The Avrio Advocati workshop on supporting startups, chaired by Rick Geerars, Partner at Nineyards Law, offered a global perspective on growing entrepreneurship. Held during the Avrio Advocati conference in Utrecht on September 27-28, 2024, the session explored various approaches to supporting startups and the key role lawyers play in these ecosystems.
Economic Insight Through Entrepreneurship
Rick Geerars opened the discussion by highlighting that entrepreneurial activity offers insights into the health of an economy. He pointed to The Netherlands as a top-10 country for supporting startups, driven by a strategy that emphasises sustainability and innovation. This success is supported by fiscal incentives, credit facilities, and in-kind support for emerging businesses.
UK’s Entrepreneurial Support
Bryan Bletso, Partner at Irwin Mitchell, discussed the range of benefits available to entrepreneurs in the UK. These include financial and legal support mechanisms that help startups grow and thrive in a competitive environment.
Investment Relief for Business Angels
Alison Marshall, Partner at Wright, Johnston & Mackenzie LLP, shared updates on the reliefs available for business angels in the UK. She emphasised how these provisions allow investors to support startups and redeem their investments efficiently, ensuring a smooth flow of capital.
What Drives Startup Investment?
Philip Gilliland shifted the conversation to Ireland’s entrepreneurial success, emphasising its supportive culture. He posed the question of what motivates people to invest in startups—whether it’s passion, reputation, or the potential for financial returns—suggesting that it isn’t always about financial returns. Philip also outlined the generous range of supports available to entrepreneurs in Northern Ireland.
Quebec City and Canadian Innovation
Christian Sarailis, Partner at Sarailis Avocats, updated the group on the support systems available in Quebec City and Canada. He discussed the dynamic relationship between increased innovation and regulation, noting that excessive regulation can sometimes deter entrepreneurs from pursuing new ventures.
Sustainability and Innovation in Dutch Investments
Laurine van den Bos provided insights into The Netherlands’ focus on carbon offsetting and innovation as key priorities for investment in both startups and scale-ups. She explained how these priorities shape the country’s strategic investments and its overall approach to supporting entrepreneurial activity.
Serbia’s Innovation Clusters
Marija Cabarkapa of PC Law shared developments in Serbia, where innovation clusters are being supported by government initiatives. These clusters are designed to foster innovation and provide a supportive environment for startups in various industries.
Silicon Valley’s Formula for Success
Bruce Bowden, Partner Leech Tishman summarised why Silicon Valley remains a global leader in entrepreneurship. He pointed to the concentration of capital, the alignment of tech center policies, and the clarity of the business environment. He stressed that taking excessive money from startups is counterproductive, as success is driven by creating an ecosystem that allows innovation to flourish without unnecessary financial burdens.
Lawyers’ Role in Startup Ecosystems
Guy Rulkins, Partner at ebl redsky, discussed how legal professionals can support entrepreneurs, using Belgium as an example where initiatives are in place to help startups manage legal costs. This reduces barriers for new businesses trying to navigate complex legal landscapes.
Disruptors and the Legal Landscape
The session also examined the impact of new entrants and disruptors in established markets. Much discussion centred around the evolving legal landscape and what this means for startups as they navigate upcoming legislation.
This workshop offered a truly international overview of startup support, with contributions from legal experts across different regions. It emphasised the shared challenges and opportunities faced by entrepreneurs globally and the essential role of legal professionals in guiding them through complex regulatory environments.