Imagine a world where young European entrepreneurs are empowered to innovate and lead the charge in the tech industry. A vision where top founders come together to mentor and invest in the next generation of innovators. This is the reality being created by Project Europe, an initiative that aims to combat brain drain and elevate Europe’s competitiveness on the global stage.
- European Tech Founders Unite: More than 120 European tech founders, representing companies like Shopify, Klarna, and Mistral, have joined forces to mentor and invest in entrepreneurs as young as 18. Spearheaded by Harry Stebbings, a London-based podcaster turned venture capitalist, Project Europe is a €10mn fund that offers €200,000 to 18-25 year olds to build tech start-ups. This initiative is a response to the Trump administration’s attacks on Europe’s competitiveness, aiming to reverse the trend of top talent moving to the US.
- Challenging the "Doom Loop": Stebbings highlights a "doom loop" in Europe that is causing a brain drain to the US. He believes that the perception of Europe as lacking innovation is inaccurate and damaging. Project Europe aims to change this narrative by empowering young talent to tackle technical challenges with capital, mentorship, and infrastructure.
- Investment in the Next Generation: Venture firms like 20VC, Point Nine, and Adjacent, along with over 125 founders, are investing in Project Europe. Notable supporters include Tobias Lutke of Shopify, Sebastian Siemiatkowski of Klarna, and Niklas Östberg of Delivery Hero. These founders are committed to backing young talent and shaping the next generation of European entrepreneurs.
- Shaping the Future: The growth of European start-ups has been significant, with total capital invested increasing 10 times between 2015 and 2024. However, concerns about regulation and bureaucracy still linger. Project Europe aims to address these issues and create a more favorable environment for founders in Europe.
- A Call to Action: Project Europe invites young entrepreneurs to challenge the status quo, to build companies, and to drive innovation in Europe. It offers not just funding, but mentorship, guidance, and a network of experienced founders to support the next wave of innovators. By investing in youth, Project Europe aims to lay the foundation for a brighter future in tech entrepreneurship.
In a world where innovation knows no borders, Project Europe stands as a beacon of hope for European entrepreneurship. It is a rallying cry for young minds to rise up, create, and lead the charge in shaping the future of tech on the continent. With the support of top founders and venture firms, this initiative is poised to make a lasting impact and change the narrative around innovation in Europe. The time for change is now, and Project Europe is leading the way.
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