In a world where record amounts of capital remain uninvested, countless start-ups and scale-ups continue to struggle to secure the funding they need to grow and thrive. Venture capital seems within reach for some, yet elusive for many. What does it truly take to attract the attention – and investment – of venture capitalists and business angels?
Join us for an inspiring and insightful evening session featuring Rudy Aernoudt, a thought leader in corporate finance, entrepreneurship, and venture capital. Rudy will explore the current venture capital landscape, uncover the key challenges entrepreneurs face in raising funds, and share practical strategies for capturing the interest of investors.
Following Rudy’s keynote, participants will have the opportunity to hear from experts in the field during an engaging panel discussion and take part in a Q&A session afterward with:
- Hans Kluwer – Partner at McCapital Partners, Entrepreneur, Board Member, and Investor with a proven track record in the publishing, e-commerce, and software industries.
- Dirk Paelinck – CEO of Interoffices/Workero and Chairman of the European PropTech Association – PropTech House.
- Jan Alexander – Secretary General, Belgian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association
What to Expect:
- Keynote Presentation: Delivered by Rudy Aernoudt, setting the stage with an expert overview of the venture capital ecosystem, the “dry powder” phenomenon, and the growing disconnect between available capital and startups’ financing needs.
- Panel Discussion: An engaging conversation with distinguished guest speakers from the venture capital and startup community, offering diverse perspectives on what makes an investment-worthy business.
- Networking Opportunity: Connect with entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders in an informal setting after the discussion.
Get an Exclusive Introduction to the Venture Capital Academy
This event offers the perfect introduction to the Venture Capital Academy, launching this April in Brussels and curated by Rudy Aernoudt. The Venture Capital Academy is an international programme developed by BMI Executive Institute and Louvain School of Management (UCLouvain), in partnership with Strelia, BeAngels, and Business Angels Network Flanders.
Through expert-led sessions, hands-on guidance, and invaluable networking opportunities, participants will gain practical skills and a deeper understanding of how venture investment, opportunity valuation, and deal structuring work.
If you’re ready for a deep dive into the world of venture capital, don’t miss this chance to gain valuable insights and discover if the Academy is the right fit for you!
About the Speaker
- Rudy Aernoudt is a Professor of Corporate Finance at the Universities of Ghent and affiliate Professor at BMI Executive Institute (Vilnius and Brussels).
- Co-founder of EBAN, the European Business Angels Network and founder of FREE (the Foundation for the Research on Education and Entrepreneurship), cofounder of Growth Academy for Enterprises and Senator at the WBAF (world Business Angel Forum).
- Is an experienced Professor Corporate Finance and European policy and has an outstanding International and European experience (MIT, OECD, European commission, European Council and European Social and Economic Committee).
- Served in the Belgian government as Secretary-General for Economy, Science and Innovation, he was director-general of OLPC (one laptop per child, spinoff MIT) and curator TEDx Brussels.
- Former Chief economist at the European Commission dealing with space economics, enterprise and entrepreneurship, financing of enterprises and industrial policy.
- Columnist (FD Magazine, CXO and Trends) and author of several books (35+) and papers (300+) on corporate finance, politics and economics.
- Received the prestigious award Condorcet Aron for democracy, the Belgian award for political mood, the best entrepreneurship plan of Europe, the most influential person for business angels on world level.
Panelists
- Hans Kluwer – Partner at McCapital Partners, Entrepreneur, Board Member, and Investor with broad interests and a proven track record in the publishing, e-commerce, and software industries. Hans creates value by combining a strong financial background with commercial acumen, strategic insight, and exceptional organizational skills.
- Dirk Paelinck – CEO of Interoffices/Workero and Chairman of the European PropTech Association – PropTech House. Dirk plays a key role in assisting the real estate and construction industries across Europe in their transition toward sustainability, achieving net-zero goals, and implementing new ways of working and living (NWOW/NWOL).
- Jan Alexander – Secretary General at the Belgian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (BVA), Experienced Venture Capital & Private Equity Professional
Event is free of charge. Register now to reserve your spot!
For any questions, please contact Tatyana Obretenova at tatyana@bmiinstitute.com or +32 492 833 884.
Register