With 110 participants, 85 attending in person and 25 joining online, the event highlighted the growing momentum behind regional cooperation in startup financing. Public and private financial actors, ERDF Managing Authorities, startups, SMEs and FI4INN partners engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening collaboration across ecosystems.
Connecting National Instruments with Regional Cooperation
The programme showcased Startup Factory as a national financial instrument designed to support early-stage ventures, while placing it within the broader FI4INN framework. Contributions from partners across the Czech Republic, Croatia, Poland, Austria and Italy added a regional dimension, demonstrating how different countries are testing and refining innovative financing models.
Startup incubators presented their portfolios, offering concrete examples of how structured incubation and targeted investment can accelerate growth and improve access to capital for emerging companies. The event also featured contributions from the Hungarian Ministry of Innovation and Technology, highlighting national priorities for strengthening early-stage financing and support structures.
A Debate on the Future of Early-Stage Financing
The discussions culminated in a high-level panel on elevating regional collaboration for early-stage financing. Speakers underlined the need for stronger cross-border alignment, smarter funding mechanisms and more systematic knowledge exchange between ecosystems. Engagement and an active networking remained strong throughout the day.
Looking Ahead
By linking national initiatives with regional dialogue, the Startup Factory Open Day reinforced FI4INN’s commitment to deepening understanding of early-stage financing and building stronger, more connected innovation ecosystems across Central Europe.