Investing in Tech: Finance
Public Sector | Venture Capital | Angel Investment | Alternative Finance
Thursday, 4 September 2025 | 10:00 – 18:30 | Stage 3
Financial resources available to startups and scaleups have been rapidly growing as capital follows the latest technological trends. While investment in AI has taken off, investment in other sectors, notably cleantech, has stalled in recent years. This track provides feedback and opportunities for funding from some of the leaders in venture finance for innovation and technology. We will be hearing from large public institutions such as the EIB and EIT; venture capital firms; angel investment firms; and alternative finance. Startups and scaleups seeking finance will be able to benefit from direct contacts during this track, as well as further exposure through the ATS Pitching Sessions and the networking software set up for this purpose.
Keynote Speech
10:00 – 10:30
Session 1: Public Sector Investment Trends & Opportunities
10:30 – 12:00
This session will look at the role of large institutional and public sector investors in tech. We will hear from speakers representing the European Investment Bank / European Investment Fund; the European Bank for Reconstruction & Development; the European Institute of Technology and Innovation (EIT); the European Innovation Council (EIC) and more. The focus is on availability and access to specific financial opportunities for startups, scaleups and other tech investments.
5 Speakers
First Break
12:00 – 12:30
Session 2: Venture Capital Trends and Opportunities
12:30 – 14:00
This session will provide practical experience and case studies from venture capital firms across multiple industries. Speakers will share their investment theses and criteria, experience and advice on how to approach and work with a VC firm.
5 Speakers
Second Break
14:00 – 14:30
Session 3: Angel Investor Trends and Opportunities
14:30 – 16:00
This session will focus on angel investors and angel syndicates. It will review the role of early-stage investors, their motivations and return targets, and how they support startups beyond simple financing. A selection of prominent business angels and angel funds will be presenting.
5 Speakers
Third Break
16:00 – 16:30
Session 4: Alternative Sources of Finance
17:15 – 18:30
This session will explore financing options from providers of crowdfunding, Special Purpose Acquisition Companies (SPACs), initial coin offers (ICOs), venture debt, convertible loans, and more.
4 Speakers