#35 Harnessing the power of AI
#35 Harnessing the power of AI
Aspiring Founders launch, Storytelling Workshop, Workout + connect and megarounds in VC.
👋 Hi, I’m Anais, cofounder of Amela. Every Monday, we publish a weekly round up of insights + learning recs for European techs, from a diverse & inclusive perspective. Follow or share along to learn more about starting and investing in tech companies.
hello Amelas and Amelos,
It’s an exciting week for us, as we are making the last prepping deals to start our Aspiring Founder community on May 1st. Our mission has always been the same to increase the chances of success of every entrepreneurial woman out there and with the Aspiring Founder community that dream seems a little closer this week.
In this edition of European Amela, we cover:
Europe's Tech Startups Hit Mega Round Milestone 💥
Q1 European Venture Report 📊
Unleash Your Startup's Potential: Growth Hacking in the Age of AI and Creator Economy 💻
Empowering Women Through Business Workshops💪
Winning Investor Pitches: MVP Design Hacks💭
x Anaís
p.s.: join our “Amela Network” whatsapp to be the first one to know about our activities.
Introducing the Amela Aspiring Founder Community💫
Our Aspiring Founders membership launches on May 1st, offering a global community of female entrepreneurs, monthly Mastermind sessions, access to essential startup resources, and exclusive founder wellness benefits. If you come from the newsletter you will have a founding member price. Apply here!
News
All about technology in Europe and the world 🌐
Europe's Tech Startups Hit Mega Round Milestone 💥
In a testament to Europe's growing tech prowess, a recent report by Sifted reveals a surge in mega funding rounds, totaling a record-breaking €10 billion in 2023. From fintech disruptors to healthtech innovators, European startups are attracting substantial investments, propelling the continent's startup ecosystem to new heights. With unicorns like Klarna and Deliveroo leading the charge, this milestone underscores Europe's emergence as a global tech powerhouse. Read more here.
Q1 European Venture Report 📊
PitchBook's latest European Venture Report for Q1 2024 offers a comprehensive overview of the continent's startup ecosystem. Within it you will find: a tracker of VC activity per quarter until now, a mapping of "mega deals”, a zoom into the amount and quantity of capital raised by women led companies and an overview of exits thus far. Read more.
Mozilla Takes a Stand for Ad Transparency 📢
Mozilla, the nonprofit behind the popular web browser Firefox, unveils its 'CheckFirst' initiative, aiming to enhance transparency in online advertising. With the release of their inaugural Ads Transparency Report, Mozilla sheds light on the prevalence of tracking and targeting practices across the web. As digital privacy concerns continue to mount, this move signals a push for greater accountability in the online advertising ecosystem. Dive into the details here.
Investments
From 15th to 21st of April. Find a 💜 next to the raises of the teams with at least one woman in the founding team.
🇩🇰 Flatpay raises €45M in a Series B round to advance its payment solutions for small and medium-sized businesses.
🇬🇧 FilmChain raises $3M in new funding to innovate film finance through blockchain integration. Cograts Maria and Irina!💜
🇩🇪 AIPERIA secures €7.5M in Series A funding, led by ETF Partners and LBBW VC, with participation from Earlybird Venture Capital.
🇩🇪 Finmid raises $24.7M in Series A to facilitate SMB loans via platforms like Wolt, enhancing access to capital for businesses directly through their existing marketplace apps.
🇩🇪 Cozero raises €6.5M in Series A funding to enhance its climate ERP solutions, aiming to integrate sustainability into core business operations effectively. Congrats Helen! 💜
🇱🇹 Softloans secures €1M in pre-seed funding to enhance small business financing with embedded lending technology, aiming to expand across Europe.
🇬🇧 Wagestream closed £17.5M to expand its flexible benefits platform, which allows shift workers to access earnings early and offers financial tools like debt advice and savings options.
Opportunities and Events
Open calls and events for entrepreneurs
📅🌐Online: Demystifying The Founder's Journey: Mindset and Approach to Storytelling (April 25)
Listen to Nir Hindie from The Artian, storytelling expert and mentor at Startupbootcamp, Harvard and Endeavor, and Nuria Cristo, co-founder and CEO of UTOPICODE. This is a golden opportunity to gain insights that will transform the way you present! Sign up here.
📅🇪🇸 Event: Crypto Mondays Barcelona - Featuring Gerry Heydenreich from EtherMail (April 22)
Join a captivating session at Crypto Mondays in Barcelona, featuring Gerry Heydenreich of EtherMail. Explore the intersection of blockchain and email communication, enhancing security and user privacy. This event includes a keynote address, interactive Q&A, and networking, perfect for tech enthusiasts and blockchain professionals. Register here.
📅🇬🇧 Event: FinTech B2B Marketing Conference 2024 (April 23)
Step into the future of financial services and technology at the FinTech B2B Marketing Conference 2024 in Berlin! This essential gathering will connect you with over 450 industry leaders, featuring groundbreaking strategies in customer acquisition, marketing automation, and operational efficiency. Register here.
📅🌐 Online: GICA Meetup (April 23)
Engage with global impact citizens at the GICA Online Meetup. This event focuses on networking, growth, and initiating collaborations across startups, corporations, and investment funds. The conference promises to deliver impactful networking tips and the opportunity to form meaningful partnerships. Register here.
📅🇬🇧 Event: Y Combinator in the UK (April 30 - May 3)
Y Combinator is heading to the UK with a series of events aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs and early-stage startup founders. Kickstarting in London with a talk by co-founder Paul Graham, the tour will also visit prestigious universities including Cambridge, Imperial, and Oxford. Meet YC partners, including Tom Blomfield and Surbhi Sarna, and learn firsthand about their startup journeys and insights. Sign up to join here.
🗓️🇳🇱 Event: Building on Bitcoin: Amsterdam Halving Edition (May 2)
Celebrate the Bitcoin Halving at the Amsterdam Halving Edition of Building on Bitcoin! Join a vibrant evening with discussions on Bitcoin, AI, DeFi, and more at Amsterdam’s SoHo House. Register here.
📅🇳🇱 Event: Tech Talent Amsterdam (Full Stack) (May 2)
Step into the world of fast-paced tech recruitment at Tech Talent Amsterdam! This unique event brings together top software engineers and leading tech companies in a series of quick, five-minute chats. It's a prime opportunity for full-stack developers to connect, make lasting impressions, and explore potential career paths in a relaxed, after-work setting. Register now.
🗓️🌐 Online: Data-Driven VC Summit 2024 (May 5-8)
Dive into the world of venture capital at the Data-Driven VC Summit 2024, a virtual event with over 20 expert speakers who will delve into how data science and AI are revolutionizing investor productivity. Register here.
🗓️🇸🇪 Event: Mashup 2024: Europe's Premier Startup Event (May 15-16)
Join Europe's most exclusive gathering of startups and investors at Mashup 2024 in Malmö! This invite-only event, set for May 15-16, is meticulously crafted to foster meaningful connections. Get your invite here.
🗓️🇩🇪 Event: Morning Club: Work out + chat (May 9)
Our household event, the Morning Club, is coming back to town. Connect with fellow founders, aspiring founders and investors in a safe space. Get the workout of the day and an energy booster in your week. No pitches, or card trading, just connections and good vibes!! Sign up here.
Would you like to add something here? 👀
Recommendations
Articles, videos, and other resources to learn
💻 Unleash Your Startup's Potential: Growth Hacking in the Age of AI and Creator Economy
This insightful article from EU-Startups provides actionable strategies for startup growth hacking in today's landscape dominated by AI and the creator economy. With practical tips and case studies, it equips entrepreneurs with the tools needed to navigate and thrive in this dynamic environment. A must-read for any startup looking to elevate its growth trajectory and stay ahead of the curve. Read more here.
💪 Empowering Women Through Business Workshops
Candice Montgomery sheds light on the transformative impact of business workshops in enhancing women's financial empowerment. Through insightful anecdotes and practical advice, it underscores the importance of education and community support in fostering economic independence. A must-read for anyone passionate about advancing gender equality and financial inclusivity. Read more here.
📖 20Angel: The challenging history of finance in the UK 🇬🇧
Unlock your creative potential with this captivating episode from 20Angel. Delve into the historical context of the UK Empire's decline and its impact on contemporary London's allure for international founders. From practical tips to profound insights, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to spark inspiration to new heights while learning about history of UK business.
💭 Winning Investor Pitches: MVP Design Hacks
Discover three budget-friendly hacks for crafting compelling Minimum Viable Products (MVPs) that resonate with investors. With practical strategies and real-world examples, it equips entrepreneurs with the tools needed to make a powerful impression and secure funding. A must-read for startup founders looking to maximize their impact without breaking the bank. Read more here.
xx