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(BigData, AI, Blockchain, IoT, Bio-Tech) addressing pressing challenges in our focus areas
Product/service and technology that has passed the Minimum Viable Product (MVP) stage (TRL-6, technology demonstrated in a relevant environment)
Based in Central Eastern Europe or in the widening countries (see FAQ for full list of eligible countries)
About the programme
Ventures Thrive is an EIC-funded, pan-European venture builder providing €1,500,000-worth of support to 32 startups from Widening Countries.
During an 8-month programme, selected startups work alongside top corporates, investors, institutions and mentors. Each accepted startup is eligible for an equity-free cash and services grant of up to €100,000.
Application Open
Deeptech startup founders apply for the programme.
Application Close
Evaluation Days
Startups are assessed on readiness and fit with the programme. Twenty teams will be selected for the programme.
Programme Starts
During the first month, the 20 selected startups will work with Ventures Thrive coaches to produce a Master Plan around their needs regarding Sales & BusDev., Product Development, and Fundraising from private & public sources. Each team will commit to a set of realistic KPIs to pursue during the Ventures Thrive programme.
Pitch Contest
Teams will pitch to industry leaders and corporate partners. All companies reaching this stage qualify to receive a Venture Ticket of €5,000 equity-free, to cover travel & accommodation costs to attend the Selection Days. 10 startups will be selected to continue to the next phase.
Growth Programme
The 10 selected startups begin a 6-month growth programme including workshops, masterclasses, mentoring, and coaching around specific topics related to investment readiness. Startups that are working on specific Corporate Challenges will also work directly with the corporates.
Demo Day
A day to celebrate startups’ achievements during the programme in front of hundreds of investors, corporates, mentors, and press attendees. Prizes will be awarded to the top three startups.
Once accepted on the programme, startups are eligible to receive up to €100,000 equity-free funding (cash + services) subject to reaching programme milestones).
Access to a global network of mentors, corporate partners, industry experts, and investors from 20+ countries.
Connections to the leading corporates in your industry for pilot projects, partnership opportunities, and as customers
Meet the most active VCs and Angel investors in your industry from around the world.
Legal, finance, go-to-market and assistance in identifying and applying for R&D grants to help mature your technology stack with non-dilutive funding
A once in a lifetime opportunity to join a specialised deeptech accelerator + venture builder, providing hands-on support and valuable introductions to scale your business.
Celebrate your achievements during the programme in front of 1000+ investors, corporates, mentors, fellow entrepreneurs, and press attendees.
Partner with leading companies to increase your product launch and sales capabilities. Build your network of investors, and explore public funding opportunities.
Here's what VT participants have to say about the programme.
"VT's management team & industry experts helped us refine our business model. The connections we’ve made opened doors for partnerships in our target markets."
Co-Founder, Green0meter
"Securing funding through Ventures Thrive has been instrumental in driving our project forward, enabling us to scale our operations and invest in research and development."
CEO, SeaSoil
"VT connected us with incredible mentors who have helped us prepare for our seed round investment and develop our business model, marketing strategy, and IP strategy."
Co-Founder & CEO, VCG.AI
These are the 30+ startups that have been funded by Ventures Thrive.
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About Us
Ventures Thrive is one of the first pan-European deeptech venture builders committed to helping startups quickly scale their development. We are delivering on our mission by providing equity-free funding and a curated growth programme, which will connect startups with investors and corporations to test their solutions in real-world scenarios.
Funded by the European Innovation Council (EIC), the €1,500,000 grant will be deployed over two years to invest in up to 32 deeptech startups focused on addressing some of the world’s most pressing problems.
Offering year-round engagement through digital events, corporate innovation challenges, and startup scaling activities. Every edition attracts a diverse audience of 2000+ investors, startups, and industry leaders.
Since 2015, Wolves Summit events facilitated over 35,000 meetings between 19,000+ participants. The summit has a network of 170+ community partners globally which includes accelerators and startup operators. In 2021 the company spun out a new startup division called WolvesX supporting large organisations such as LG Electronics, PwC, Garage+, Economic Development Board in Singapore, among others, addressing a wide range of corporate and government innovation challenges.
For more information please wolvessummit.com
working with deeptech companies and the scientific community during the past years, very oriented to commercialising science-based innovations.
ACCELER8 has established several companies, built R&D projects, and raised €50M+ of funding for these endeavours.
Over the years, A8 has worked with 100+ ERC/EIC researchers and high-tech startups.
For more information please acceler8.today
They specialize in fundraising and development for early-stage deeptech, spinoff, and consumer-oriented startups, in the Climate, Energy, Transport, Ag/biotech, Medtech, Proptech, and Edtech sectors.
AV also provides matchmaking, training and development for early Angel Investors, and partners in EU-funded consortia.
Anthology has worked with more than 150 startups since its founding in 2018.
For more information please anthologyventures.com
CEO, Acceler8
Managing Partner, Anthology Ventures
Communications Manager
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
Ventures Thrive, project No 101073762 has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe framework programme, under the European Innovation Council’s StartUpEU initiative.
