Karola Xenia Kassai’s Post

The UK: A Thriving Hub for Entrepreneurs and Tech Start-ups The UK is one of the most exciting and reliable places for business leaders and entrepreneurs worldwide to establish and grow their ventures. With a vibrant economy and pro-business environment, the country is at the forefront of innovation and investment, offering incredible opportunities for businesses of all sizes. The #InternationalInvestmentSummit, held today by the UK Government, will showcase the UK's position as the ideal destination for investors and business leaders, emphasising the country's commitment to long-term growth, modern technologies, and sustainable jobs. Key stakeholders from major tech companies, including Google and Wayve, attended today's event. 🔗https://lnkd.in/eZP5GiV6 Now is the perfect time for tech start-ups and scale-up companies to develop and expand in the UK. The UK is Europe's leading tech ecosystem, boasting the highest number of unicorns and attracting billions in venture capital. This strong economic landscape and the government's drive for stability and growth make the UK a prime location for innovators and businesses looking to make their mark on the global stage. As more start-ups and scale-ups operate in the UK with European and global markets, the demand for #CertifiedTrainingProgrammes on their products is higher than ever. For companies incorporating #AI or delivering AI training, certification becomes crucial to ensuring customers understand and maximise the potential of these technologies. Just as major US tech giants have seen the benefits of product certification, tech companies in the UK can follow suit, strengthening their brand loyalty and client engagement through certified training. 🌟 Curious how certification can drive your business growth? Learn more https://lnkd.in/eB4utbyt #UKBusiness #Startups #ScaleUps #Investment #TechEcosystem #AI #Certification #TrainingProgrammes #Kryterion #Innovation

Alix Poncet and Romain Poncet's (L'Économique ESCP) article delves into the geo-economic battle of financing innovation, highlighting Europe's quest for technological sovereignty amidst Sino-American competition. As Europe adapts its financial ecosystem to support the digital transition of startups, the region grapples with fragmented markets and varying national regulations. Despite these challenges, Europe shows promise, with startup fundraising reaching $45 billion in 2023, closely trailing China and demonstrating resilience against global monetary tightening. The recent visit of Chinese President Xi Jinping to France, ahead of the Choose France summit, underscores the strategic importance of this topic. With Europe's technological ambitions caught between the aggressive strategies of the US and China, the continent is striving to create a unified investment landscape to attract and retain capital while fostering innovation. 👉 Read the full version here: https://lnkd.in/eunDt84h This article was made in collaboration with L'Économique ESCP. We would like to express our appreciation for the contributions. #Innovation #Investments #Financing #Geoeconomics #EU

Closing the gap in finance for scale-up companies is essential for the European Union to maintain its edge in technology and thrive amid the green and digital transitions. European innovators grapple with significant constraints when seeking investment, particularly as they transition from startups to growth-stage companies. This often compels promising firms to seek financing abroad, or even relocate their operations overseas. To tackle this challenge, Europe needs to bolster its support for innovation by deepening capital markets and nurturing the venture capital scene. Removing investment barriers and implementing targeted public interventions can generate a virtuous cycle, redirecting investments from institutional investors to this strategic market segment. The European Union has a strong track record of supporting business growth, using grants, business angels and seed capital, venture capital and venture debt. Programmes like the European Technology Champions Initiative (ETCI) provide opportunities to support firms in their crucial scale-up phase. Addressing growth constraints to keep the European Union at the technological frontier Innovation is Europe’s path to a sustainable and equitable future. Europe’s economic success has been underpinned by its industrial champions, forward-looking industrial policies and first-class education system. Now, more than ever, innovation is a priority. The twin transition to a green and digital economy hinges on advancements in key technologies, from greentech to artificial intelligence and quantum computing. But inadequate investment in innovation coupled with the ageing of mature technologies threatens to undermine Europe’s competitiveness. Scale-ups are more productive than the average EU firm.

Exciting News for Innovators! The South Australian government has launched a fantastic initiative with the Investment Accelerator Program, committing $1 million annually to attract pioneering companies to the state. This is a golden opportunity for businesses specialising in health, tech, defense, energy, and green industries. Imagine getting up to $100,000 to help cover office and service costs as you expand your operations to South Australia. 🌍 At Tendertrace, we’re all about empowering businesses with the data they need to seize such opportunities. Whether you're looking to understand the market landscape or track upcoming government contracts, our platform is here to help. 🔗 Ready to explore what South Australia has to offer? Let Tendertrace guide your strategic decisions as you consider this vibrant investment opportunity #InvestmentAccelerator #SouthAustralia #Innovation #Tendertrace #BusinessGrowth Read more thanks InnovationAus.com-Brandon How https://lnkd.in/gKw7xmBe

On February 28 – 29 in Abu Dhabi, global stakeholders will join Investopia 2024 to become part of a community that is shaping the future of investment. It is a unique opportunity to engage with thought leaders, explore investment opportunities, and contribute to shaping a future where capital flows seamlessly into sectors that promise sustainable economic growth and innovation. Why Investopia? We are at a pivotal moment, witnessing major economic trends that will shape the future of global investments. The energy transition shifts in the global supply chain, and the emergence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) represent transformative forces. An evolving global investment landscape marked by a reallocation of capital toward emerging markets, an expanding role of the GCC and Sovereign Wealth Funds (SWFs), and shifting dynamics of private equity and family wealth. These trends offer significant investment opportunities and necessitate a collaborative approach to harness their full potential, underscoring the need for strategic investment platforms like Investopia.   The UAE is at the heart of this dynamics, with record FDI inflows and strategic initiatives to enhance its investment ecosystem, attract capital and ensure it propels the nation and the broader region toward sustainable economic growth. The UAE has also set ambitious targets to attract Dh550 billion (USD150 billion) in foreign investment by 2031. Investopia emerges as a key platform in this transformative journey, with the aim to connect capital with the burgeoning sectors of the new economy.   Investopia: A progressive investment platform for the future. Investopia serves as a crucible for dialogue and thought leadership, focusing on emerging investment and economic trends. It brings together diverse voices, from government officials to industry leaders, to engage in discussions about the forces shaping the economic future. Beyond dialogue, Investopia is a dynamic marketplace for capital allocation and direct investment. Our platform facilitates the connection between innovative projects and the capital needed to bring them to fruition.   As a government-enabled platform, Investopia creates a unique space where major business opportunities meet with interested investors, underscoring the UAE's commitment to leveraging its strategic position and resources to foster large-scale investment initiatives. Investopia 2024 is anticipated to attract over 2,000 participants, including government representatives, private sector leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs. Investopia is a burgeoning community that convenes in the UAE and continues its engagement across global established and burgeoning financial centers like London, Milan, India, and Morocco. This growing network reflects our mission's global relevance and the platform's universal appeal. 

The Hidden Cost of Heavy Foreign Investment in Startups Foreign investments often act as the lifeline for startups, especially in economies lacking initial capital. While they fuel innovation, jobs, and growth in the short term, over-dependence on foreign funding can create long-term challenges for the domestic economy. Here’s why striking the right balance matters: • Wealth outflow: Profits generated locally flow back to foreign investors, limiting wealth accumulation within the country. • Economic vulnerability: Heavy reliance on external funding means foreign investors can pull out anytime, destabilizing industries. • Loss of sovereignty: Foreign ownership of critical sectors can compromise national interests and long-term control. • Profit priorities: Foreign investors often prioritize short-term returns, leaving startups and economies exposed when conditions shift. The Solution? Balance is Key. 1. Encourage domestic investments to keep wealth within the local economy. 2. Attract strategic foreign funding in areas where domestic resources or expertise are limited. 3. Foster policies that protect critical industries and encourage reinvestment locally. Foreign funding can kickstart growth, but building an economy that thrives long-term requires nurturing local investors and ensuring shared benefits. Let’s create sustainable ecosystems! #EconomicGrowth #Startups #ForeignInvestment #DomesticInvestment #SustainableEconomy #Innovation #StartupFunding

IFEZ Hosts UK Business Network and Investment Promotion Seminar  The seminar aimed to introduce the investment environment of IFEZ and expand exchanges and cooperation between South Korea and the UK.   On June 21, 2024, the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZ) held a “Business Networking and Investment Promotion Seminar (IR).” The seminar marked a step forward in building participation with 22 companies, including leading firms in the advanced manufacturing sector from the UK and promising companies residing in IFEZ. The seminar was led by Dr. Wonsok Yun, Commissioner of the Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority, who underscored the importance of adopting advanced technologies in the manufacturing sector. He, too, introduced the investment opportunities of IFEZ, hoping to expand exchanges and cooperation between South Korea, the UK, and Innovate UK, a British technology advisory body and government agency. "Currently, many manufacturers are adopting smart manufacturing technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), Artificial Intelligence (AI), robotics, and digital twins to enhance efficiency and productivity. The adoption of advanced technologies that can increase the competitiveness of manufacturing in the global market is expected to accelerate," the Commissioner stated. He added, "IFEZ will do its utmost to attract investment by strengthening exchanges and business networking in the advanced manufacturing sector, which will innovatively change the future of manufacturing." The Incheon Free Economic Zone (IFEZ), established in 2003, is a special economic zone in South Korea designed to attract foreign investment and promote economic growth. It offers various incentives, including tax breaks and relaxed regulations, to encourage international businesses to set up operations. Innovate UK provides funding and support to help businesses develop new technologies and bring them to market, playing a crucial role in fostering innovation and collaboration between UK companies and international partners. The seminar's success highlights the growing economic and trade relations between South Korea and the UK, particularly as the world moves towards smart manufacturing, integrating advanced technologies such as IoT, AI, robotics, and virtual modeling into manufacturing processes is becoming increasingly vital. The Incheon Free Economic Zone has taken critical steps to promote its investment environment and foster international business relationships. Photo: IFEZ Commissioner Wonsok Yun emphasized the global competitiveness of IFEZ Translated and edited by Don Southerton  Dsoutherton@bridgingculture.com Source and Photo: BusinessKorea  https://lnkd.in/gmeZ2WJU Incheon Free Economic Zone Incheon Global Campus 인천경제자유구역 (Incheon Free Economic Zone) AdvanceCT EMP Belstar The University of Utah Asia Campus George Mason University Korea SUNY Korea

💰Innovasjon Norge has signed an agreement with the EU on billions in support for small and medium-sized businesses.   Yesterday, Innovation Norway and the European Investment Fund (EIF) signed two agreements which provide the opportunity to support around 1,600 small and medium-sized enterprises. Guarantees from the EIF, supported by the InvestEU programme, will enable Innovation Norway to lend more than NOK 3.5 billion for green transition, innovation and high growth.   “Today's launch marks an important step forward in supporting the start-up and growth environment in Norway,” said Minister of Trade and Industry, Cecilie T. Myrseth.   “Through these new agreements under the InvestEU programme, we are proud to support Innovation Norway in expanding its lending opportunities significantly. This collaboration will provide important financing to small and medium-sized companies, promote green transition, innovation and sustainable growth in Norway,” said Marjut Falkstedt, CEO of the European Investment Fund.   For Innovasjon Norge, the agreements is an opportunity to lend significantly more money to Norwegian businesses. “The partnership with the EIF under the InvestEU program is a milestone. With these guarantees, we can offer even more favourable terms to the companies, so that they can carry out their ambitious projects in the field of innovation and green transition,” said CEO Håkon Haugli.   At the event, DNB and CEO Kjerstin Braathen, signed an agreement directly with EIF, to further increase access to capital for small and medium-sized enterprises.   Read the full press release (in Norwegian) here: https://lnkd.in/dTS9W9Pk Visit BusinessNorway.com to stay updated on green and sustainable solutions and investment opportunities in Norway.   📷: Tom Hansen/Innovasjon Norge

Excellent analysis. But the question is: what to do (first)?

Check out this report on Europe’s competitiveness, measured in terms of investments in capital and innovation e.g. R&D - the region’s investment pulse is low. It includes EU 27 member states, plus Norway, Switzerland and the UK. My observations firstly, R&D spend in Pharma and Medical is one of the highest among Europe’s sectors - with Roche and Novartis being in the Top 10 companies investing in capital expenditure and R&D. Secondly, Switzerland towers above the rest of Europe on Gross fixed capital formation by asset type %GDP, notably in Intellectual Property and Machinery. While this report focuses on Europe’s large firms and doesn’t cover SMEs, you don’t have to look far to see why Switzlerand stands out. Just Switzerland’s vibrant healthcare ecosystem speaks for itself. From Greater Zurich Area to Basel Area Business & Innovation with the startup community, to DayOne - Healthcare Innovation , Swiss Healthcare Startups, MEDKAP Investor Association, Biopôle Lausanne, and the Genolier Innovation Hub—each player is contributing proudly to Switzerland’s global competitiveness and Europe’s investment pulse Returning to the report, to #keeplearning- what are people’s thoughts on our lag on technological investments compared to the US and beyond?  Are we able to unlock more risk capital such as VC and PE across the region? McKinsey Investment: Taking the pulse of European competitiveness.