Exploring Innovation and Cross-Border Collaboration: Highlights from the 4NGELS Study Visit to Slovenia
We are excited to share the key moments from our recent #4NGELS study visit to the beautiful and innovative landscape of Slovenia! This journey brought together a diverse group of 32 investors hailing from Poland, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, Romania, Croatia, and Macedonia, all united by a common goal: to explore and enhance the startup and venture ecosystem across borders.
Kicking Off in Ljubljana
Our adventure began with a warm and delightful welcome dinner in the heart of Ljubljana. This set the stage for a productive and engaging Monday, where our participants delved into the innovative environment at Technology Park Ljubljana. Here, we had the pleasure of visiting companies such as XLAB, a global leader in IT innovation, and AciesBio, which is making significant strides in biotechnology.
The day wouldn't have been complete without a taste of local culture. We experienced the unique Žalec Beer Fountain, where beer actually flows from a fountain! Despite a bit of rain, our spirits remained high, underscoring the resilient and positive energy that characterized our entire visit.
A Day in Maribor
Our journey continued to Maribor, where we were welcomed by the Slovene Enterprise Fund. This visit highlighted the supportive infrastructure available to startups in Slovenia. The day culminated with an exclusive investors' dinner at the Podim Conference, fostering further networking and collaboration among the international investors.
Podim Conference: A Hub of Innovation
Podim Conference is a premier event showcasing the best in regional innovation. Our own panel on cross-border investing drew significant attention, offering insights into the benefits and challenges of international investment collaborations. A highlight was the pitch session, where the top 3 #4NGELS startups presented their ideas to over 50 investors, competing for the opportunity to secure cross-border syndicated investment. Stay tuned to find out which startup emerged as the winner! 🚀
Collaboration and Concluding Moments
In collaboration with the #Connect2Scale project, we organized a Business Angels Mixer. This event facilitated deeper connections among investors and startups, reinforcing the importance of community and collaboration in driving innovation. Our study visit concluded on a sweet note with an ice cream tasting session before we headed back to Ljubljana.
A Grand Success and Future Opportunities
We extend our heartfelt thanks to all participants who contributed to the success of this study visit. Together, we have taken significant steps towards fostering innovation and strengthening cross-border collaborations.
If you missed this trip, don't worry! You can still be part of our amazing #4NGELS community. Secure your spot for the upcoming study visit to Warsaw this autumn. Sign up here to ensure you don't miss out on this incredible opportunity.
About #4NGELS
#4NGELS is an international program organized by four business angel networks: Estonian Business Angels Network (EstBAN), Finnish Business Angels Network (FiBAN), Business Angels of Slovenia, and COBIN Angels. Coordinated by Civitta and funded by the European Union, this program brings together investors from Estonia, Finland, Slovenia, and Poland to enhance cross-border investments and strengthen the startup ecosystem. 4NGELS is funded by the European Union.
