The main goal of this catalyst is to improve on early stage financing possibilities for innovative start-ups from the five nodes. We will create an overview of funding sources from the pre-seed to the growth phase in the different nodes. It will also identify gaps where new EIT ICT Labs funding catalysts might fill a crucial financing gap for European entrepreneurs. At a later stage the catalyst may be extended into a service that helps entrepreneurs to find funding at all nodes.

During 2011, a study will be carried out to bring to light, and compare and contrast the financing situation for start-ups in the countries of our five nodes. The study will comprise both private and public equity investors and aims at finding out how the situation can be improved at each node in order to provide easier access to early stage financing. The study aims at increasing pan-European collaboration within the field and long term solutions for the ICT Labs early stage financing possibilities.

Pär Hedberg, STING (S) is Business Catalyst Lead; Access to Finance