Cork to host prestigious European Business Angels Network Annual Congress

Global event will attract local, national and international business leaders, VCs, entrepreneurs and start-ups to Cork in June 2020

Brussels 26 Nov 2019 – Cork has been selected as the destination for the European Business Angel Network (EBAN), 21st Annual Congress. Launched today in Brussels, the EBAN Cork 2020 Congress will take place between the 10th and 12th of June. More than 300 business leaders, early stage investors, business angels, VCs, entrepreneurs, accelerators, seed funds and start-ups will make it to Cork for this major event.

The Congress will be hosted by CorkBIC with support from Cork City Council and Cork County Council. EBAN Cork 2020 will have a series of insightful keynotes, panel discussions, networking opportunities and seminars. Investor and entrepreneur-led workshops will celebrate the benefits and advantages of collaboration between investors and entrepreneurs. Previously held in Helsinki, Malaga and Sofia, this event will attract delegates from across the world looking forward to learning from and engaging with experienced company founders, entrepreneurs, successful investors and trailblazers in the start-up, scale-up arena.

“This is a significant opportunity for Cork to partner with EBAN to host this unique European Business event here in Cork,” said Michael O’Connor, CEO of CorkBIC and EBAN board member. 

Dr Hermann Hauser, serial entrepreneur and angel investor, co-founder of Amadeus Capital, will lead the keynotes at EBAN Cork 2020. Hermann has successfully developed and financed 150 plus high-tech companies whilst offering inspiration and mentorship to the next generation of entrepreneurs.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to share my perspective as an entrepreneur and investor with delegates attending EBAN Cork 2020,” said EBAN President Peter Cowley, whose track record includes investment in more than 70 early stage companies, with eight positive exits and 13 failures.  “Hopefully by sharing my experience and even perhaps a war story or two, I can help improve the journeys of start-ups by educating angels and entrepreneurs to make fewer mistakes, work better together and create environments that yield more successful exits.” In addition to leading EBAN, Mr Cowley is one of several speakers already confirmed to appear at the event, along with entrepreneur and international telecommunications expert Candace Johnson.

Panel discussions will explore topics such as creative and impact investing and cross-border investments, focusing on leadership and authenticity. Breakout sessions will challenge how new technology in the spheres of the life sciences, agriculture, maritime and blockchain can shape the future. Investor-ready start-ups will also have the opportunity to pitch their ideas to a panel of angel investors, VCs and entrepreneurs.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Minister Simon Coveney said:

“Cork has already proven itself as a city with a progressive outlook, thanks to the support provided to the hundreds of industries that have chosen to establish themselves in Cork. EBAN Cork 2020 is yet another opportunity to showcase the opportunities for collaboration and expansion available here in Ireland, coupled with CorkBIC’s proven track record with start-ups, entrepreneurs and investors it puts them in the driving seat to host this flagship event.”

To secure your early bird ticket for EBAN 2020 and to view details of the three-day event visit www.ebancork2020.com.

Issued on behalf of CorkBIC and EBAN

By

Hopkins Communications, Media House, Crawford Business Park, Crosses Green, Cork

For further media information including imagery please contact:

Alison Nulty, Hopkins Communications

T: 021 5005994 E: alison@hopkinscommunications.ie

About EBAN

EBAN is the pan-European representative for the early stage investor, gathering over 150 member organisations in more than 50 countries today. Established in 1999 by a group of pioneer angel networks in Europe with the collaboration of the European Commission and EURADA, EBAN represents a sector estimated to invest €7.5 billion a year and playing a vital role in Europe’s future, notably in the funding of SMEs. EBAN fuels Europe’s growth through the creation of wealth and jobs.

About CorkBIC

CorkBIC is a private sector-led organisation, specifically set up to identify and build knowledge-intensive companies based on promising technology and capable innovative people. It plays a hands-on role helping entrepreneurs navigate the minefield of raising finance, sorting out business propositions, arranging agreements with shareholders and investors, and perhaps most important of all, finding customers.

CorkBIC manages HBAN (Halo Business Angel Network) in the South and Mid-West of Ireland. HBAN is an umbrella organisation, operating on a regional basis, providing a matching service for private investors and pre-screened investment opportunities and developing Business Angel Syndicates. Since its inception in 2007, HBAN Investments have grown year on year, closing 451 deals, with an Angel investment of €94.4 million, raising in total over €253 million by the end of 2018.