Results

The EASY Project has achieved much in the last two years. The project has created common methodologies for judging and showcasing exciting young companies so that investors across Europe can review opportunities based on standards. Thanks to the seven EASY Investment Events over 1,000 investors were enabled to see pitches by over 140 companies from across the EU. As a result it is estimated that in excess of €16million of fresh capital has already been invested in 14 companies in sectors ranging from aerospace to medical technology, with more to follow.

There are now toolkits freely available to investors and entrepreneurs to enable them to execute better the deal-making process and investors are much more familiar with the differences and similarities between investing in the differing legal jurisdictions of the EU member states.

Two EASY summits addressing the challenges facing the early stage investment market place in the EU have been effective in raising awareness amongst both EU and national governments. The effects are already being seen with many member states now introducing best practice. Initiatives ranging from co-investment funds to tax breaks for investors are already being implemented in some member states throughout the EU, notably France and Italy with other member states looking closely into introducing similar schemes.

Key statistics about the EASY Project and its achievements

Here are some interesting facts and figures about the Project.

• 17 Partners in from 11 member states
• 7 investment events in Helsinki, Finland, Lisbon, Portugal, Milan, Italy, Barcelona, Spain, London, UK, Prague, Czech Republic, Sophia Antipolis, France
• 2 summits in Ljubljana, Slovenia and London, UK
• Over 1,000 investors who saw over 140 companies pitch and met dozens of companies that took investment stands alongside the EASY event
• 14 investment rounds closed with an estimated €16million of funds raised, with more to follow
• Investor toolkits used by investors and investor syndicates through the member states
• Sponsors and contributors to the events included Oracle, Microsoft and many local agencies, angel networks and others.