European Founders Pitch Spinouts at Stage Two Event
Academic entrepreneurs gathered in Berlin to connect with investors and bolster the pan-European startup ecosystem.
Updated on Oct. 26, 2026 in Startups
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The annual Stage Two event brought together university spinout founders from across Europe to present their ventures to venture capital firms. Hosted at the Radialsystem arts center, the meeting focuses on strengthening regional collaboration.
Why it matters
The event aims to build a dedicated pan-European ecosystem for university spinouts to reduce regional reliance on external capital markets. This strategy emphasizes a transition toward increased sovereignty within the continental academic startup sector.
The 2026 iteration of the event saw 33% of participants hailing from outside the DACH region. This marks a notable shift in the composition of founders seeking investment at the Berlin-based forum.
The players
Stage Two
An annual competition and networking event that connects university spinouts with venture capital investors.
Radialsystem
An arts and culture center located in Berlin that served as the host venue for the 2026 conference.
The details
Academic founders pitched their startup ideas directly to venture capital firms, utilizing the event structure to facilitate direct networking. The gathering underscores a growing trend of independence within the European spinout community.
Timeline
The Stage Two event took place in Berlin during October 2026.
Market Landscape
The event aligns with the strategic objectives of the European Union's Horizon Europe research and innovation framework. By fostering a self-sustaining investment environment, it marks a departure from traditional reliance on international funding sources for academic intellectual property.
Entrepreneurs and investors can expect a more integrated marketplace for academic innovation across the continent. This shift may lead to increased accessibility for startups seeking early-stage venture funding within European borders.
The takeaway
The increased participation of founders from outside the DACH region suggests a broadening reach for the European innovation network. Founders should focus on regional networking to leverage these emerging pathways for cross-border capital access.
Further reading
For more on the current environment for new companies, visit our Startups section.
More information
View the Stage Two 2026 participant list for details on the featured founders.
Live Poll
Should European startups prioritize regional funding sources to maintain greater independence from foreign capital?
