The project aimed to expand the Dragon's Den program into a digital platform to equip life science startups, early-stage entrepreneurs, and students with the skills needed to secure venture capital. By addressing the common challenge of attracting international capital, the project sought to improve participants' knowledge of the venture capital industry and enhance their ability to present strong financial cases to investors. Additionally, the program aimed to increase digital readiness for both educators and participants, fostering skills in using digital tools for education, collaboration, and networking. The collaboration between SmiLe Incubator and IESE Business School would strengthen European networks, allowing startups to access broader resources and connections.
We applied for this project to address a critical need faced by Swedish life science companies - especially when it comes to attracting foreign venture capital. Despite having world-class products and technology, these companies often struggle to effectively communicate their financial strategies to international investors, which leads to perceived risks and uncertainties. Our goal was to develop a venture capital e-learning platform that would bridge this gap. By equipping startups, early-stage entrepreneurs, and students with the knowledge and skills necessary to present a compelling financial case, we aimed to enhance their ability to secure international investment. This project not only serves the local business ecosystem but also provides tools to entrepreneurs across Europe, fostering a deeper understanding of how to position their ventures to investors and ultimately strengthen their competitiveness on the international stage.