From Paris to Luxembourg City: delaware’s innovation journey continues

Ventures by delaware is a unique mentoring and funding program, that helps startups transform and accelerate their dream project. It offers financial support and technological expertise to turn their ideas into a marketable, scalable, and sustainable service – and generate their first revenue streams. 

Every year, six carefully chosen finalists enter our Pitch Arena to vie for a maximum of three coveted spots in the Ventures by delaware track. In addition, the upcoming edition in Luxembourg City will incorporate delaware’s Inspiration Day.

We'll always have Paris

At last year’s event, which took place in November 2022 in Paris, more than 100 visitors saw how 6 selected startups defend their spot in our acceleration program . The combination with the Inspiration Day and the DEL20 Close Out in France turned the happening into a multi-faceted meet-up – and a tremendous success.

“This is a unique format, that’s never been done before,” says Thierry Bruyneel, founder of Ventures by delaware and partner at delaware BeLux. “The event is a true cross-pollination of ideas and cutting-edge solutions, but also a valuable opportunity to network with industry experts, investors, venture capitalists, and more. Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Up next: Luxembourg City and more 

For the 2023 edition in Luxembourg City, 75 startups registered for the selection process. After delaware assisted in thoroughly developing and perfecting several brilliant ideas, the cream of the crop is now preparing for the grand finale.

“Once again, an international expert jury will welcome six exceptional startups in the B2B software space,” adds Thierry. “After pitching their innovative ideas, they need to complete a 30-minute Q&A session to win them over even more.”

And afterwards? Securing a place in the Ventures by delaware program means kicking off a tailormade support track. While delaware concretely offers €100,000 in cash and an equal amount in kind, resources are always in tune with a startup’s specific needs.

“After a successful pitch, we will usually guide the startups in question for about 6 to 18 months,” explains Thierry. “That’s where we truly shine. We have access to both experienced customers and specialized technology. The startups’ initial product or service is often an MVP at best – a three-legged chair. We make sure to build the missing fourth leg.”

All in this together 

More than 120 people have already signed up to witness the start of those success stories in Luxembourg City in September. But there’s more. Apart from enjoying some top-notch pitches, they will be able to attend presentation on applied innovation in two tracks: FinTech and Industry.

The speakers’ list includes Euroclear GovTechLab, CERATIZIT, and the Luxembourg Institute of Science and Technology (LIST). Santosh Pandey, CIO of ArcelorMittal, will give a keynote speech on how to reconcile IT and business processes in a landscape that increasingly moves towards the cloud.

 “We’re all really looking forward to it,” rejoices Thierry. “You can compare it with butter and sugar, you don’t have a cake. I would add flour. Nothing will happen if you just leave them in your kitchen. You need to mix all the ingredients. And that’s exactly what we’ll do at this event: collaborate, communicate, and innovate together to make some delicious cakes.”