How can European startups bridge the funding gap they face compared to their US counterparts?

A recent study by the EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technology highlights the important role of tech-savvy investors and provides a comprehensive mapping of investors supporting European innovators.

Discover the unique value that tech-focused investors bring to startups from Adéla Dvořáková, a Tech-to-Market Advisor at the European Innovation Council, and Sara Frykstrand Ångström, Head of Intelligence at Sweden's venture capital fund Industrifonden. Hear them discuss the study’s key findings as they share insights on the importance of a dual financing and IP strategy, the role of smart and patient capital and the need for a balanced pipeline of investors at various stages of a startup’s technological maturity. They also discuss the main challenges European investors face compared to their US counterparts.

Moderator:

Pere Arque Castells, EPO Observatory on Patents and Technology

Guests:

Adéla Dvořáková, Tech –to Market Advisor, European Innovation Council

Sara Frykstrand Ångström, Head of Intelligence, Industrifonden

Further resources:

“Mapping investors” study

Financing innovation programme of the EPO’s Observatory on Patents and Technology

Deep Tech Finder - EPO’s tool helping match startups with investors

Space technology is evolving at light speed and may even offer solutions to global challenges such as climate change. Join expert guests as they explore the significance of space propulsion for various applications, the rapid transformation of the space sector, the growing number of players in the field and the boom in spacecraft launches over the past decade. The episode provides fascinating insights into propulsion systems, including chemical and electric propulsion, and their applications in different phases of space missions. The panel also touches on innovative concepts like atmosphere-breathing propulsion and tethered propulsion, which may drive future space missions.

Moderator:

Johannes Schaaf, EPO Chief Economist Unit

Guests:

Lars Petzold, Research Fellow, European Space Policy Institute

Stephan Speidel, Technology Transfer Engineer, HE Space Operations

Geert Boedt, EPO Chief Economist Unit

Further resources:

Patent insight report on propulsion systems for space (May 2024)

Space innovation platform

Previous podcasts on space:

“From Mars to Morocco: space innovations for Earth challenges”

"Houston, we have solutions"

"Earth observations for a greener planet" podcast

Inspiring Inventors

Hearing loss, high blood pressure, heart disease…these are just some medical issues that can be caused by loud noise. Friends and business partners Rhona Togher and Eimear O’Carroll are tackling this problem with an advanced acoustic material that can dampen noise in a variety of applications. What began as a school science fair project evolved into a business with a unique product and exceptional potential. In this episode, we explore Rhona’s journey and how friendship became the foundation for a groundbreaking business. We’ll also hear about the vital support they received from local business development organisations and patent attorneys.

Moderator: Edward Cooke, EPO, patent examiner

Inspiring Inventors:

Each episode features a former European Inventor Award finalist, delves into the story behind their invention and provides insights on how they took their idea from the lab to the market.