Jerome H Mol’s Post

Nice recent write-up by Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP 👇 on mechanics of an EU implementation of a Delaware C Corp. Petition linked in comment and has some kind of legislative roadmap on Framer-made eu-inc.org. As an early-stage transatlantic operator I can't stress enough how much easier and more affordable this would make #startuplife. Today, you have to really know quite a lot in order to be fast and cheap internationally in Europe and esp. transatlantically. It's a job yes, but admin, not innovation and I'll tell you also likely not a very young professional that will show any serious level of cross-border operating experience. 1. With a 28th regime, imagine a set of standard EUVCA financing docs. We'll see new and interesting combos in cap tables as cross-border equity financing becomes more predictable in the asset class. Give it some time and we will definitely close your round quicker, wherever you are in the EU. 2. A Delaware flip would become arguably even more senseless prior to any serious US market motion if that's what you are targeting. 3. Imagine pan-European Stock Option Plans with standardized FMV valuations recognized by local fiscal authorities. Imagine employees are actually shown the value of what Equity Incentives can be in Europe. Imagine what they do with that value. At some point it's not about flat whites and diapers anymore... 4. Dare I say, less need for funny things like EORs (remote.com, deel.com) who are trying to help mediate these things in the interim? Their profit is based on the same need for speed the 28th regime would fulfil imo. I invite everyone to show me the darker consequences of the interesting bypass that seems the "28th regime". It starts to feel it's another Rubicon that shall have to be crossed in an asset class that needs to become more productive and in Europe esp. more innovative. Shamelessly tagging those that crossed my mind during this morning's reading session👇&👋 Isabel Gandoy TABS Inc. France Digitale Sjoerd Mol Saman Sadeghi Jan Joosten James Badge Aaron Archer Luca Eisenstecken Ashley Lundström

🌍 Europe is at a crossroads! 🌍 Mario Draghi has called for €750-800 billion in additional annual investment to boost the EU’s competitiveness on the global stage. With the EU commissioners setting their agenda on 1 December, a coalition of over 10,000 leading investors and entrepreneurs signed an open letter within two weeks supporting 'EU Inc.' – a unified, cross-border corporate structure. In our latest Orrick Tech Studio article, we dive into this bold vision, exploring its potential to standardise the ecosystem, streamline operations, reduce administrative burdens and enhance the global competitiveness of European businesses. #EUInc #EuropeanCompetitiveness #EuropeanTech #EuropeanStartups #EuropeanFounders #Orrick #Innovation #BusinessTransformation

Imagine a Europe where launching and scaling a business isn’t bound by borders, bureaucracy, or outdated systems. That’s the vision behind the EU-Inc proposal—a groundbreaking initiative to unify how businesses incorporate, grow, and thrive across the continent. Here’s what’s exciting about it: 🌐 One Europe, One Company Structure: The EU-Inc simplifies everything. From governance to shareholding, it’s designed to remove the headaches of operating in 27 different legal systems. 💻 Built for the Digital Age: Incorporate, manage, and grow—all online, with tools that make starting a company as seamless as opening a bank account. 💡 Modern Tools for Modern companies: With new investment instruments like the EU-FAST and a unified employee stock option plan (EU-ESOP), it’s easier to attract funding and talent. This isn’t just a proposal—it’s a chance for the EU to show the world what it truly stands for: openness, collaboration, and innovation. If successful, the EU-Inc initiative would be a tangible delivery on the EU’s promise to unite and empower its people, proving that Europe can be as entrepreneurial as it is equitable. The question is: will Europe’s leaders rise to the occasion? Over 13,000 voices have already signed on to push this forward, and a full proposal is heading to the European Commission in January. Let’s make this a reality, for startups, for innovators, and for the future of Europe. 🌟 Explore more and get involved: eu-inc.org

The creation of an 'EU Inc' status to enable start-ups to register as pan-European entities could help European companies become more competitive with their contemporaries in other regions. The idea is to: "- Standardize investment processes to enable genuine pan-European investments. - Establish a unified employee stock options program to share startup success more widely. [See also the Not Optional campaign] - Simplify cross-border operations, such as employment and capital flows. - Fully digitize the incorporation process, reducing it to just a few hours – entirely in English and online." In response to the Draghi report and many recent geopolitical developments (throw a dart at a newspaper and take your pick), it would be great to see the EU implement ideas like this to support a more positive economic future for all who live and work there. More info on The EU Inc Petition here:

EU Inc unveils policy blueprint; calls for unified rules to accelerate growth: A couple of months back, a group of EU entrepreneurs was working together to create a new pan-European legal entity for startups called EU Inc. On Tuesday, EU Inc. unveiled its blueprint to create a unified company structure across Europe.  The EU-Inc aims to streamline incorporation, management processes, and fundraising for innovative businesses across Europe. ... Read more #EUInc #policyblueprint #unifiedrules

Great reporting by Sean Silcoff in The Globe and Mail, highlighting the often-overlooked successes of Canadian tech firms. The fact that 71 private Canadian tech firms have scaled to over $100M in revenue demonstrates the impressive growth potential of Canadian entrepreneurs—despite the well-known challenges they face. At ventureLAB, we are committed to supporting this growth. From access to state-of-the-art lab equipment, engaged investors, and talent networks, to IP development and sector-specific advisory, we provide the resources Canadian companies need to scale and thrive. We applaud reporting that showcases what Canadian tech can achieve and look forward to collaborating with our ecosystem partners to expand these success stories. Read full article here: https://lnkd.in/gpWPN8_k #CanadianTech #TechGrowth #ScalingSuccess #TechEcosystem #CanadianInnovation #InvestInCanada #TechLeadership #IPDevelopment #StartupSuccess Federal Economic Development Agency for Southern Ontario | Agence fédérale de ...

It is sad to hear that NDRC is shutting down. it was a good accelerator programme for startups. It seems like immigration and other non-business issues are more priority for the government. Increasing minimum wage, introducing mandatory pensions - are all good actions to increase income of an average employee to combat inflation while putting more pressure on employers (small and medium size businesses) In 2025 budget there is no good news for SME sector. Stopping NDRC funding is another way to show that there is no place for supporting businesses next year.

TL;DR - The Irish Department of Enterprise is pulling funding for the NDRC (Ireland’s National Accelerator Program) and I think it’s a disaster for the startup ecosystem. A friend recently said to me that the NDRC is “like a comfort blanket for startup founders”. I couldn’t agree more. To date I have done nothing more terrifying in my life than accept the offer to become Co-Founder of a 2-man startup. No matter how confident you are in your idea, or ability, starting a business is a giant LEAP into the unknown. I was 6 months into the business before we were accepted onto the NDRC Accelerator, and in that timeframe, we’d already had numerous highs and lows. They aren’t lying when they say it can be a rollercoaster. Walking into Dogpatch for the first time, I had just read an article with a title like “The isolating journey of the startup founder” or something equally depressing, so I was having one of those “low” periods. Lo and behold, I then walked into one of the few rooms in Ireland, where everyone there could empathise with how I felt. The Vaults in Dogpatch Labs were filled with the founders of 6 other startups, 3 “Entrepreneurs In Residence”, and the undeniably eclectic skill set of the NDRC and Dogpatch teams. For the next six months, a team of people with literally hundreds of thousands of hours of experience were at our fingertips, available to answer any question, critique any idea, brainstorm, pitch, mentor, HELP. Ian Browne , Lorraine E. Curham, Menno Axt, Philip Reynolds, Maria McMenamin, Mark Cummins to name a few of the people who haven’t been just fleeting relationships, but STILL help us whenever we pick up the phone. You can imagine my dismay, reading Charlie Taylor’s article from yesterday that the Department of Enterprise has decided to not continue funding the NDRC passed 2025. In my opinion this is short-sighted, regressive decision. I’ve heard it described as the government scoring an own-goal against what is a thriving startup ecosystem in Ireland. Yes, we may be a small drop in the ocean of Irish Enterprise (for now 😉), but we are getting bigger and the epicenter of that growth originated from the NDRC. Through their program we got our first round of investment, we grew from a 2 person business to a 12 person business in under 18 months and last night we won Startup of the Year at the National Startup Awards (more on this later). If the NDRC goes, so does one of Ireland’s most important resources to startups and their founders. They say there are replacements. There aren't.

🚀Exciting news – LEXR is launching its US Desk to support European startups and scaleups expanding across the Atlantic!     During my 8+ years living and working in New York, I had the privilege of helping many European companies set up their US operations. Their motivations varied:    📌 Establishing a subsidiary to better serve a key customer  🌍 Breaking into the world’s largest consumer market as the next logical step  💵 Seeking access to a thriving funding ecosystem  💡 Leveraging a vibrant culture of innovation     But one challenge stood out time and time again: navigating the legal risks and costs of US expansion.     That’s exactly why we’ve launched the US Desk at LEXR – to make US expansion smoother, faster, and more accessible for European entrepreneurs. From setting up your operations to managing day-to-day legal needs, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.     Thinking about entering the US market? Feel free to reach out and book a call. I’d love to share insights and help you take that next big step.