"Lunch & Learn" on Investing and Divesting across the Atlantic

𝗖𝘂𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗺𝘆𝘁𝗵𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗨𝗦-𝗘𝗨 𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴

In September we hosted a Lunch & Learn session which explored some common misconceptions about cross-continental fundraising and growth.

Key takeaways:

1. Common belief: Boards hold ultimate decision-making power, and founders risk losing control to them.

👉 Lesson learned: Control is lost not to the board, but when cash runs out. With cashflow, founders retain real leverage.

2. Common belief: US funds require companies to move HQs to the US.

👉 Lesson learned: Headquarters matter primarily because of proximity to customers, not because of where the fund is based.
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3. Common belief: The most important speed is how fast a funding round is closed.

👉 Lesson learned: What really matters is the speed of pivoting when circumstances change.
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4. Common belief: The biggest risks come from “difficult” founders.

👉 Lesson learned: Challenges more often arise from investors’ agendas and board dynamics. Cap tables tend to work best when investors’ goals and values are aligned with the company’s.

Huge thanks to everyone who joined! And to our amazing speakers Laura González-Estéfani, TheVentureCity, Geri Kirilova, Laconia, and moderator Iwona Cymerman, FundingBox Deep Tech Fund & EWVC member

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