How can disruptive ideas become impactful ventures? This workshop aims to explore how international Business Angel investing helps bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and global success, and in particular by looking at collaboration among angel networks, platforms, and other key players in the innovation ecosystem.
The workshop will explore real-world cases from major public programmes like Europe’s ERC and EIC, and the USA’s NSF and ARPA, showcasing how early involvement from Business Angels, equity crowdfunding platforms, accelerators, and VCs can make or break the journey from lab to market. To better exemplify this, the focus will be on digital and deep-tech innovation, clean and resource-efficient technologies, as well as bio- and med tech.
The workshop will feature interactive sessions including ecosystem insights, focused discussions for angels and platforms, and a joint brainstorming on how to improve international cooperation.
Where? Online
When? 16 June 2025 | 16:00–18:30 CEST
Provisional agenda (list of speakers TBC):
16:00 - 16:10 - Opening and Welcome
16:10 - 16:50 - Insights from the International and European ecosystems
16:50 - 17:30 - The role of Platforms and “Angel friendly” co-investment funds
17:30 - 18:10 - Brainstorming session: How to improve international angel investing
18:10 - 18:30 - Closing Session: Key Takeaways and Next Steps
The workshop is open to all interested participants. However, it will be of particular interest to:
- Angel investors, early-stage VCs and crowdfunding platforms.
- Innovation actors (accelerators, VC studios, etc.)
- Policymakers and representatives from EU institutions.
How does international angel investing work and why does it matter? This workshop aimed to explore how international Business Angel investing helps bridge the gap between early-stage innovation and global success, and in particular by looking at collaboration among angel networks, platforms, and other key players in the innovation ecosystem.
The workshop explored real-world cases, showcasing how early involvement from Business Angels, equity crowdfunding platforms, accelerators, and VCs can make or break the journey from lab to market. To better exemplify this, the focus was on digital and deep-tech innovation, clean and resource-efficient technologies, as well as bio- and med tech.
The workshop featured interactive sessions including ecosystem insights, focused discussions for angels and platforms, and a joint brainstorming on how to improve international cooperation.
Where? Online
When? 16 June 2025 | 16:00–18:30 CEST
Join us in Brussels for a two-day deep dive into the future of angel investing in Europe. Opt to attend one or both days and the chance to build your networks and learn more about angel investing.
Day 1 (02/12/2025): Training Workshop + Networking Cocktail (Open to all)
Kicking off the event, this half-day, in-person workshop ‘‘From Investment to Impact: How engaging with EIC-backed R&I teams and startups can increase growth and returns.’’ is designed for aspiring and active Business Angels looking to engage more deeply with high-potential R&I teams backed by the European Innovation Council (EIC). Expect:
- Expert-led panels
- Case studies
- Real investor-entrepreneur stories
Moreover, attendees will explore how involvement in EIC-supported innovation schemes can boost portfolio growth and deliver measurable returns.
The day will conclude with live startup pitches and a networking cocktail open to all participants.
Day 2 (03/12/2025): ESIL Annual Conference – Panel Discussions and Workshop
The main conference day brings together top speakers and actors from the EIC, Business Angel networks, innovation actors, incubators, accelerators, early-stage investors and deep tech leaders. The event will:
- Present the latest results of the ESIL initiative,
- Discuss key trends and future actions,
- Host interactive breakout workshop sessions
Themes will include how to nurture a next gen of Business Angels, pan-European investment and collaboration tools and opportunities, deep tech engagement, and inclusive innovation ecosystems.
Location: Brussels, Belgium
Date: 2 – 3 December 2025
Registration: OPENING SOON. Subscribe to our newsletter to get alerts.