FACE Entrepreneurship: “We Aim To Promote ICT Entrepreneurship In Young Europeans.”

Describe FACE Entrepreneurship in 50 or less words.

FACE Entrepreneurship is a ‘Made-in-Europe fear-fighters’ platform where young aspiring European entrepreneurs can find inspiration and advice from the ICT entrepreneurial ecosystem while learning to confront their entrepreneurial fears through online and offline activities.

What is your role at FACE Entrepreneurship and how did you get involved?

I am one of the many Communications Officers for the project. Our team is a diverse group of professionals from Spain, France, and even the United States dedicated to promoting the project and entrepreneurship throughout the EU with our online and offline actions.

Which technologies, industries or regions do you focus on?

FACE Entrepreneurship aims to promote ICT entrepreneurship in young Europeans. The campaign is open to the whole ICT field but some of the the activities that generate more interest are Big Data, Internet of Things, Smart Cities, wearables, e-health, e-learning, technology, robotics, augmented reality, mobile apps, cloud computing, software, etc. FACE Entrepreneurship covers the entire European Union.

Tell us a bit about Horizon 2020 – what can startups expect?

Horizon 2020 is the biggest EU Research and Innovation program ever which aims to foster the creation of employment opportunities, generate a single market of knowledge supporting innovation and research in Europe. The support of the innovative entrepreneurship ecosystem in Europe is one the signs of identity for the different initiatives is has promoted such as communications campaigns, summer academies, acceleration programs, prizes and contests for the most innovative startups, etc. The EU’s Startup Europe website offers great resources for startups and entrepreneurs who want to stay up to date about what’s going on within the European entrepreneurial ecosystem.

What do you think makes a startup successful? Which of the mentioned qualities are usually missing?

From our experience speaking with and interviewing entrepreneurs, first timers and serial, as well as what our experts have said at our various events we believe that a successful startup must first overcome it’s fears. Fears of financing, self-doubt, social pressure, etc, to be able to move forward and bring their projects to fruition. It’s obviously easier said than done, but our goal is to show young Europeans that it’s normal to have these fears, but at the same time they are surmountable and starting up in Europe is not only possible, but it’s worth it.

With insane growth of organizations joining the ecosystem in Europe – how do you make sure you stand out?

The FACE Entrepreneurship initiative stands out since our community is based online AND offline. Our methodology is based on a Delphi Study that identified the main fears entrepreneurs FACE and FACErs (users on the platform) share their experiences through our interactive, dynamic online ‘path to entrepreneurship.’ At the same time they get to meet in person at 7 offline events and learn from those who have come before them. This dual approach has allowed us to reach a wider community and engage with our audience in ways others haven’t. We’ve also appealed to the humorous side of entrepreneurs with a web series that follows 4 friends’ startup journey. Each episode is followed by expert-commentary with feedback and advice for entrepreneurs.

In what ways do you measure your success and how do you make sure you don’t lose track?

We feel successful every time we inspire young Europeans to become “fear fighters” and motivate them to follow their dreams. It’s incredible to make an impact on a European level, reaching so many different nationalities and building a great community. The number of FACErs, successful entrepreneurs and institutions in our community is always growing.

Organizations motivated by our project, who see a real need to fight risk aversion, actively help us have a stronger impact by aiding in offline events, interviews, offering prizes and much more. Thanks to our event manifestos, the debates and surveys on our platform we’re able to keep track of the progress we’re making to boost ICT and help Europeans fight their fear of failure.

If there is one thing you can wish for improving the European startup ecosystem, what would it be?

Our one wish would be that the young Europeans that make up today’s startup ecosystem, or potential startups, don’t let fear get in their way of reaching their dreams. Be afraid, it’s ok – it’s normal. But take that calculated risk, reach out to those who can guide you and move forward with your startup ideas – FACEing your fears is the only way to get over them!

What advice would you give entrepreneurs for their startup?

The advice we have to offer comes from the experts who have graciously shared their experiences with the FACE Entrepreneurship team, such as:

Rodrigo del Prado, Founder BQ: “The sooner you start, the less you have to lose.”

Stéphane Gantchev, Partner at LAUNCHub: “As an investor I’m very interested in hearing the stories behind your failures. You shouldn’t hide them.”,

Matt Kuppers, CEO Startup Manufactory: . “Failure can mean many things, but it’s important not to have the dichotomy of or I’m going to be a millionaire or I’m going to be ruined.”

Cristina Luminea, CEO of ThoughtBox: “Take calculated risks.” and Kristina Tzvetanova, CEO of BLITAB Technologies: “You need to have internal motivation or you’ll never startup.”

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