Tony Namulo’s Post

Since '19 I have been hosting a weekly brunch for founders past, present & future. Yesterday we had a special session: Ali and Hugo, who are writing their Master’s thesis about the Stockholm startup ecosystem, wanted to know how entrepreneurs visualized the ecosystem's key nodes. They wanted to know what makes this ecosystem work. What can be improved? If you have any input for Ali & Hugo, please comment! Here were some takeaways from our discussion: 1️⃣ Ecosystem strong points: meetups + angels + public support. Sthlm has incredible events for founders every week–from Norrsken’s morning raves to Karolinska Institutet’s Digital Health Cocktail Hour, to the Mastercard Lighthouse. We also have great early-stage funding from Almi, Vinnova, & angels. Sting might be the best example of all these of these forces in unison. 2️⃣ Stockholm is an easy place to start a company. This is a high-trust society. Swedish contracts are often straightforward and fair. Digital processes make it relatively easy to start a company here. Plus there’s extra support in the early days. My favorite example: Sweden's employment law allows employees to take six months of unpaid leave to look for another job or to start a business, whilst retaining their right of employment in their jobs. 3️⃣ Our ecosystem prizes “impact” & “disruption.” Almost every startup in Stockholm claims to be working in these areas. Government funding usually requires it. In any case, it’s working: Stockholm continues to be "the home of impact," and Sweden is one of the most innovative countries in the world. 4️⃣ Weak points: capital beyond seed stage. Creandum founder Stefan Lindeberg once said “Sweden is a great country for startups before Series A.” Almost any startup that wants to grow past this point has to look outside Sweden.... 5️⃣ Unicorns are the cause & effect of our healthy ecosystem. ...but it’s hard to raise Series A capital everywhere. Perhaps what’s most remarkable about Sweden’s success is that a surprising number of leaders have done it anyway. And when they do, strength leads to strength. Skype, Europe’s first unicorn, gave Stockholm the means to build more ecosystem pillars: meetups, media, money. Invest Stockholm has a good visualization of the flywheel: https://lnkd.in/d3e7DJgH If you’re interested in getting more active in this ecosystem, check out Growth minds and the brunches we host each week at Stockholm Founders Coral.

Connections & Cocktails: Our EU-Startups Summit Story!🇲🇹 Just got back from two incredible days at the Startups summit on Malta, and we are buzzing with the energy and connections we made!🔥 As our first international event, it definitely exceeded expectations. Marek Liška became a master of multi-tasking, juggling our booth, the main stage, and networking with other businesses. Lukáš Král was constantly discussing technical details about our platform. Meanwhile, I held down the fort at our booth, passionately explaining our platform to everyone who stopped by. And Daniel Hendrych captured everything on camera!🕺🏻 The summit itself was a goldmine for European startups. It provided a fantastic platform to showcase ideas, network with investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs. From insightful chats to an exciting pitch competition showcasing Europe's brightest startups, there was something for everyone. Speaking of connections, the evening networking event was a masterclass in turning "business cards" into "business buddies." Conversations flowed as smoothly as the drinks.🍸 Now, onto the most important question: If you connect with us on LinkedIn and are interested in exploring collaboration opportunities, reach out! We're thrilled about the potential to create something groundbreaking together.😊 P.S. Huge thanks to the Anastasiia Ponomareva, Thomas Ohr and their team for creating such a dynamic and inspiring environment! The future of European startups is looking brilliant!🇪🇺 #EUStartupsSummit #Malta #Networking #Collaboration #Entrepreneurship

🌟 Event Recap: Insights from the Italian Startup Ecosystem Event 🌟 On October 22 we had our 2nd event 'Meet the Italian Startup Ecosystem Ft. Zest Group, Portolano Cavallo and Babonbo', where industry leaders shared invaluable insights about the evolving startup landscape in Italy. Here are some key takeaways that stood out: 1. Evolving Opportunities: As noted by Noa Segre, the Italian startup ecosystem has transformed significantly in the last 5-6 years. Today founders have better opportunities than they had a decade ago, from accelerator programs that validate business ideas to a growing investor and network of supportive investors. The most important thing is to find the right accelerator that fits your interest best and the right people to support you through all the startup stages. 2. The Valuable Role of Accelerators: Accelerators emerged as vital resources for founders. Duygu Sefa shares her entrepreneurial journey and how accelerators were crucial in the success of Babonbo. They help validate ideas, refine pitches for investors, and most importantly, network: an invaluable part of the entrepreneur process. 3. Legal Considerations: Lorenzo Giampaolo Arrigoni emphasized the importance of understanding legal matters when starting a tech business. Founders should prioritize: - Choosing the Right Company Structure: Essential for attracting future investment. - Intellectual Property: Engage experienced IP consultants to protect your innovations. - Building Trust: Select legal advisors you trust rather than those recommended by lead investors. 4. Building the Right Team: Founders must recognize that they can’t do everything alone. Luca Lasagna pointed out that hiring senior talent can be costly, but leveraging fractional managers provides a flexible, cost-effective solution. These professionals can dedicate days per week according to the rate and budget of the startup to support the growth. Moreover, there is the possibility of hiring a virtual fractional manager. Fractional Manager Italia supports you in this. This approach allows the founder to tap into expertise in an efficient way. What insights resonate most with you? This a great opportunity to decide how we can all make Italy a thriving startup ecosystem! #FounderInstitute #ItalianInnovationEcosystem

🚀 Exciting News Alert! 🚀 SERN is thrilled to announce our collaboration with the #EuropeanCommission on a groundbreaking 2-year venture: StepUP StartUps. Our mission? To delve into national and local startup and scaleup ecosystems across Europe. And we're proud to have Barrabés.biz, Leibniz IRS, Deep Ecossystems, Eu Startups onboard as key partners in this journey. The StepUP StartUps project is set to: 📊 Develop data-driven policy reports tackling EU startup ecosystem challenges head-on. 🤝 Engage with a diverse range of stakeholders, amplifying voices from niche verticals, industry groups, and policymakers. 🎉 Host events to invigorate ecosystem development, share insights, and foster collaboration among stakeholders. You are cordially invited to the joint launch event hosted by the Innovation Radar Bridge and StepUp Startups projects. Save the Date: 🗓️ April 16th, 2024 ⏰ 10:30 AM - 4:30 PM 📍 La Tricoterie, Rue Théodore Verhaegen 158, 1060 Bruxelles, Belgium Spotlight Sessions include: 🌟 Smart Policies: Innovations Aligned for Success 🌟 Unlocking the Investment Potential of EU-Funded Innovators 🌟 The Platform Economy: Opportunities Created by the Digital Market Acts Why Attend? 🔍 Explore Supportive Policies: Discover how pivotal policies drive growth and uncover investment and collaboration opportunities within Europe's dynamic startup ecosystem. 🤝 Networking Opportunities: Connect with officials and industry pros, forging collaborations vital for propelling innovation. Don't miss out on this event! Mark your calendars and join us for an insightful day of collaboration and innovation. #StepUPStartUps #EUInnovation Barrabés.biz @Leibniz IRS DEEP Ecosystems EU-Startups 

This is awesome initiative! E-resident startup founders and foreign (future) founders in Estonian can hugely benefit from this program. Real pro's in Estonian startup landscape Tenity and Beamline Accelerator are smoothly introducing secret and not so secret tricks of navigating successfully in Estonian ecosystem! Softly powered by e-Residency team as well, of course ;) So, if you are ambitious startup founder (e-resident and/or foreign founder in Estonia), check out, what's the plan and how to apply: https://lnkd.in/dmD3sfQy

🚀 One Week Until We Dive Into the #Slovak #Startup Scene! Pitch Me Baby ⚡ Zilina is almost here, and we’re counting down the days! 😎 📅 Mark your calendars for October 9th at the Rector's Foyer, University of Zilina, where 8 bold and innovative startups will take the stage. Whether they’re at the idea stage, early stage, or Series A—we’re about to find out! Get ready to be inspired. 💡 STARTUPS Ready to refine your pitch and level up? This is your chance! Pitch your startup in English, get direct feedback from seasoned mentors and investors, and make connections that matter. The format is simple: 🎤 5 minutes to pitch. 💬 5 minutes of valuable feedback. Sign up now and take that leap! 💼 CORPORATES | MENTORS | VCs | BUSINESS ANGELS Looking to expand your network or discover fresh ideas? This is your opportunity to meet determined, sharp founders, and get a sneak peek at some of the most exciting early-stage startups. Your insights could be game-changing—are you ready to share them? 🤖 TECH ENTHUSIASTS Want to join the buzzing #startup ecosystem? Come, connect, and immerse yourself in innovation. This is where ideas are born, and connections are made. 🎯 AGENDA 16:30: Doors open for early check-in. Grab your badge and meet fellow participants. 17:00: Pitch time! 8 startups, 8 bold ideas—give your feedback and join the conversation. 18:30: It's networking time! Enjoy pizza, soft drinks, and some relaxed conversation. Meet founders, exchange ideas, and make lasting connections. 20:00: Afterparty vibes—let’s celebrate innovation and new beginnings! Event Partners: INOVIA, MSIC - Moravskoslezské inovační centrum, Startup Wroclaw The project is co-financed by the Governments of Czechia, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia through Visegrad Grants from International Visegrad Fund. The mission of the fund is to advance ideas for sustainable regional cooperation in Central Europe.

We would like to raise your attention that there is only one week left to apply to the RAISE.EU Project final event during the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta, Malta as part of this year's EU Startup Summit 2024 on May 9th. Register here: https://lnkd.in/dPRx-wjV This event goes over key aspects that are crucial for the growth and success of startups. During the event you will be going through integral sessions such as: 🟡How to turn Europe into an interconnected start-up ecosystem? 🟡RAISE your impact: a practical guide for start-up scale up 🟡Navigating structural funds with RAISE start-up support interactive map 🟡Common Action Plan: Needs and expectations of the start-up sector 🟡Panel session: Start-up challenges and opportunities in EU regions During these sessions you will gain access to 📋Supportive start-up policies: gain insights into the pivotal role of supportive policies in catalysing start-up growth and discover collaboration opportunities within the dynamic European startup ecosystem. 🛠️Practical tools for start-up growth: delve into the RAISE methodology with clear steps for start-ups aiming to scale up. ✅EU-STARTUPS SUMMIT 2024: Get a 25% off discount on the EU Startups Summit 2024 ticket. Engage with officials and industry professionals, fostering collaborations and partnerships essential for driving innovation forward. If you are a startup looking to scale up or an investor trying to find new opportunities this is the perfect event to develop the necessary skills you would need to find success. Take part in the discussions and contribute your ideas during the final RAISE Project event here: https://lnkd.in/dPRx-wjV

🤔 How to make a start-up contest profitable? I spent 2 days in Brussels for a European PropTech Association startup competition. TBH, I hesitated a lot when Dirk Paelinck invited me to pitch Thermosphr.  In a start-up, your time is the only controllable metric.  It's a marathon and you must be laser focused.  Two days wasted on vanity is two days wasted on business development. 🍟 Even if the Belgian fries are excellent :/ Nevertheless, I managed to make the most of it for 3 reasons: 1️⃣ I met some very clever competitors for energy efficiency in commercial buildings.  I strongly believe having such fierce competition is an excellent thing, given the magnitude of our challenge ahead!  It was an opportunity to discuss common challenges facing our sector! Kudos Ahmet Köse Donatas Karčiauskas and Patrik Johansson 2️⃣ The wild ambition of some founders reminds me that everything is possible.  Some players skip the « small European countries » and directly target the world's major commercial property markets (North America, the Middle East and South-East Asia).  That makes me want to aim bigger and further afield. Kudos Chris Van de Voorde & Maciej (Matthew) Markowski José P. & Ramzi Bouzerda 3️⃣ Different cultures = more international mindset.  The easiest way to build a world champion is to be international from the start.  In Europe, we can see our culture differences as an opportunity. For example, mixing southern Europeans with Northern Europeans from the start could ensure you « take the most of » every cultural mindsets. cc Ana Luisa Vaz for Portugal + Dutch mariage! And you? Do you participate to startup contests? Thanks to the jury & sponsors that supported this event! cc Grigor Hadjiev Julien Daclin Martinas Eitmonas Théo Galula #climatechange #energy #startup #Europe #realestate

Flattery will get you everywhere. Or so it seems. 😅 I have some unexpected news - I’m now an 𝗲𝟮𝟳 𝗘𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝗺𝗯𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗱𝗼𝗿. To be honest, I 𝘯𝘦𝘷𝘦𝘳 saw this coming. Why? Because I’m a contrarian at heart. Big events and loud networking really isn’t my thing. But then, a few days ago, Nison Chan from e27 (Optimatic) sent me a message. Normally, I’d politely decline such invitations. But Nison’s approach started with flattery. “𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘶𝘱𝘦𝘳 𝘪𝘯𝘧𝘭𝘶𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘪𝘢𝘭 𝘰𝘯 𝘓𝘪𝘯𝘬𝘦𝘥𝘐𝘯! 🙏🏼”  “𝘠𝘰𝘶’𝘭𝘭 𝘣𝘦 𝘣𝘳𝘢𝘯𝘥𝘦𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝘸𝘦𝘣𝘴𝘪𝘵𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘰𝘤𝘪𝘢𝘭𝘴!” And just like that... 😆 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘆: 𝟭 - 𝗠𝗲: 𝟬. But let’s get real. It wasn’t 𝘫𝘶𝘴𝘵 Nison’s persuasive charm that won me over. It was what e27 and Echelon stand for. For those who don’t know, e27 has grown from being a humble local media startup in Singapore since 2007, to an established media presence in Asia Pacific. Their flagship event, 𝗘𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟱, is more than just a conference - it’s a showcase gathering of Asia’s brightest and most exciting startups. Supporting e27 feels like supporting Singapore’s entrepreneurial dream. And their mission to empower startups and founders deeply resonates with me. 💸 𝗦𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝗮𝗹. As an ambassador, I get to share 𝟭𝟬 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗣𝗮𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀 to Echelon 2025. 𝘠𝘦𝘴, 𝘪𝘵'𝘴 𝘧𝘳𝘦𝘦! If you’re running a startup, working in tech, or just eager to meet investors and founders shaping the region, these passes are for you. 👉 Drop a comment below to claim one. 𝘕𝘰 𝘧𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘺 𝘳𝘦𝘲𝘶𝘪𝘳𝘦𝘥. 𝗕𝘂𝘁 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁 - 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘄𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁 𝗹𝗼𝗻𝗴! 🎯 𝘓𝘦𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘪𝘯𝘴𝘱𝘪𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘰𝘮𝘦𝘰𝘯𝘦 𝘵𝘰𝘥𝘢𝘺. 𝘏𝘪𝘵 𝘵𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘱𝘰𝘴𝘵 𝘣𝘶𝘵𝘵𝘰𝘯! - #e27 #Echelon2025 #Startups #Entrepreneurship #Networking #TechInnovation #FlatteryWorks (Oh, and while you’re there, maybe you’ll spot me and my startup showcasing too! 😉)

Fondacija 787 (Foundation 787) is beyond proud to announce that the third Business Angel Summit will be held on 30-31 October in Sarajevo. This one of a kind, invite-only annual event will gather 150+ hand-picked the region’s and Europe’s leading angel investors, early-stage venture capitalists, entrepreneurs and other key stakeholders in the startup ecosystem. With an emphasis on a close, focused atmosphere and meaningful networking, the #BusinessAngelSummit has become a cornerstone event for shaping the region's innovation future, with past editions proving vital for regional pre-seed and seed startups by helping them secure essential investments and break new ground. 💡So, what’s on the 2024 agenda? - Pitch sessions from some of the region’s most promising early-stage startups - Insightful panel discussions and keynote lectures for participants - Pratical workshops for startups - Networking opportunities with various investors from the region, Europe, and beyond - A chance for impactful investments As the Western Balkans emerges as a startup hotspot, there’s no better place to discover untapped potential and be part of the future of entrepreneurship. 🌍 Stay tuned, #BAS24 is taking over! 𝙋.𝙎. 𝙄𝙣 𝙘𝙖𝙨𝙚 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙖𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙚𝙡 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙚𝙨𝙩𝙤𝙧, 𝙬𝙚 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙠𝙣𝙤𝙬𝙨 𝙨𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙤𝙣𝙚 𝙬𝙝𝙤 𝙢𝙞𝙜𝙝𝙩 𝙗𝙚 𝙖𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙖 𝙨𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙚 𝙞𝙣𝙫𝙞𝙩𝙚. 𝙂𝙚𝙩 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙤𝙪𝙘𝙝!