Networking Night Invest4Cyber
14.06.2024
Daniela Musial-Lemberg
Event
A platform for innovation and networking: the Invest4Cyber Networking Night in Berlin on 6 June was a real hit. The event brought together European venture capitalists (VCs) and the German cybersecurity ecosystem. Supported by StartUpSecure KASTEL, it was the perfect opportunity for start-ups to get in front of potential investors and make valuable contacts.
Strong presence and international flair.
Around 100 participants created a relaxed, open and inspiring atmosphere. The international VCs were particularly eager to get to know the cybersecurity ecosystem in Germany and to meet the future stars of the industry.
Highlights of the event
The “fireside chat and discussion” and the discussion ‘Cybersecurity is everywhere: What Europe is doing to ensure its resilience?” were particularly well received. The “Meet leading European VC funds with a focus on cybersecurity” pitch by 33N Ventures, Tin Capital and eCAPITAL was also well received.
Feedback from the start-ups.
The participating start-ups such as VISS, Consenter, Guard Technology and Cyber Insight were full of praise:
– Viss: “It was great to meet relevant investors in a short period of time and gain deeper insights into region-specific differences in investment and market development.”
– Consenter: “It was exciting to get to know the investors personally and lose the fear of contact. I also thought it was a great idea that the investors had to pitch this time”.
– Guard Technology: “The event was particularly valuable for us because we were able to learn about the latest trends and innovations in cybersecurity and exchange ideas with experts and potential partners.”
– Feedback from Cyber Insight: “It was exciting for us to pitch to the VCs and see the ecosystem from a different perspective. It was also a great environment where we were able to talk to partners from major cyber VCs in a very straightforward way.”
All startups reported that they were able to make more than five good contacts – an important step for their next funding rounds.
Breite Unterstützung und Kollaboration
Wide support and collaboration
The event was generously supported by sponsors such as Bochum Economic Development , Cube5, StartUpSecure KASTEL, CISPA, TIN Capital, StartUpSecure I ATHENE, Pava Partners and 33N Ventures. It has also been endorsed by organisations such as BVK e.V., Bitkom e.V., secunet Security Networks, Tikehau Capital, TIIN Capital, Leaders in Security (LSEC) and the Basque CyberSecurity Centre (BCSC).
A look at the future
The VCs present were impressed by the diversity and depth of the German cybersecurity ecosystem. First matches with interested VCs have already been made, making the Invest4Cyber Networking Night an ideal platform for StartUpSecure KASTEL and KIT-Gründerschmiede to network with international players. The event also strengthened the cooperation with the StartUpSecure partners from Bochum and Saarbrücken, with the aim of organising more joint events in the future.
Conclusion
The Invest4Cyber Networking Night was a great success and showed the importance of such platforms for networking and exchange in the cybersecurity ecosystem. With the support of committed sponsors and the participation of numerous VCs and start-ups, an important step has been taken to further strengthen Europe’s innovation and resilience in the field of cybersecurity.
