with EU regulations such as ECSPR, are removing friction from international investing. With harmonised legal templates, SPVs, and matchmaking tools, even smaller investors can confidently participate in global rounds.
  3. Bridging the early-stage funding gap
    International co-investment models are helping startups overcome the “valley of death” between seed funding and scalable growth. By pooling resources and leveraging local expertise, angels can de-risk investments and attract follow-on capital.
  4. Investing in global impact
    From climate tech to AI, international angel investing is fueling startups that tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. These ventures need capital that understands both the local context and the global opportunity.

 

The innovation economy is global, and angel investing must evolve to match it. Legal harmonisation, education, and inclusive networks are key to building a resilient, borderless investment ecosystem. 

 

👉 Missed the workshop? You can rewatch it in sections on our YouTube channel! 

Want to stay involved? Keep an eye on our Events Page for upcoming workshops, networking sessions, and future opportunities. 

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