BFF 2008 Biotech Finance Forum

Venture Academy

The Venture Academy is offered by Europe Unlimited as part of the EurOffice Access to early-stage financing Training, which aims to help SMEs and researchers that have been selected to present at the Biotech & Finance Forum. Experienced coaches from the relevant industry areas will work very pragmatically with the presenters to prepare them for their participation on the next day.

Entrepreneurs willing to access to international markets will be provided with key information, tools and resources in order to successfully partner and grow their business. The Training is part of EurOffice Services, a PRO INNO Europe action. Focus will be on how to meet strategic partners and potential investors’ expectations. Participants will receive guidance on how their presentations and propositions compare with those of other participants, highlighting the strengths and weaknesses which need to be addressed and improved.

Our access to early stage finance trainings help entrepreneurs to access early-stage funding through Investor-Readiness Workshops and supportive tools. We prepare participants also for business presentations at international investment conferences and investment network platforms. We offer:

  • Direct feedback on strategic strengths & weaknesses & objectives of their business plans/prospects.
  • Techniques on how to approach investors, how to improve the business’ investment strategy
  • Insight into how venture capitalists and other (international) investors might perceive their business, and an awareness of the necessity of seeking finance from many different sources.
  • Knowledge on financing strategy for their company.
  • A way to facilitate introductions to investors and for relationship building with other top entrepreneurs and advisors.
  • Test market entry strategies / investment plans.

Who will participate in the Venture Academy?

  • Selected innovative growth companies with one or maximum two senior management representatives
  • External coaches with relevant expertise and experience, who will review the companies from a shareholder perspective
  • Facilitated by 2 to 3 moderators

Who are the coaches?

  • Independent Coaches: consultants able to personally provide advisory services
    • Ex venture capital managers
    • Ex entrepreneurs
    • Ex advisors

  • Advisory Coaches from established advisory practices
    • Consultants from larger or specialised consulting/ accounting firms
    • Head-hunters or interim managers
    • M&A advisors or investment bankers

What does it cost?

Participation for all actors involved in the Venture Academy is free. It will be restricted to selected companies. The organisers’ selection committee will select companies based on the information provided by the companies themselves.

The Venture Academy will take place on Sunday, 27 April.