Europe’s angel investment community is gearing up for a high-energy season of pitching and networking. So is the Early Stage Investing Launchpad (ESIL), a European initiative dedicated to strengthening angel investing and early-stage funding across the continent. Backed by the European Union and delivered by META Group, Business Angels Europe, and Bpifrance, ESIL works to connect and professionalize Europe’s angel investor community, while ensuring that innovative startups, especially in deeptech, gain access to cross-border funding opportunities.
This autumn, ESIL will host two online e-pitch sessions aimed at connecting early-stage deeptech startups with angel investors and venture capitalists across Europe. The initiative is designed to boost cross-border co-investments, syndication opportunities, and stronger ties between founders and funders.
The upcoming sessions focus on two of Europe’s most strategically important sectors:
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Biotech Focus – 16 October 2025 (16:30–17:30 CEST)
Showcasing startups tackling global health challenges and advancing medical innovation.
Application deadline: 7 September -
Defence Focus – 17 November 2025 (16:30–17:30 CET)
Featuring early-stage ventures innovating in AI, security, and resilience technologies.
Application deadline: 7 October
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What are Business Angels looking for?
In parallel, ESIL is expanding its in-person footprint with matchmaking events across Europe, including Paris, Bucharest, Budapest, Warsaw, and again Paris for the dedicated Defence Angels Day. These gatherings aim to deepen relationships and trust between investors and startups—an essential step in moving from pitches to partnerships. Keep an eye on their Events Page for upcoming workshops, networking sessions, and future opportunities.
“Matchmaking Day and the e-pitch are not just about presenting your solution, they’re about building trust. Founders should come prepared with a clear story that connects innovation to market needs and be ready to engage in a dialogue, not a monologue.
Business Angels are looking beyond the technology; they’re assessing the team’s vision, resilience, and openness to collaboration. My advice: research your audience, be concise yet impactful in your pitch, and show that you’re ready to grow with the right partners,” said Luigi Amati, Co-founder of IAG and Honorary President at Business Angels Europe.
By placing biotech and defence startups in the spotlight, ESIL’s autumn program reflects Europe’s broader ambition to strengthen competitiveness while supporting innovation that addresses pressing global and societal challenges.
