Author: Hassan M. Nada
Polina Kravchenko, scouting manager at Startupbootcamp Italy (© Polina Kravchenko)
Polina Kravchenko, scouting manager at Startupbootcamp Italy, shares her insights on attending Luxembourg Venture Days, her ambitious goals for Startupbootcamp’s growth, and the unique challenges and opportunities she encountered in the Luxembourg startup ecosystem. We sat down with Polina to discuss her proactive approach to networking, her vision for bridging Italian and Luxembourgish startups, and the qualities she seeks in startups and partners for accelerator programs.
What is Startupbootcamp, and what’s your role in the organization?
Startupbootcamp is a global network of accelerators designed to support early-stage startups in various sectors. It’s headquartered in Amsterdam, and we’re a part of Startupbootcamp Italy. Our role involves connecting startups to our corporate partners, scouting for innovative companies for our accelerator programs, and handling evaluation and negotiations. We run various accelerators in Italy, focusing on fields like fintech, fashion tech, and sportstech.
Tell us what brought you to Luxembourg Venture Days?
Attendance at Luxembourg Venture Days was motivated by a strong commitment to exploring new opportunities and potential collaborations that align with Startupbootcamp’s goals. With a focus on building connections with Luxembourg, this visit was intended to gauge the potential for networking and collaborating. We are always looking for new partnerships and possibilities and Luxembourg is great for this.
Did you attend Luxembourg Venture Days specifically to expand your network?
Absolutely. Our main goal was to connect with venture capitalists and others in the startup ecosystem. Luxembourg Venture Days was fantastic for networking and laid a foundation for future connections between Italy and Luxembourg. The country is focused on retaining startups in Europe, which aligns well with our goals. It was very valuable, particularly in understanding Luxembourg’s approach to supporting startups. We also learned about areas where they could improve, like promoting events more effectively beyond their borders. It was mostly through personal contacts that we found out about the event, which indicates there’s room for better marketing. Nevertheless, the potential for collaboration between Italy and Luxembourg is exciting.
“Luxembourg is one market we’re eager to connect with […]”Polina Kravchenko, scouting manager at Startupbootcamp Italy
Were you able to make new connections or gain insights relevant to Startupbootcamp through Luxembourg?
Yes, we made some valuable connections and caught up with familiar faces. Additionally, we attended panels and workshops, which deepened my understanding of Luxembourg’s support structure for startups. However, I believe that Luxembourg has untapped potential in promoting its startup ecosystem on a broader scale, and I hope that Startupbootcamp Italy can play a role in bridging that gap.
What are the core qualities you look for in startups or partners for your accelerator program?
For partners, alignment on innovation and sustainability is essential, as these values drive meaningful, long-term collaborations that can positively impact both the industry and society. For startups, it’s about the people and the team’s resilience, we prioritize founders who demonstrate adaptability and a commitment to overcoming challenges. We look for individuals who are not only skilled but also willing to take calculated risks, as these qualities often signal a readiness to innovate and grow in a competitive landscape. In essence, our selection process centers around finding teams that bring not only talent but also vision and tenacity.
Can you tell us more about Startupbootcamp’s growth plans?
Startupbootcamp is already recognized globally, with programs in countries like Brazil, U.A.E., Singapore, and Australia. Luxembourg is on our radar for networking, but we know that in a country as interconnected as Luxembourg, connections and collaborations are crucial. It’s a place where meaningful connections can lead to opportunities, even through just a few introductions. We’re already operating on a global scale, but bridging connections brings its own challenges, like finding the right local partnerships and beneficial events. Luxembourg is one market we’re eager to connect with, and I believe our network and resources can contribute significantly there.
Article courtesy of our content partner Silicon Luxembourg
About the Author
Hassan is deeply committed to exploring the intersections of health, technology, entrepreneurship, and sustainability. Having lived in 7 countries across 4 continents, he brings a global perspective to his work, crafting captivating narratives that celebrate human diversity and innovation. Hassan's writing covers a broad spectrum of subjects, from delving into the complexities of pioneering technologies to unveiling the narratives of emerging startups, showcasing his profound fascination with the ever-changing business environment.
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