?? A big shoutout!??
?? Founder Institute Vienna and Scale To Global would like to thank Kambis Kohansal Vajargah, Julia Eisner, Jakobus Schuster, Niklas Benesch and Assen Plevneliev for their fantastic contributions and insights on our panel last night!
Our virtual "European by Design" panel series drew in attendees from all across Europe, including Switzerland, Brussels, Paris, Amsterdam, Vienna and many more in attendance for the discussion. We thank the audience for their wonderful contributions and questions! #Keepthemcoming!
Some clear take-aways from the panel:
? Assen Plevneliev, Chief of Staff at Sigma Squared Society discussed the uniqueness and collaborative effort which European startups show, the stark contrasts between U.S. and European startups, and the ease of accessibility between the different European markets. His philosophy of 'forward giving' creates a ripple effect of opportunities across the European startup community.
? Kambis Kohansal Vajargah, Head of Startup services at Austrian Federal Economic Chamber federal advice to first-time founders include find local organisations to be part of (like Founder Institute), reach out to your startup community (entrepreneurs and founders), and the critical importance of building your network effects and sharing ideas. As a serial entrepreneur, building bridges in the startup ecosystem in Austria as well as representing the Austria startup ecosystem globally, network effects is a key success driver.
? Julia Eisner, Researcher and Lecturer at Fachhochschule Wiener Neustadt talked about the Austrian AI ecosystem, what is missing when it comes to AI Labs (sandboxes etc), the importance of investing in AI talent, and the need for stronger collaboration between the startup industry and research institutes. She is a strong advocate for Responsible AI and believes the EU AI Act will set an important benchmark for companies and startups to follow.
? Jakobus Schuster, CEO and founder of notarity talked about the importance of the one single European market and taking advantage of the large size of the European market. As a founder of an online digital solution, ease of doing business is at the core of his business model and a driving factor behind his belief of the need to create a one single market in Europe.
? Niklas Benesch, Principal at ROI VENTURES from a business angel perspective, having invested in both European and US startups, the importance in understanding the upside of being a European startup; the market, the legal frameworks, so much opportunity to scale. Europe definitely lacks when it comes to big growth stage funding, however good founders always find funding!
Founder Institute Vienna and Scale To Global thanks all our panelists for their insights and fantastic audience for their questions. #Staytuned as we bring our next "European by Design" in person conference to you in June!
Kasia Sadowska Stephan Kreiger Stanish GUNASEKARAN Jacqueline Kressner Sara Bentsen
