The head of this working group is Mr Ricardo Luz
Founder of Gestluz Consultores, MVentures, RHJA Accountants and Absolute H., Entrepreneur. Member of the Fiscal Council of 321 Crédito, IFC, SA and Payshop, SA. EBAN Board Member (https://www.eban.org/eban-board/) and Chairman of the “Financial institutions partnerships” strategic area in EBAN. Founder of Invicta Angels(https://invictaangels.pt) and Co-founder of FNABA(www.fnaba.org). Executive Board Member of the “Portuguese DFI (IFD)”( http://www.ifd.pt/pt/) where the last VC fund was 200 Mill euro along with European Investment Bank. Ricardo holds a degree in Economics from the University of Porto.
The Access to Finance and Business Angels Investors working group.
The “Access to Finance and Business Angels Investors” working group focuses on facilitating access to financing for startups, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and entrepreneurs within the context of the European Union (EU). Its primary objective is to connect businesses with potential investors, including business angel investors, while also taking into account EU-specific financing opportunities and regulations. Here are the key tasks and responsibilities that such a working group might undertake:
-
Identification of EU Investors: Identify and establish relationships with business angel investors and other potential sources of funding that operate within the EU. This includes researching and networking to build a robust investor network.
-
Entrepreneurial Outreach: Reach out to EU-based entrepreneurs, startups, and SMEs seeking funding and educate them about the opportunities available through EU finance programs and business angel investors. Provide guidance on how to prepare for investor pitches.
-
EU Financing Programs: Familiarize entrepreneurs with EU financing programs, grants, and initiatives available to support innovation, research, development, and business growth within the EU.
-
Matchmaking: Facilitate connections between EU-based entrepreneurs and potential investors by organizing networking events, pitch sessions, or online platforms where startups can present their business ideas to investors with a focus on EU-specific opportunities.
-
Investor Education: Offer educational programs and resources for EU-based business angel investors, including workshops on due diligence, investment strategies, and EU regulations related to angel investing.
-
Deal Structuring: Assist in structuring investment deals, including negotiating terms and conditions that align with EU regulations and are fair to both investors and entrepreneurs.
-
Investment Screening: Help EU-based entrepreneurs refine their business plans and investment pitches to ensure they meet EU-specific criteria. Conduct preliminary assessments of business opportunities in line with EU financing priorities.
-
Due Diligence Support: Guide EU-based investors through the due diligence process, including assessing the financial health, market potential, and EU policy alignment of potential investments.
-
EU Regulatory Compliance: Ensure that investment transactions comply with relevant EU laws and regulations, including those related to securities, competition, and state aid.
-
Access to EU Resources: Connect EU-based startups with additional resources provided by EU institutions and programs, such as mentorship, innovation hubs, and Horizon Europe funding.
-
Investment Readiness: Assist EU-based entrepreneurs in becoming investment-ready by helping them improve their business models, financial plans, and operational strategies in a way that aligns with EU priorities.
-
Monitoring and Reporting: Track and report on the progress and outcomes of investments made through the working group, with an emphasis on how these investments align with EU objectives and impact regional development.
-
Promotion and Awareness: Promote the benefits of business angel investing and the success stories of EU-based startups that have received funding through the working group. Raise awareness of EU financing opportunities for innovation and growth.
-
EU Policy Advocacy: Advocate for policies and regulations at the EU level that support angel investing, innovation, and entrepreneurship, including participation in EU consultations and initiatives.
-
Collaboration: Collaborate with EU institutions, regional authorities, business incubators, accelerators, and industry associations to leverage resources and expertise in supporting EU startups and investors.
-
Diversity and Inclusion: Promote diversity and inclusion within the EU entrepreneurial and investment ecosystem, ensuring that underrepresented groups have equal access to financing opportunities, especially those provided through EU programs.
