Empowering the Next Generation of Business Angels
At BAE, we are committed to strengthening a solid, inclusive, and well-connected angel investing ecosystem across Europe. In partnership with the ESIL initiative, we aim to further develop the innovation and investment landscape, with a specific focus on countries where angel investing is still emerging—such as Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Romania, Poland, and Hungary.
Our shared mission is to broaden, diversify, and future-proof the European angel investing environment. Promoting gender balance among investors in these six focus countries is also a key priority.
Challenges
While the angel investment ecosystem is well established in some parts of Europe, several countries still face significant challenges. In Bulgaria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Romania, there is often a lack of structured networks, investor training, and access to international best practices. Moreover, the share of female angel investors remains low in many countries, limiting diversity within the ecosystem.
Solution
Together with its partners, BAE works within ESIL to:
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Activate and support local business angel communities in emerging markets
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Train new angel investors—including women and young professionals—through workshops, mentoring, and peer learning
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Promote cross-border investing through matchmaking, syndication, and legal support
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Provide tools and resources via an online learning platform and international events
Through ESIL, we are building a stronger, more inclusive, and better-connected early-stage investment ecosystem across Europe.
ESIL is building a connected, Europe-wide Angel investment market through a comprehensive set of tools and activities, including:
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Standardised legal templates to streamline cross-border investments
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Matchmaking events to connect investors and startups
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Pitching sessions to showcase promising ventures
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Interactive workshops for skill development
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Tailored training programmes to build investor capacity
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A dedicated e-learning platform to support continuous learning and professionalisation
Partners
The ESIL programme is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of three key organisations:
The ESIL programme is funded by the European Union and implemented by a consortium of three key organisations:
Together, these partners bring a wealth of experience and networks to empower the next generation of European angel investors.
![[TESTIMONY] Inspiring Journey of Brigitte Baumann From Founder to Business Angel of the Year 2015](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Z7yh-LcqUqA/maxresdefault.jpg)
Stories, Insights & Impact
