As Austria’s leading network for angel investors, we try to set new standards every year. 2019 was a very intensive year: On average 3 events per month, the establishment of our new deal flow process and the development of a cross-border ecosystem in CEE have shaped the last months. Time to take a step back and look at the highlights of the association year 2019.

CEE UNLIMITED: BUILDING A CROSS-BORDER ECOSYSTEM

8 countries, 40 startups and more than 700 participants – that was the CEE UNLIMITED event series. We brought the different regions together and created something great: A new ecosystem for investors and startups in CEE! Here we have summarized our experiences.

INVESTORS DAY 19: THE MEETING PLACE OF LEADING INVESTORS IN CEE!

On November 14th, the most active angel investors from CEE and DACH met together with startups and political actors in Vienna to create a cross-border ecosystem. At the same time, the Investors Day 2019 was the grand finale of CEE Unlimited. Various impressions of the event can be found here.

ANGEL TRIP TO ISTANBUL: EXPLORING NEW MARKETS

After Cambridge in 2018, this year’s aaia angel trip led us to Istanbul. Waiting for us at the Bosporus: A startup metropolis on the rise. A lot of energy, ambitious talent, a flourishing VC and angel scene, promising startups and an open culture working for a positive future far away from political restrictions.

INVESTORS ACADEMY LIGHT: READY FOR INVESTING?

The Investors Academy Light (IAL) is the aaia event format for the federal states. The IAL outlines the most important topics concerning the activities of a business angel. The target group is primarily Virgin Angels and Angel Investment interested people. The Investors Academy Light already took place in 4 federal states: Carinthia, Upper Austria, Salzburg & Styria.

30 EVENTS

The heart of our organization is the networking of our members and the creation of an active community & a network of trust. That is why we regularly offer opportunities for exchange, getting to know each other & co-investing. On average 3x per month. In Vienna, across Austria and this year also in the CEE region.

100 + 70 STARTUPS: NETWORKING WITH SELECTED STARTUPS

Over 100 startups have been matched digitally with our members. Additionally, over 70 startups were live guests at our various event formats. The perfect opportunity to discover new and attractive investment opportunities.

STARTUP INVESTING: PRACTICAL HANDBOOK FOR INVESTORS

The book is a co-creation of many active Austrian investors and aaia members, who have worked as co-authors on the new reference work for angel investors. Published by Linde Verlag, this book – edited by Karin Kreutzer & Stefan Artner – is a must-read for all prospective (and already active) angels. The book is available here.

VISION 2025

Together with Austrian Startups and AVCO, we have taken the political events and changes as an opportunity to develop a vision paper for Austria as a business location. Our core demands: Tax incentives for angels, a modern legal form for innovative companies and an umbrella fund to revive the VC scene. Here you can find the paper in detail.

A huge thank you from the whole aaia team to everyone who participated in one of our events or supported us in any other way.

We wish you an amazing start in 2020 and a happy new year!