by André Sarmento
At Dealflow, we are driven by a simple yet powerful mission: to empower Europe’s most promising startups by connecting them with the resources, partnerships, and capital needed to scale globally. With strong ties to the European Union (EU), and more specifically to the European Innovation Council (EIC), corporates, and investors, we provide a comprehensive support system for innovators throughout their growth journey.
1) Thijs’ Vision: Supporting EU-Funded Startups
Dealflow’s journey began with Thijs Povel’s deep interest in the transformative potential of EU-funded startups. With a successful background in venture capital, Thijs recognized the unique advantage these startups had, being backed by European funding and offering groundbreaking innovations that could solve global challenges. Inspired by the need to bridge the gap between innovative startups and the strategic partners that could help them scale, Thijs set out to build Dealflow as a platform for fostering meaningful connections and providing tailored support.
2) Launching discover.dealflow.eu: Amplifying Startup Visibility
In 2020, Thijs launched discover.dealflow.eu, a dynamic digital platform designed to showcase Europe’s most promising EU-funded startups. This platform acts as a marketplace where investors, corporates, and partners can easily discover and engage with top-tier innovators. With over 10,000 EU-funded innovators, 27,000 investor profiles, and 400+ service providers, discover.dealflow.eu has become a unique hub for connecting innovative companies with global opportunities, making it truly one of a kind in the ecosystem.
3) Shaping the EIC Ecosystem: Leading the Way in Startup Support
Through key initiatives like the European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator and Transition Programs, as well as the Innovation Radar Prize, Dealflow has become a cornerstone in supporting EU-funded startups. Since winning its first EIC tender in October 2020, Dealflow has provided hands-on, expert support to hundreds of EIC-backed companies, helping them scale, connect with corporate partners, and secure investment. Our deep partnership with the EIC has allowed us to expand our reach and impact within the European innovation ecosystem. A year after winning the first tender, Dealflow won the Innovation Radar tender, which enabled us to extend our support to Seal of Excellence companies. This expansion has allowed us to help even more high-potential startups, further cementing Dealflow’s role as a leading enabler of growth and innovation in Europe.
4) Tailored Support for EIC-Funded Startups: Scaling with Strategic Connections
Our core focus has always been on providing tangible value to the EIC-funded startups we work with. Through highly tailored services, we help these startups grow efficiently and effectively:
– Investor Matchmaking: Securing the right investment is crucial for growth. Dealflow connects startups with investors who not only provide capital but also offer strategic insights and mentorship, ensuring that the startups we work with have the best possible foundation for success.
– Corporate Matchmaking: We connect startups with corporates that can benefit from their innovative solutions. These partnerships foster potential pilots and provide startups with the market access, industry knowledge, and collaboration opportunities necessary to scale.
5) Private Services: Custom Support for Unique Startup Needs
In addition to our public matchmaking services, we offer bespoke, private support tailored to each startup’s unique needs: Grant Writing & Funding Access:
– Our Grant Department provides expert assistance with navigating complex government grant applications, enabling startups to access essential public funding for innovation and scaling.
– SIFIDE Support: Through our CFO Department, we help foreign companies establish Portuguese subsidiaries to access SIFIDE, a tax incentive program that reimburses R&D investments, providing startups with vital financial support for their innovation activities.
6) Ventures.eu Fund: Direct Investment to Accelerate Growth
In 2024, we launched Ventures.eu, a dedicated investment fund that allows us to provide direct investment to the high-potential startups we work with on a daily basis. By combining our strategic advisory services with direct financial backing, we can accelerate the growth of startups, ensuring they have the resources to succeed and scale internationally.
Dealflow: A 360-Degree Partner for Startup Growth
Today, Dealflow has a team of 20+ highly motivated and professionalized members, and has evolved into a 360-degree partner for startups, offering a fully integrated support system that spans every phase of their growth journey. Whether it’s facilitating investor connections, driving corporate partnerships, providing public grant support, or offering direct funding, we provide comprehensive support to startups looking to scale globally.
Dealflow’s evolution is a testament to the transformative power of partnerships, and we are proud to be Europe’s go-to partner for startups seeking to make a lasting impact.
Make sure to contact our team at Ventures.eu to be a part of that transformation: Contact us – Ventures.eu
