Rise & Scale helps innovation ecosystems strengthen their European positioning by bringing together selected ecosystem leaders, investors, corporates, policymakers, and founders around strategic topics.

Designed for innovation hubs seeking to expand their international reach, the format combines Start2 Group’s global network with local ecosystem expertise to enable peer exchange, knowledge transfer, and new collaboration opportunities.

“European Deep Tech sovereignty may only be achieved via powerful networks - built, strengthened and connected by Europe’s leading ecosystem builders.”

Prof. Matthias Notz
Global CEO, Start2 Group

Attendees

Who Is Rise & Scale for

Ecosystem Builders & Innovation Leaders

Innovation Hubs & Ecosystem Organisations

Public Sector & Innovation Policymakers:

Corporate Leaders

Investors

Founders Turned Enablers

Dicover Partner Opportunites

Concept

The Rise & Scale Approach

Strategic

Curation that Connects

As an invite-only ecosystem activation format, Rise & Scale is built around three principles: strategic relevance, international access, and deliberate curation.

Each edition is tailored to the host ecosystem’s priorities, connecting local stakeholders with relevant European peers and creating structured opportunities for exchange, introductions, and collaboration.

Quality

Relationships over reach

Unlike traditional conference side events, Rise & Scale focuses on the quality of connections rather than audience size - creating a relationship-led experience designed to generate lasting ecosystem value.

Previous editions have demonstrated strong international participation and high participant satisfaction across standalone and conference-linked formats.

Dicover Partner Opportunites

Format & Agenda

Inspiring Keynotes

Leading voices from across the innovation landscape share forward-looking perspectives.

Peer-to-Peer Roundtables

Ecosystem leaders, investors, and founders exchange insights on shared strategic challenges in a focused, small-group setting.

Lightning Talks & Ecosystem Showcases

Fast-paced talks and curated showcases spotlight standout ideas, initiatives, and ecosystems making an impact across Europe.

Curated Networking

Intentional, well-matched introductions connect the right stakeholders to spark genuine collaboration.

Business Model Innovation & Growth Opportunities

Practical sessions explore how ecosystems and ventures can rethink their models and unlock new pathways for international scaling.

Our Track Record Speaks for Itself

Created by one of Europe's leading innovation platforms with a global footprint, Rise & Scale builds on a network shaped by supporting 800+ startups annually, operating across 33 markets, and maintaining local presences in 20 locations.

This reach enables the format to bring together relevant stakeholders from across Europe in a focused and high-trust setting.

80

Participants

24

Countries

9/10

Attendee Recommendation Rating

9/10

Audience Curation Score (Attendees)

Take their word for it

Feedback from our community.

"Very meaningful meetup for discussing synergies in a small group & building connections"

"Loved the community & the programme. Excellent moderation."

"Incredibly valuable networking event"

Aftermovie

Impressions and Voices from Rise & Scale

Dicover Partner Opportunites

The Rise & Scale Advantage

A curated platform connecting Europe’s ecosystem builders to exchange insights, build partnerships, and accelerate innovation ecosystems - powered by Start2 Group’s global reach and ecosystem-building expertise.