By Kriya Mehta and Kseniia Maliuta
In continuing our mission to be the support platform for entrepreneurs scaling across international startup ecosystems, SCALE.CITIES introduces a new Opportunities tool, featuring top startup projects, events and funding calls open to applicants from all over the world.
First, let us share our SCALE.CITIES journey and what we have been doing for the international entrepreneurial community..
For almost 4 years, SCALE has existed as an organization which connects representatives from the biggest and most vibrant startup hubs in Europe including Antwerp, Berlin, Milan, Munich, Lisbon and Rome, to name a few. The organization stands for the Startup City Alliance Europe and also actively engages with a network of private startup organizations and global startup experts. Together we have exchanged experiences, best practices and soft-landing programs. Over the years we have shared our networks and connections, success stories and data about how startups grow, mature, and scale.
A notable milestone was the launch of the SCALE.CITIES platform during The StartupCity Summit (SCS) during The Next Web (TNW) Conference in 2018. The SCS is an annual international summit, which attracts 200 city officials, digital policy leaders and local startup ecosystem builders to collaborate, exchange ideas, and strategize together, to improve startup infrastructure locally as well as on the global level.
A joint mission to support entrepreneurs scale across international startup ecosystems
Yes, SCALE is diverse and we come from different backgrounds but it’s not all about us. In the midst of rapid technological change, political polarization, and a fragile economic environment, it is critical that we define, assess and implement new pathways to growth and prosperity. SCALE.CITIES attempts to unlock Europe’s great potential by leveraging the startup scene, digital technology and overall innovation to create value for its citizens, innovators and, of course, entrepreneurs. For this reason, we drive diverse projects focused on strengthening the European and broader interconnected startup ecosystem, we connect startups with city/public and business service providers the best way we can – support entrepreneurs, innovators, and change enthusiasts.
So, what is the added value of SCALE.CITIES – a platform facilitated by local city representatives but for startup entrepreneurs.
Together with 20+ city partners, we have devised a platform to be usable by city service providers, facilitators, business enterprises, startups, scaleups and enthusiastic entrepreneurs. We have created a great source of easily accessible information for entrepreneurs who are curious about exploring different European markets and succeeding there.
The information is targeted at those searching for international opportunities, thinking of starting or scaling their businesses to new locations, and simply ambitious growers or founders.
City profiles with up to date info on local ecosystems, access points, information sources, and representatives, who can assure assure your soft landing in the destination of your choice, and who can help you validate your product.
News and updates featuring expert articles, call for projects and interesting reads on diverse startup ecosystem topics.
Finally, our latest update is the Opportunities page at which international calls, short- and long-term soft-landing programs, incubation and acceleration opportunities are scouted from our European partners and updated weekly to ensure you catch all upcoming calls as they’re announced.
What’s next?
SCALE.CITIES will continue to work on bridging local European startup ecosystems and governments. We invite you to be part of it, by engaging with our platform and informing us about how we can improve.
If you are a startup or scaleup, share your feedback and stories with us, check new opportunities, get connected and scale.
If you are an ecosystem representative, your input is welcome on new ways to support local entrepreneurs, share opportunities, and projects, or maybe even to join one of our projects.
