In 2019, I made a decision that changed the trajectory of my career as an entrepreneur and investor. That year, at sTARTUp Day, I realized it was time to sell my businesses and pivot towards a new chapter—one focused on investing, fostering collaboration, and empowering the next generation of startup founders. Since then, I have returned to sTARTUp Day year after year, not just as an investor but as a fellow founder dedicated to facilitating cross-border deals and startup success.
sTARTUp Day: More Than Just a Conference
sTARTUp Day is not just another startup event; it is an electrifying ecosystem where entrepreneurs, investors, and thought leaders converge to exchange ideas, forge partnerships, and ignite groundbreaking ventures. What sets it apart is the quality of connections and the spirit of collaboration that permeates every discussion, pitch, and networking session.
For me, sTARTUp Day has become an annual tradition, a place where I not only scout promising startups but also share my experience as a multi-exit entrepreneur and now a founding partner of Fstage.vc. It is a unique platform that enables both seasoned investors and early-stage founders to engage in meaningful conversations that often lead to game-changing opportunities.
From Founder to Investor: A Full-Circle Journey
My relationship with sTARTUp Day has evolved significantly since 2019. Initially, I attended as a founder seeking insights and inspiration. That pivotal experience led me to transition from operating businesses to investing in them. Today, as an angel investor and founding partner of Fstage.vc, I use sTARTUp Day as a launchpad to identify high-potential startups, support ambitious founders, and contribute to the European startup ecosystem.
However, my role at the event extends beyond investment. I attend to collaborate with fellow founders, facilitate cross-border partnerships, and help startups navigate the complexities of scaling internationally. At Fstage.vc, we understand that investment is not just about capital—it’s about guidance, connections, and strategic insights that drive exponential growth.
A Hub for Cross-Border Deals and Global Innovation
One of the most remarkable aspects of sTARTUp Day is its ability to bridge different startup ecosystems. The event attracts entrepreneurs from across Europe and beyond, making it an ideal ground for cross-border deals. As someone deeply involved in fostering international collaboration, I see sTARTUp Day as a crucial hub where startups and investors from diverse markets can find synergies and unlock new growth opportunities.
Startups that attend sTARTUp Day are often on the brink of scaling beyond their home markets, and the event provides the perfect environment for making that leap. Through curated matchmaking sessions, investor meetings, and informal networking, I have witnessed firsthand how a single conversation at the event can lead to strategic partnerships, funding rounds, and global expansion.
The Unmatched Energy and Inspiration
Beyond the tangible deals and investments, there’s an intangible yet invaluable aspect to sTARTUp Day—the energy. The conference radiates an infectious enthusiasm that reminds me why I fell in love with entrepreneurship in the first place. Every year, I leave the event feeling reinvigorated, having engaged with brilliant minds, disruptive ideas, and ambitious founders who are redefining industries.
For any founder, investor, or startup enthusiast contemplating whether to attend, my advice is simple: don’t miss it. Whether you are looking for funding, mentorship, partnerships, or simply inspiration, sTARTUp Day offers an unparalleled opportunity to immerse yourself in one of Europe’s most dynamic startup ecosystems.
As for me, I’ll be there again this year, continuing the tradition, seeking out the next big opportunity, and contributing to the ever-thriving world of startups.
See you at sTARTUp Day!
