AFS Annual Summit 2024

On 15 October, we hosted the AFS Annual Summit 2024 — our flagship event and a landmark occasion marking the 10th anniversary of Allied for Startups.

This special edition brought together startup leaders, policymakers, and ecosystem supporters to reflect on a decade of impact and to look toward the future. The event also served as an opportunity to introduce our new Director General, who presented a forward-looking vision for the organisation and its role in shaping startup policy in Europe and beyond.

Keynote Address

MEP Aura Salla (European People’s Party) opened the summit with a keynote speech, offering valuable insights into the EU’s evolving digital and economic policy landscape and the role of startups in driving innovation.

Panel I: Startup Success in the EU – Overcoming Competition Rule Barriers

The first panel tackled key regulatory challenges facing startups in the European Union. Speakers explored how proposals such as the Capital Markets Union and a potential 28th regime within the Single Market could support greater startup growth and competitiveness.

Speakers:

• Daniel Dalton, Senior Advisor, Allied for Startups (Moderator)

• Lucia Bonova, Head of Unit, DG COMP J.1, European Commission

• Ana Barjasic, CEO, Connectology; Board Member, European Innovation Council

• Camilla de Coverly Veale, Policy Director, Startup Coalition

Panel II: Life After the AI Act – Startup Perspective

The second panel focused on what the implementation of the EU AI Act means for startups. Discussions addressed the practicalities of compliance, the upcoming AI Liability Directive, and broader implications for innovation and digital policy.

Speakers:

• Maxime Ricard, Policy Manager, Allied for Startups (Moderator)

• Anne-Gabrielle Haie, Partner, AI, Data & Digital, Steptoe

• Gianluca Maruzzella, Co-Founder & CEO, indigo.ai

The summit concluded with a networking reception, offering attendees the chance to connect, share experiences, and celebrate ten years of collaboration and advocacy in the startup space.

Thank you to everyone who participated and helped make the 2024 Summit a success. We look forward to continuing to build momentum together over the next decade.