Last week, we hosted an invite-only roundtable to tackle pressing issues around Europe’s competitiveness in the startup ecosystem, inspired by insights from the newly published Draghi Report. This dynamic gathering brought together an array of stakeholders, including policymakers, industry leaders, and entrepreneurs, in a candid discussion aimed at identifying solutions to key challenges and fostering innovation across the continent.

The discussion spotlighted several critical topics, including gaps in investment, the complexity of regulatory landscapes, and the pressing need for more robust digital infrastructure. With expert contributions from Amaryllis Verhoeven (European Commission DG GROW), Philipp Lausberg (European Policy Centre), and Daniel Dalton (Allied for Startups), the conversation highlighted the multifaceted hurdles faced by startups in Europe and explored potential pathways to unlock greater growth.

Key takeaways from the session include:

1. Access to Funding
   Despite various EU initiatives aimed at enhancing startup financing, many entrepreneurs struggle to navigate these opportunities due to limited national-level information sharing. The roundtable participants emphasized the need for a more streamlined approach to funding dissemination and support.
2. Taxation Challenges
   High and complex taxation systems across the EU create uncertainty for startups, often discouraging growth. Participants underscored the importance of re-evaluating these policies to ensure a more predictable and supportive fiscal environment for innovators.
3. Gender Inequality
   A significant barrier identified was the bias against female-led startups, with investors often hesitant to fund them. Encouraging diversity at investment decision-making levels and promoting women’s participation in STEM were seen as essential strategies for driving equitable growth in the ecosystem.
4. Compliance Hurdles
   The intricate web of EU regulations and the associated costs of legal compliance present significant barriers for startups. Participants called for greater transparency and simplified processes to reduce the burden on founders, enabling faster scaling.

The roundtable concluded with a shared sense of urgency to address these systemic issues and a commitment to fostering collaboration among stakeholders. By addressing these barriers, Europe can unlock its potential to lead on innovation and competitiveness. A big thank you to all participants for their invaluable contributions to this critical conversation.