Angel investing is a social activity. The best investment decisions are usually made by investors who work together, exchange ideas, and share the load of managing their portfolio. So syndicated deals amongst groups of Angels make a lot of sense. From the startup’s perspective, it is also generally advisable to have the backing of a...

We sat down with Astghik Zakharyan, a powerhouse in the startup world who transitioned from a high-speed entrepreneurial career to becoming a master architect of investment ecosystems. As the Co-founder of the SIA – (Startup Investor Accelerator), Astghik is redefining how new investors enter angel investing, guiding them from curiosity to confident participation through real...

Sufeng Li is the strategic mind behind Steppe Ventures and a dedicated solo angel investor. Sufeng’s journey into the startup world began with a pivot from theory to practice, moving quickly from attending webinars to making his first hands-on investment. Today, he is a specialist in identifying high-potential “misfits” in the early-revenue stage, specifically within...

The conversation around European competitiveness often centers on a single, pressing question: Why does a continent with world-class talent struggle to fund its own breakthroughs? As the “innovation deficit” becomes a central theme for policy-makers and investors alike, the shift from public markets toward high-growth private equity has never been more critical. Heiko de Boer,...

Lars Lindgren is a cornerstone of the Swedish investment landscape. With a career spanning over 40 years, he has witnessed the birth and maturation of the Nordic startup ecosystem. From founding the Swedish Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (SVCA) to publishing his experiences in his book, Mitt liv som affärsängel, Lars has seen it...

With a background in archaeology and anthropology and over a decade of experience in international marketing agencies and as an independent consultant, Nika Bogdanic has become a pivotal support for companies in the European startup scene. By transforming complex tech into relatable narratives, she propelled Leapfunder’s blog to the global top 10, secured endorsements from...

Success in the startup world is often built on two pillars: capital and connections. Elin Myrström, Investor and Connector at Elin Myrström Capital AB, has mastered both. With a career rooted in high-level sales management and a deep passion for international expansion, Elin has become a vital bridge between the Nordic ecosystem and global markets...

Angel investing is a personally rewarding activity, and can deliver great investment returns. But where do you start? Angel investing is not an easy game to learn. Find out how Leapfunder’s Angel Clinic can help you kickstart it. Regional Skills Gap Many regions have great potential to become Angel investment hotspots. There is enough wealth...

Eva-Maria Markutzik is the Lead and Community Manager at the MAFINEX Technology Center in Mannheim, home to around 80 startups spanning IT, AI, and sustainable technologies. With a background in entrepreneurship education and ecosystem building, she plays a key role in shaping the regional startup landscape.  We spoke with Eva-Maria about her journey into entrepreneurship,...

From guerrilla marketing in Madrid to unifying Europe’s innovation ecosystems, Olivia Czetwertynski has spent nearly two decades at the intersection of communication, entrepreneurship, and community-building. As co-founder of Unboxing the Future and a consultant at the Berlin Innovation Agency, she believes that clarity, collaboration, and culture, not just technology, are what truly drive innovation forward....