Scaling Challenge

For scaleups, the European funding landscape is full of opportunity, but also risk. [Horizon Europe, EIC Accelerator, Digital Europe], and other EU programmes offer significant non-dilutive funding, yet compliance requirements are complex, success rates are low, and mistakes can be costly. Without a strategic approach and expert guidance, founders risk leaving serious funding on the table or facing setbacks that could slow growth.

Topic Explanation

This session, powered by Ignite Group, one of Europe’s leading subsidy consultancies, dives into the high-stakes world of European subsidies. We’ll explore how telling a compelling, disruptive story is critical to success, and how founders can navigate the intricate compliance requirements. In a workshop setting, we’ll break down the blockers that often prevent scaleups from winning funding and show how to overcome them. A founder will share a first-hand account of leveraging EU subsidies to accelerate international growth, highlighting both the opportunities and pitfalls.

Session Objective

Understand why European subsidies are a powerful, but high-risk growth lever, learn how to craft a story that meets EU expectations, and discover how expert guidance can dramatically improve your chances of success.

Session Outcome

• A clear picture of key European funding opportunities for scaleups.
• Insight into the complex compliance requirements and common pitfalls that lead to rejection.
• Strategies for building a compelling, disruptive story that increases your chances of success.
• Inspiration from a founder who successfully navigated EU programmes to scale internationally.
• Awareness of how expert support can help manage the workload and prevent missed opportunities.

Session Audience

• Founders, CFOs, and CTOs of scaleups (up to 250 FTE).
• Scaleups with international growth ambitions looking to maximize non-dilutive funding from European programmes while managing risk.