The Early Stage Investing Launchpad (ESIL) has launched the ESIL Angel Academy, a free online training programme designed to equip aspiring and experienced angel investors with the knowledge and practical skills needed to invest in and mentor Europe’s next generation of deep-tech startups.
The initiative aims to strengthen Europe’s early-stage investment ecosystem by making high-quality angel investor education accessible across the continent, particularly in countries where angel investing remains underdeveloped.
Funded by the European Union through the European Innovation Council (EIC) and the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), the Academy is part of ESIL’s broader mission to build a stronger, more connected, and more diverse European angel investment community.
Practical Training for Future Angel Investors
The ESIL Angel Academy offers more than 20 hours of online learning featuring over 30 experienced investors and ecosystem leaders who have collectively invested more than €400 million into early-stage companies and supported 2,449 founders across Europe and the United States.
Designed for both new and experienced angel investors, the programme combines expert-led lessons with practical templates, downloadable tools, and real-world investment insights.
Participants will learn how to:
- Source and evaluate startup investment opportunities
- Structure and negotiate angel investment deals
- Support and mentor startup founders after investing
- Build effective angel investment portfolios
- Invest in deep-tech innovation
- Promote diversity within startup investing
Strengthening Europe’s Deep-Tech Ecosystem
The Academy focuses particularly on deep-tech entrepreneurship, recognizing that breakthrough scientific and engineering innovations often require knowledgeable early-stage investors capable of supporting founders beyond capital.
By improving investor capabilities, ESIL aims to increase the availability of smart capital for Europe’s most innovative startups while strengthening investment ecosystems across emerging European markets.
A Pan-European Collaboration
The programme brings together expertise from leading angel investors, investment funds, angel networks, and representatives of the European Innovation Council (EIC).
Together, contributors represent more than 300 years of combined experience in early-stage investing.
Jenny Tooth OBE, Vice President of Diversity at BAE and Executive Chair of the UK Business Angels Association (UKBAA), said the initiative represents more than a traditional investment course.
“The ESIL Angel Academy is a truly European effort to raise the bar for angel investing—not only in established markets, but across the continent. By sharing knowledge and experience across borders, we’re helping unlock talent, capital, and opportunity where it’s needed most.”
Supporting the Next Generation of European Innovation
ESIL believes that stronger angel investment networks are essential to Europe’s long-term competitiveness.
By providing free access to practical education, the Academy seeks to lower barriers for new investors while helping experienced angels improve their investment strategies and mentoring capabilities.
The programme is delivered by a consortium of leading European innovation organizations, including META Group, Business Angels Europe (BAE), and Bpifrance, reflecting a collaborative effort to strengthen Europe’s startup financing landscape.
As Europe’s deep-tech ecosystem continues to grow, initiatives like the ESIL Angel Academy aim to ensure that founders have access not only to capital, but also to experienced investors capable of supporting the next generation of globally competitive technology companies.
