Contact:
Julia Gülden-Zeisberger
Phone: +43 664 43 87 070
E-Mail: julia@venionaire.com
- Digitalisation
- Technology
- Innovation
- World Venture Forum
- conference
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| WVF2023 - Evening Reception |
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Vienna (pts028/11.07.2023/15:15) - The World Venture Forum (WVF) 2023, held from July 3 to 8 in Kitzbühel, was not only a resounding success but an event of absolute superlatives, with over 500 participants from 25 countries. The attendees primarily consisted of leading family offices, foundations, banks, pension funds, and numerous affluent individuals. For the ninth time, the team led by initiator and Venionaire Capital CEO Berthold Baurek-Karlic provided investors and experts from around the world with a diverse program featuring high-profile speakers, discussion panels, and networking events. Additionally, for the first time, the best venture fund of 2023, "Global Brains" from Japan, and the world's best technology transfer center, "HS Fresenius - Pioneer Lab," were recognized with awards during a glamorous gala.
The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the "Crystal Unicorn Award of Excellence" for the best venture fund of 2023. The Japanese company, Global Brain Corporation, impressed the expert jury with its 27 funds, 87 exits, and 570 investments, managed by a team of 250 experts worldwide. The award, personally accepted by Naoki Kamimaeda, Partner and Europe Division Head, acknowledged Global Brain's remarkable performance and global contribution to fostering young high-tech companies. In Austria, Global Brains had a stake in 360Kompany AG, which was successfully acquired by Moody's Analytics last year.
Another highlight of the event was the presentation of the "Rising Star Award" powered by Swarovski New Ventures. This award went to Hochschule Fresenius, headquartered in Wiesbaden, for its outstanding technology transfer center, "Pioneer Lab," which is being rolled out in 40 locations (the 41st is currently under development in Austria). The jury particularly praised the university's entrepreneurial-driven innovation power and its role as an important catalyst, in conjunction with its educational offerings, for many "new business angels" among its graduates.
International Landmark Event
With over 500 participants from more than 25 countries, including Canada, Singapore, Ireland, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, France, Mauritius, Kenya, Qatar, and Japan, the event provided a unique opportunity to expand international networks and establish crucial contacts. With six different theme alms - Crypto, Circular Economy, Life Sciences, LegalTech, Family Offices & Institutional Private Equity - various networking events, lounges, and receptions, the WVF created an inspiring and productive atmosphere within the unique setting of Kitzbühel. Approximately 40 internationally renowned speakers contributed to the thematic diversity and intellectually intense exchange throughout the entire week with their keynotes and panel discussions.
After the Event is Before the Event
The upcoming year marks the 10-year anniversary of the event, which has organically grown from a small golf tournament initiated by the European Super Angels Club. The operational team behind the event has set high goals for the anniversary: "We aim to double the number of participants for 2024. We intend to increase the proportion of female participants and enhance international diversity," revealed Julia Gülden-Zeisberger, Chief Marketing Officer at Venionaire Capital. "We will once again offer exciting theme alms, high-profile panels, even more VIP break-out sessions, and additional sports activities. True to the founding spirit of the World Venture Forum, we will create ample time and space for networking. For participating investors from various cultural backgrounds, establishing intensive and trust-building connections is crucial to maintaining contact and investing together."
A Non-Profit Foundation Ensuring Forum Independence
The WVF 2024 will be a unique platform for investors and experts, not only to discuss the latest developments in innovation, future technologies, and venture capital but also to actively shape and drive them forward. Currently, a non-profit foundation (according to Austrian law) is in the process of registration. It defines its purpose as not only hosting the signature event but also focusing on education, technology transfer, innovation promotion, and entrepreneurship.
"We are thrilled by the positive response to the World Venture Forum 2023 and look forward to celebrating the 10-year anniversary next year. As a co-founder, I am sincerely grateful to close associates and the companies that have accompanied us for years, for establishing this independent non-profit platform that will endure for decades," said Berthold Baurek-Karlic, CEO of Venionaire Capital and initiator of the WVF. "Together with its sister event, the Business Angel Summit, the WVF creates a globally unique platform for the exchange of investors, experts, and startups, which we aim to further expand in the coming years until our event in Kitzbühel ultimately becomes known worldwide as the 'Davos of Innovation.'"
Interested investors can now secure Early Bird tickets for the World Venture Forum 2024 on the official website.
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