Victor Horcasitas - The Expat Whisperer F.’s Post

Connections & Cocktails: Our EU-Startups Summit Story!🇲🇹 Just got back from two incredible days at the Startups summit on Malta, and we are buzzing with the energy and connections we made!🔥 As our first international event, it definitely exceeded expectations. Marek Liška became a master of multi-tasking, juggling our booth, the main stage, and networking with other businesses. Lukáš Král was constantly discussing technical details about our platform. Meanwhile, I held down the fort at our booth, passionately explaining our platform to everyone who stopped by. And Daniel Hendrych captured everything on camera!🕺🏻 The summit itself was a goldmine for European startups. It provided a fantastic platform to showcase ideas, network with investors, industry leaders, and fellow entrepreneurs. From insightful chats to an exciting pitch competition showcasing Europe's brightest startups, there was something for everyone. Speaking of connections, the evening networking event was a masterclass in turning "business cards" into "business buddies." Conversations flowed as smoothly as the drinks.🍸 Now, onto the most important question: If you connect with us on LinkedIn and are interested in exploring collaboration opportunities, reach out! We're thrilled about the potential to create something groundbreaking together.😊 P.S. Huge thanks to the Anastasiia Ponomareva, Thomas Ohr and their team for creating such a dynamic and inspiring environment! The future of European startups is looking brilliant!🇪🇺 #EUStartupsSummit #Malta #Networking #Collaboration #Entrepreneurship

🤔 How to make a start-up contest profitable? I spent 2 days in Brussels for a European PropTech Association startup competition. TBH, I hesitated a lot when Dirk Paelinck invited me to pitch Thermosphr.  In a start-up, your time is the only controllable metric.  It's a marathon and you must be laser focused.  Two days wasted on vanity is two days wasted on business development. 🍟 Even if the Belgian fries are excellent :/ Nevertheless, I managed to make the most of it for 3 reasons: 1️⃣ I met some very clever competitors for energy efficiency in commercial buildings.  I strongly believe having such fierce competition is an excellent thing, given the magnitude of our challenge ahead!  It was an opportunity to discuss common challenges facing our sector! Kudos Ahmet Köse Donatas Karčiauskas and Patrik Johansson 2️⃣ The wild ambition of some founders reminds me that everything is possible.  Some players skip the « small European countries » and directly target the world's major commercial property markets (North America, the Middle East and South-East Asia).  That makes me want to aim bigger and further afield. Kudos Chris Van de Voorde & Maciej (Matthew) Markowski José P. & Ramzi Bouzerda 3️⃣ Different cultures = more international mindset.  The easiest way to build a world champion is to be international from the start.  In Europe, we can see our culture differences as an opportunity. For example, mixing southern Europeans with Northern Europeans from the start could ensure you « take the most of » every cultural mindsets. cc Ana Luisa Vaz for Portugal + Dutch mariage! And you? Do you participate to startup contests? Thanks to the jury & sponsors that supported this event! cc Grigor Hadjiev Julien Daclin Martinas Eitmonas Théo Galula #climatechange #energy #startup #Europe #realestate

Wingle lands in South Summit! As proud members of the Spanish entrepreneurial ecosystem, we had to attend. Let's be honest: we had doubts on whether "it was worth it" for us at this early stage. Long story short: definitely! Overall, it's all about getting the Wingle name out there. To get Wingle to resonate with corporates, investors and the wider community. About building leads not only for the short term, but mainly for the mid and long term. And having said this... lets connect if you're around!

Wingle lands in South Summit! As proud members of the Spanish entrepreneurial ecosystem, we could not miss being at this year's South Summit in Madrid. Let's be candid: the question from many people (and honestly, also from ourselves) was whether it made sense for such a young startup (Wingle is launching commercially this summer) to attend such an event at this stage. We had doubts on whether we would actually find an interest from the corporates and investors and frankly, whether it was a good use of our time. The answer: for sure it's worth it. We will of course not leave the event with a new investor signed onto the project, nor a "done deal" partnership. But we will leave (and have already) with interesting leads for opportunities with corporates (airlines and airports), with contacts for new investors, with face-to-face meetings with people we had only met on calls before, and with a broader view of the startup ecosystem; whether for now or later. Above all, it is useful in getting the Wingle name "out there" right from the start. It's useful in beginning to talk to VCs and investors and starting to open conversations for future rounds down the road. And it's useful in taking some time to zoom out from our day-to-day rush and look at what else there's out there. So... having said this, let's connect if you're around!

🌞 Welcome back from your summer break! 🌞 Now that you’re recharged, it’s time to put your startup in the spotlight and get the recognition it deserves. 🚀 Did you know that over 15,000 startups are founded across Europe each year, but, according to Dealroom and McKinsey only 8% make it to Series B? If your startup is one of the rising stars on its way to the top, we want to hear from you! We’re searching for the top 100 European startups for The Europas 100 2024, the 16th annual event celebrating Europe’s most exciting startups, founded by TechCrunch Editor-at-Large Mike Butcher ✍️ Think your startup has what it takes to make the list? Apply now and prove it to our judges’ panel made up of over 30+ of Europe’s most successful VCs. They’ve spotted the likes of Spotify, UiPath, Wise and Monzo when they were in their earliest days. If you make The Europas 100, you’ll be invited to our celebration in Lisbon, Portugal on 11 November 2024, just before Web Summit kicks off! The day includes: A half-day conference covering the hottest topics in tech This includes a panel discussion moderated by Mike Butcher with leading VCs on what founders need to know about fundraising today A networking evening at La Distillerie, where you can meet investors, fellow founders, and journalists in a relaxed setting Apply now and join the ranks of Europe’s best startups! #TheEuropas #TechInnovation #VentureCapital #StartupSuccess #Entrepreneurship 🌐✨

Reflecting on an Unforgettable Two Days at the EU Startups Summit 2024 in Malta 🌟🇲🇹 We're still buzzing from the incredible energy at the EU Startups Summit 2024 in Malta! This event was a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and inspiration set against the stunning backdrop of Malta's vibrant culture and historic landscapes. 🏰✨ Why #Malta? The choice of Malta as the venue added a magical touch to the summit, blending rich history with the dynamic spirit of today's tech scene. The island's beauty and warm hospitality made it the perfect place to foster meaningful connections. 🌊🌞 From the get-go, the pre-conference networking dinner for female entrepreneurs set the tone organized by Martina T. and Nina Wieretilo. This proactive approach to networking allowed us to engage in deep, meaningful conversations even before the main event kicked off. 🍽️🤝 What We Gained 🚀 - #NewConnections: The summit was a whirlwind of networking, leading to potential partnerships and discussions with investors and founders who are as excited as we are about the future of travel and technology. - #InspirationalTalks: Each session was a nugget of wisdom, pushing us to think bigger and bolder. - #SharedVision: Meeting so many like-minded individuals reaffirmed that we are on the right path, driving forward with shared goals and visions. Special thanks to everyone who made those days so memorable. Shoutout to Erycka Martins-Ruas, Karolina Jasek, Fabiënne Kremers, Sara Piccinni Leopardi, Maiara Sabioni, Leonard Burger, Ignacio Diaz-Barcelo, Adarsh Nadig, Anton Lavrenchuk, Tirza Snoijl, Deepti A., Dinesh Dilipbhai Khernar, Jacek Strzyż, Pavlos Vasileiadis, and so so many more(!!!), your insights and conversations were incredibly enriching. We're excited to take the inspiration from the EU Summit and channel it into our ongoing projects and potential new collaborations. Let’s keep pushing the boundaries together! 🌐💡 Conferences like this remind us that at the heart of the startup ecosystem is the power of connection and collaboration. The EU Startups Summit 2024 was not just an event; it was a catalyst for future innovations. #EUSummit2024 #Travelout #AI #Travel #TravelTech #StartUpLife #Malta #Networking #Innovation #TechConference #Entrepreneurship #GlobalConnections

Reflections on the EU-Startups Summit 2024 Last week, I attended the 2 day EU-Startup Summit in Malta, marking the 10th anniversary of this incredible event. It was my first time attending, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. The summit brought together Europe's top founders, investors, and innovators, providing a rich platform for networking and learning. For me, the highlights were undoubtedly the connections I made and the deepened relationships with new and existing founder friends from across Europe. Sharing ideas over food and drinks fostered a genuine sense of camaraderie. A standout session was Zoltan A. Vardy's presentation on the "$2 Billion Mindset: How I Learned to Sell and Why You Must Too." His three practical steps—problem-solution connection, focused offer and message, and a structured, scalable process—were both actionable and resonated deeply with many of us. His storytelling and presentation style were exceptional. Key themes discussed at the summit included AI, sustainability, and inclusivity. While these discussions were enlightening, I felt there was an overemphasis on pitching rather than relationship building. This did, however, give me ample opportunity to refine my pitch—apologies to those who endured my early attempts! #fail I had the pleasure of reconnecting with Alex Chernenko and Tatsiana from TRANSLIT, who are doing fantastic work in event translation, and meeting the vibrant thnx tags team. Vanja S. provided invaluable insights into IP protection for startups, while Marie Latour offered a wealth of knowledge on EU funding and priorities. Alexander Zahari's personalized entrepreneurship support at scale and Ashley 'Athena' Abboushi global community building with The A Suite Global were particularly inspiring. I was also impressed by Lilian Makoi Rabi and the MipangoApp team's efforts to improve financial literacy in Africa along with Erison Ballasheni and Edmirjano Preçi's work with Sun Easy to enhance the beach experience. Reflecting on the summit, my main takeaway is the paramount importance of meaningful connections. Event organizers should consider creating more informal networking opportunities, as people do business with people. I learned that while there are many amazing individuals solving diverse problems, we all face the same challenge: finding the right people to join, fund, or support our ventures. Overall, the EU-Startup Summit was a powerful reminder of the strength and potential within the European startup ecosystem. I’m excited to apply the insights gained and continue building on these invaluable connections. Not forgetting the rest of my EU-Startup Summit crew Gloria Kingereli, Elias SALEM CHERIF, Malorie Galligan, Michael Camilleri, Chris Mercieca and Daniel Galea my video hero's :-) #startup #eu #networking #founders #learning #experience

📢 Join us at the Argentine & German Start-Up Day! 🇦🇷🇩🇪 Organized by the Embassy of Argentina in Germany in partnership with the German Accelerator & Globant. This event is tailored for startup founders, entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem enablers who are eager to explore cross-border opportunities, gain new insights, and build lasting connections. 👉 Register here: https://lnkd.in/d58cniVc 📅 Date: October 2, 2024 🕑 Time: 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM (followed by networking) 📍 Location: Argentine Embassy, Berlin 🌐 Why Attend? 1️⃣ Access to Financing, Scaling, and Internationalization Insights: Learn from top experts as they share strategies on securing funding, scaling your startup, and successfully entering new international markets. Gain the tools and knowledge needed to take your venture to the next level. 2️⃣ Forge Strategic Connections: Build valuable relationships with fellow entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders from Argentina and Germany. Strengthen the bonds between these dynamic startup ecosystems and discover potential synergies that could propel your startup forward. 3️⃣ Explore Investment Opportunities: Discover why Argentina is a hub for innovation and talent and how you can tap into the rich startup landscape of Argentina. Register now to secure your spot and join a community of forward-thinking entrepreneurs who are ready to make an impact on the global stage.

🚀 Get Ready for Start-Up Festival Malta This October! 👉 This October, Malta will once again celebrate the incredible strength and growth of its local start-up community! 📢 This year’s event promises to be bigger and better, showcasing a diverse array of start-up exhibits featuring cutting-edge technologies, disruptive business models, and groundbreaking solutions. It's the perfect opportunity for entrepreneurs, investors, and enthusiasts to explore the latest trends. 💡 ▶️At the heart of the festival will be the Dealroom area, where over 500 meetings between start-ups, investors, and potential partners took place last year, sparking new opportunities and collaborations. 🤝 One of the most exciting highlights is the Pitch Black competition, where start-ups will present their pitches in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment. 🌍💪 🎤 Last year, with 55 stands, 1800+ attendees, and hundreds of productive meetings, the festival exceeded all expectations. 📅 This October, don't miss the chance to be part of this dynamic and innovative event at the MFCC. The Start-Up Festival Malta is set to continue its tradition of excellence and will undoubtedly be a key event for the start-up ecosystem! #StartupFestivalMalta #Innovation #Entrepreneurship #PitchBlack #Malta #OctoberEvent #StartUpEcosystem ▶️More info https://lnkd.in/e5JMFQqF ▶️Folow us Maltese-Spanish Chamber of Commerce

🌆 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝗳 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽 𝗿𝗲𝗱𝗲𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗲 𝗕𝗲𝗿𝗹𝗶𝗻 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗴𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗮𝗹 𝗵𝘂𝗯 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗻𝗲𝘄𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻𝗻𝗼𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻? On November 28th, join us to celebrate newcomer entrepreneurship and witness the future being shaped before your eyes (link below)👇. Before co-directing SINGA Berlin, I reckoned with my own journey as a multiple migrant. Born in China 🇨🇳 , raised in Canada 🇨🇦 , and now calling Berlin 🇩🇪 home, I’ve experienced the complexities of building a life across borders—geographical, cultural, and professional. Like many newcomers, I struggled through the labyrinth of visa appointments, getting my Anmeldung, years of sublet-hopping, and unfamiliar labour market rights, all while striving to create something meaningful for myself and others. Migration isn’t just about movement; it’s about 𝘀𝗲𝗶𝘇𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗳𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘁 𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝗮 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗮𝘁𝗵, transforming into what you never thought possible, and building belonging in places where the odds are not always in your favour. As Berlin grapples with its identity as a global city, the way we support migrant entrepreneurship will define our collective path forward. Newcomers like me aren’t just building businesses; they are creating solutions, catalyzing communities, and reshaping our economy in brilliant ways. In today’s divisive political climate, supporting migrant entrepreneurship is more than an economic strategy—𝗶𝘁’𝘀 𝗮 𝗯𝗼𝗹𝗱 𝗮𝗰𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀 which proves that Berlin’s strength lies in its diversity, and that inclusion fuels innovation. 🗓️ Mark your calendar: Join us on 𝗡𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟴𝘁𝗵 for the Berlin Newcomer Startup Award. Six migrant founders will pitch their ideas, and 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘃𝗼𝘁𝗲 will help decide who takes home €27,500 in prize money to invest in their businesses. 🎟️ Spots are limited, so secure your place here: https://lnkd.in/e6wrNBwd The Migrant Accelerator Migration Hub Migrapreneur ® Startup Incubator Berlin BERLIN STARTUP SCHOOL Berlin Startups Berlin Partner für Wirtschaft und Technologie GmbH wundertax heyData Perspektive neuStart e.V. 2hearts jobs4refugees GUWBI e.V. ReDI School of Digital Integration HEARTFELT_ REAKTOR BERLIN Frauenalia gUG ISI e. V. "Initiative Selbständiger Immigrantinnen" Gut Plus Founderland Antler avant now // innovation for impact AsiaBerlin BürgschaftsBank Berlin Investitionsbank Berlin neustart plus Ron SIBB IHK Berlin Startup-Verband