Founders of AI startups, investors, and ecosystem partners gathered on October 7 for a matchmaking event focused on helping AI startups scale up. The program included storytelling, investor matchmaking, and a panel discussion on whether Europe is ready for its own AI industry.
The Importance of a Good Story
The day kicked off with the panel discussion “Good Stories Move Money.” Experts Lize Hong (co-founder of Breaking Barriers partner OSÉ studio), Dann Bibas, and Sophie Heijenberg delved deeply into a growth skill that is often overlooked: storytelling. Strong technology alone is often not enough to convince an investor. The story has to be compelling. To increase the chances of securing investment, a founder must be able to effectively convey his or her story—and that of the product.
99 rounds of matchmaking
Next came the highlight of the day: matchmaking between investors and founders. This afternoon, 46 AI startups were paired with 18 investment firms across 99 rounds of pre-matched one-on-one meetings. Many of the startups emerged from this round enthusiastic, announcing that follow-up meetings were already scheduled in their calendars.
In the afternoon, a wider audience gathered for networking and SPARK talks. The AI hubs—Breaking Barriers, LLM-BRIDGE, and TTT-AI—each selected founders to present their companies.
Europe as the buyer
Anita Lieverdink moderated the closing panel with Fabrizio Del Maffeo of Axelera AI and Djoni de Vos of Keen Venture Partners. When asked whether Europe already has everything it needs to become an AI powerhouse, only three hands went up in the audience at first. On stage, however, there was more optimism. According to the panelists, Europe has plenty of talent, technology, and ambition. To foster the growth of AI champions, European organizations need to dare to act as “launching customers” and purchase from European AI companies.
Organization
Breaking Barriers organized the event in collaboration with Digital Holland, TTT-AI (Thematic Technology Transfer Artificial Intelligence), the AI hubs, LLM-BRIDGE, StartupAmsterdam, and handelsroute.nl.
About AiNed Breaking Barriers
Breaking Barriers helps Dutch AI startups accelerate their growth. The program opens doors to investors, mentors, companies, government agencies, and international markets. Breaking Barriers is part of the National Growth Fund’s AiNed program and is coordinated by AIC4NL.
