RulesRegs - Venture Program EastBalkans 2018 v2
RulesRegs - Venture Program EastBalkans 2018 v2
RulesRegs - Venture Program EastBalkans 2018 v2
2
1 ARISE Europe Venture Program
With the objective of continually fostering the creation of new deep technology-based
ventures, EIT Digital IVZW, an international non-profit association under Belgian law,
with registered office at Rue Guimard 7, 1040 Brussels, Belgium, hereinafter EIT Digital,
is launching the ARISE Europe Venture Program.
The ARISE Europe Venture Program is a two-stage competition whose mission is to
support the establishment of deep technology-based ventures by helping innovators in
developing and finalizing their Minimal Viable Product (MVP)1, e.g. a market-
validated functioning version of their product
establishing their venture.
The program is executed in two Regional Editions and delivered by Innovation Partners
of EIT Digital. This call is open to residents in countries listed hereinafter.
Growth Package
The Growth Package consists of a 6 weeks Acceleration Phase delivered by qualified
experts and a prize of 5,000 Euro. The Acceleration Phase will support teams in the
development and finalization of their MVP and in the establishment of their venture. It
will provide training in entrepreneurial skillset through a two-day bootcamp and a 6
week-long virtual mentoring program and will be concluded by a final Pitch Day. The
Acceleration Phase for this call will be executed by Found.ation
(http://thefoundation.gr/) and will be overseen by the Venture Program Committee
consisting of 2 representatives from EIT Digital and 2 representatives of Found.ation.
The Acceleration Phase will
3
Help selected teams to focus on market verticals & offer, shifting from a product to
a market perspective.
De-risk deep-tech ventures via product and market validation, pushing participants
to test market hypotheses with real potential customers
Create opportunities for peer-to-peer learning among selected teams encouraging
a strong community spirit amongst the cohort that will last far beyond the end of
this program.
Enable participants to maximize their product-market fit by exposing them to real
market actors in their target sectors
Prepare the participants for a seed stage investment from Business Angels or
Venture Capital firms in Europe
At the end of the Acceleration Phase, successful participating teams are expected to
have executed and validated their Minimal Viable Product (MVP) and to establish their
one and only one venture through incorporation in one of the EU28 countries.
Final Prize
Teams that a) have been awarded the Growth Package and b) have successfully
completed their MVP and incorporated their venture in one of the EU28 countries, will
be eligible for an additional prize of 10,000 Euro, payable to the venture.
EIT Digital’s ARISE Venture Program focuses on deep innovation - i.e., new deep-tech-
leveraged global solutions requiring consistent human and financial resources to
achieve commercialization. It targets strong value propositions from entrepreneurs,
with an existing prototype or Proof of Concept (PoC) or who are anyway close to realize
their MVP.
Digital Industry
Digital Industry covers the seamless process from production to retail and the related
supporting functions such as logistics and consumer engagement.
We are looking for innovative solutions to improve efficiency in production and retail,
to better address customer needs, and to help save natural resources in manufacturing
and logistics. This includes solutions creating value from big data collection,
aggregation, analysis and visualization services (and their enabling technologies) for
decentralized production management covering the complete product life cycle:
design, simulation, production, operation/consumption, maintenance, and consumer
relationship frameworks. Value creation may also be achieved from dynamic and
flexible omnichannel solutions for all kinds of commerce – physical, online or blended-
which enable the seamless consumer experience in exploration, in choice of products,
payment and delivery, as well as collection and analysis consumer trends and insight
for logistics, retail operations and customer relationship management.
Keywords: Production and retail, manufacturing, IoT, logistics, big data
4
Digital Cities
Digital transformation of the cities through centralized, participative and collaborative
interactions between city actors: government, city service providers, industry, citizens.
In the information area, we are looking for solutions to allow municipalities or regions
to evolve from Open Data to an Urban Information Framework, creating value from big
and real time data, audio/video flows generated by any sensors, IoT, social networks,
crowd sensing, etc. Examples of expected new business models include semantic data
browsing, data brokerage and trusted services between data providers and customers,
as well as hyper local services and local Internet networks. Additionally, solutions for a
clean, quiet, stress-less and cost effective mobility are of interest. Mobility as a Service
integrating public, private, peer-to-peer, conventional, decarbonized or autonomous
transport means in seamless door-to-door mobility services. Augmented and virtual
reality solutions for city planners and tourists in situ with valuable added information
about the past and potential future of city sights. Also, solutions improving the safety
in the cities are expected, either for exceptional events such as concerts, climatic
events or terrorist attacks, or in the daily life, in the street, at home or at work. The
traditional centralized systems need to be enhanced with citizen participation and
collaboration at each step of risk management: risk analysis, prevention and mitigation
strategies, training, prediction and post-event analysis.
Keywords: mobility, safety, e-government
Digital Wellbeing
Digital Wellbeing leverages digital technologies to stay healthy (prevention/early
detection) or cope with an existing chronic condition. Both physical and mental
wellbeing are considered.
The solutions should enable consumers to be well-informed about their wellbeing and
to be able to use digital instrumentation to monitor and improve their quality of life,
according to the motto “an ounce of prevention is worth at least a pound of cure”.
Good examples are products (unobtrusive sensors and actuators and associated
software services) targeted at occupational and private health and fitness. The clear
focus is on measures supporting prevention or secondary care for both physical and
mental/cognitive impairments. Correlation of diverse data sources in a “big data”
approach is also important to get more relevant results. As the collected data is
sensitive, privacy-aware systems are equally important. Solutions that delay the onset
of physical and cognitive/mental conditions or cope with these conditions in a social
context are considered as a triple win.
Keywords: prevention, fitness, monitoring, early detection, e-health
Digital Infrastructure
Digital Infrastructure is the core enabler of the digital transformation by providing
secure, robust, responsive and intelligent communications and computation facilities.
In this category we have several targets: In networking, the focus lays on improving the
mobile broadband infrastructure, network management tools based on software
defined networks (SDN), and a multitude of IoT applications in the network area. In
computing, we focus on Cloud Computing, Big Data, and Artificial Intelligence,
especially technologies efficiently combining AI techniques such as machine learning
5
and deep learning capabilities on top of the cloud & Big Data platform(s) in such a way
that it leads to successful business. In security, we are looking for solutions on privacy,
cyber security, and digital ID management. Of great interest are solutions enforcing the
privacy-by-design paradigm and the minimality principle in balance with usability, and
usage of user-controllable privacy policies and assurance levels. We are also looking for
data privacy solutions for cloud services through implementation of advanced
cryptographic techniques.
Keywords: Cloud Computing, Big Data, AI, privacy, cyber security, digital ID
management
Digital Finance
Delivery of innovative financial products and services through digital technology, with
the objective of making financial systems more reliable, more transparent, and less
dependent on central infrastructures.
Within this category, we are looking for disruptive solutions using blockchain
technology for various applications, including payments, contract handling and voting.
Technologies integrating Artificial Intelligence, pattern identification technologies,
machine learning, natural language processing, homomorphic encryption and big data
analytics are equally interesting. In addition, solutions improving interactions between
customers and financial service providers, offering new and innovative approaches for
customer relations and focusing on usability are part of the focus of the Digital Finance
category.
6
in the online application form.
Team members must be resident in one of the following countries:
Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Macedonia (FYROM)
Each team can submit one and no more than one application.
Applying teams must not have already established a legal entity for the project in
question.
Submissions must be legible once printed in black and white using default printer
settings.
Submission must clearly specify the bank account which the 5,000 Euro prize is to
be paid to.
Any source of funding that has an equity ownership component, including funding
from non-managing founders, is considered institutional and must be clearly
identified in the proposal.
Teams that are in the process of securing arrangements for capital from any source
must disclose the amounts and sources (NOT specific entities, but rather THE
sources of capital, Angel and or VC and amounts and dates) clearly in their
submissions and keep the Venture Program committee aware of such
developments throughout the selection process. Such information will be treated
as confidential.
The Venture Program Committee reserves the right to disqualify any submission that
violates any of the points above. Disqualified submissions will not be reviewed and will
receive no feedback.
7
the identified strategy, including clearly identified technical and business skills.
Key operational aspects during the execution stage and how the support provided
may or may not have an impact on it.
General quality of the presentation and demonstrated communication skills.
In more detail, all submission shall address the following points, always to the extent
that this is allowed under applicable law, which will also constitute the main evaluation
criteria.
1) Team composition and fit of each member with the project
Describe the core knowledge and expertise of each team member, as well any
areas of competence still in need of development within the team. Be as open and
honest as possible. Describe also the team's access to knowledge and expertise in
any specialist field outside yours but required to implement the solution envisaged,
i.e. your product and / or service, and to establish your venture.
2) Addressed market/business pain and its dimension
Through a 2 to 3 sentence statement, describe who is your customer and the
problem that your product and/ or service will actually solve or help solving.
Characterise clearly and quantitatively the current problems faced by customers
with existing solutions (from competitors, direct and indirect).
3) Technology underlying the product or service; uniqueness of the solution
Please, keep in mind that the Venture Program targets deep-tech based solutions.
Start by describing your technology, the stage of technical development you are at
and what the next critical steps in development are to establish your MVP and have
your solutions ready to launch in the market. What makes it different (better) from
existing solutions? Participants must refrain from disclosing any confidential
information for that purpose. In other words, do not describe how your technology
works but rather explain what technology it is, what it does and how it meets
customers’ needs. Also, explain your strategy for managing any Intellectual
Property (IP) protection for your solution.
4) Product/service innovativeness
Through a clear, 2 to 3 sentence statement, describe your solution, the benefits for
the customer and how it overcomes the problems identified in item 2. Be as
quantitative as possible in the description of the benefits. For instance, do not just
say that your solution “is better than..” but rather “enables XX% improvement in..”
5) Global impact
Describe the main characteristics (margins; emerging; consolidation stage, other) of
the market in which you will introduce your solution (product or service) and in
which way your value proposition (to the customer) makes it an attractive
opportunity for an investor. Include the financial needs for implementation and the
projected returns for a hypothetical investor. Also, highlight how the market has
been growing and how it is expected to grow in the foreseeable future. Always
quote and reference your sources. You will also need to focus on market sizes for
the total and the addressable markets respectively, and make clear any economic,
political, regulatory issues that may limit market access.
6) Risks associated with your business model
8
Global investors expect teams responsible for their projects to apply international
best practice in managing the risks and achieving the objectives of the project. Risk
management needs be balanced with the opportunities presented in a timely and
cost effective manner. Clearly identify the main risks involved in your business
model and strategy. Document the risks and the severity of any legal/regulatory
issue (e.g. International standards, issues with privacy regulation, IP disclosures and
protection strategies, etc.). Provide a discussion of the budgetary implications of
dealing with the above risks being honest about possible costs no matter how
uncertain such estimates may be.
9
have participated in the final Pitch Day
have incorporated one and just one company based on the project in one of the
EU28 countries.
10
identify the best teams or assess the quality of the achieved MVP. Only for the
purposes of the execution of the competition participants will provide name, postal
address, email address and telephone number (“personal data”). EIT Digital will
process the submitted material according to Belgium law. Personal data shall be
deleted six months after the announcement of the contest winners.
The Venture Program Selection Panel members are the only individuals who may have
access to the submitted information. All necessary steps are taken to limit access to the
submitted information.
The Selection Panel will consist of people used to dealing with confidential material on
a regular basis. If some part of the submitted information is confidential, applicants will
have to clearly mark that information as “CONFIDENTIAL,” and the Venture Program
Committee will retain that legend in any copy of the material provided to the Selection
Panel. However, even if candidates mark their information as confidential, there will be
no confidentiality obligation by any recipient of the summary for information which:
i. Is publicly available prior to the time of its disclosure to the Venture Program or
becomes publicly available thereafter through no wrongful act of the recipient, or
ii. Was known to the recipient prior to the date of disclosure or becomes known to
the recipient thereafter from a third party having an apparent bona fide right to
disclose the information, or
iii. Is disclosed by recipient in accordance with recipient’s approval, or
iv. Is disclosed by recipient or any member of his team without restriction on further
disclosure, or is independently developed by a recipient; or
v. The recipient is obligated to disclose to comply with applicable laws or
regulations, or with a court or administrative order.
By applying to the Venture Program, applicants consent that EIT Digital IVZW will
collect, transfer, process, store and delete their data under above-mentioned
conditions.
11
commit to provide EIT Digital the opportunity to obtain some equity in the venture,
being the newly incorporated company within a period of 2 years after the signature of
the “EIT DIGITAL’s ARISE Venture Program 2018 - Growth Package PRIZE AGREEMENT”,
and in which participants directly or indirectly have a majority stake and which has
been developed through their participation in the Venture Program
That equity will correspond to 7% shares at nominal value of the Venture,
according to the terms stipulated in the SIMPLE AGREEMENT FOR FUTURE
“EQUITY”.
The equity must be granted no longer than 30 days after incorporation,
irrespective of whether the established venture has applied to the Final Prize
and/or the outcomes thereof.
8 Key Dates:
First stage Submissions Deadline 15th May 2018
Selection Interviews (Skype) 18th May 2018
Announcement of Growth Package winners 21st May 2018
Contracts signed 1st June 2018
Bootcamp 4th-5th June 2018
End of Acceleration Program and Pitch Day 10th July 2018
Application for Final Prize 1-10th September
Announcement of Final Prize winners 15th September
Dates are indicative. EIT Digital holds the right to adjust these dates in a reasonable
manner and by publication on its website.
12
4. Participating in media and press opportunities in no way, shape or form
requires teams to disclose any proprietary or otherwise confidential
information related to their businesses. The Venture Program committee agrees
to provide consultation to any team, upon request, to avoid such disclosures
while participating in press related opportunities.
5. ARISE Europe will conduct at least yearly an “impact” survey which all
participants are obliged to fill, including jobs created, financing raised, revenue
generated among other critical information and this during a period of 7 years.
ARISE Europe program will use such information only in aggregate form. Any
use discrete of the data will always require pre-approval by the participants.
10 Miscellaneous
1. The participants agree that they will explicitly use the branding of “ARISE
Europe Venture Program” – EIT Digital in any advertising or public presentation
further to being selected to the accelerator, in accordance with the instructions
for the use of the brand.
2. THE VENTURE PROGRAM COMMITTEE MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS OR
WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND CONCERNING THE PROGRAM, OR ITS OUTCOME
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. IN NO EVENT SHALL EIT DIGITAL, ITS DIRECTORS,
OFFICERS, EMPLOYEES AND PARTNERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY ADVICE,
INFORMATION OR DECISIONS MADE IN THE FRAMEWORK OF THE ARISE
EUROPE VENTURE PROGRAM. IN NO EVENT SHALL EIT DIGITAL INCUR ANY
LIABILITY FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND,
INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO ECONOMIC DAMAGES AND LOST PROFITS.
THE LIABILITY OF EIT DIGITAL SHALL IN ANY EVENT BE LIMITED TO THE
AMOUNT OF 5000 EUR.
13
IVZW be liable for any special indirect, punitive, incidental or consequential damages,
including loss of profit. The liability of EIT Digital IVZW shall in any case be limited to
1,000 EUR.
14
ANNEX III
SIMPLE AGREEMENT FOR FUTURE “EQUITY”
BETWEEN:
FIRST PARTY
EIT DIGITAL
And
SECOND PARTIES
………………………….. (name, civil status, taxpayer number, identification card, address)
………………………….. (name, civil status, taxpayer number, identification card, address)
(hereinafter collectively called PROMOTORS).
RECITALS:
1. The PROMOTERS have submitted an application to the ARISE Europe Venture
Program 2018 (hereinafter called the APPLICATION);
2. That APPLICATION submitted has for object the establishment of a new venture
(hereinafter called the NEWCO).
3. According to Section 7 of the Rules and Regulations of the ARISE Europe
Venture Program (“EIT Digital Equity”), EIT Digital is entitled to a “right of
equity” with regard to the NEWCO.
4. That “right of equity” with regard to the NEWCO is created to support the
organization of EIT Digital and its sustainability.
The Parties, freely and in good faith, agree as follows:
CLAUSE 1
By submitting the APPLICATION, the PROMOTERS immediately and irrevocably
undertake the obligations stipulated in this Agreement.
CLAUSE 2
By submitting the APPLICATION, the PROMOTORS undertake that, if the NEWCO is
established no later than two years after the signature of the “EIT DIGITAL’s ARISE
Venture Program 2018 - Growth Package PRIZE AGREEMENT”, they will give equity
(shares of the NEWCO) to EIT Digital corresponding to the amount of 7% (seven
percent) shareholding, within 30 days from the incorporation of the NEWCO. The
PROMOTORS and EIT Digital will in good faith further elaborate the details of
establishing and realizing the equity position for EIT Digital in the NEWCO and will
enter into appropriate undertakings, deeds and agreements in this respect.
CLAUSE 3
3.1. The PROMOTORS undertake to have the right of exclusive use of all “intellectual
15
property” (e.g. registered and not registered) linked to the PROJECT. When the
COMPANY will be incorporated, they undertake to transfer to the COMPANY the
ownership rights or the right of exclusive use of all “intellectual property” linked to the
PROJECT.
3.2. The obligation referred to in Clause 3.1. will always be neutral regarding the “right
of equity” of EIT Digital, e.g. the transfer of the “intellectual property” to the COMPANY
will not entail any dilution of the shareholding held by EIT Digital.
CLAUSE 4
This Agreement applies independently of the place or jurisdiction of the country of
incorporation of the NEWCO, the PROMOTORS being obliged to ensure and take all the
measures required to execute this Agreement and honour the obligations resulting
from this Agreement according to the specific place or jurisdiction.
CLAUSE 5
In the event of default of the present agreement by the PROMOTORS, EIT Digital may:
a) Enforce this Agreement
b) Or, in alternative, cancel this Agreement according to the law, being EIT Digital
entitled to an indemnity of the amount of €30,000, as penalty clause.
CLAUSE 6
This Agreement is governed by the laws of Belgium.
Any dispute arising or in connection with this Agreement shall be finally settled before
the courts of Brussels.
CLAUSE 7
Any notice under this Agreement shall be sent to the address above-mentioned.
Parties agree to waive the obligations resulting from article 1352 of the Belgian Civil
Code and agree that the signed copies, as provided in electronic manner, shall be
deemed to have the same evidential value as an original (signed) document.
Date
EIT Digital
VENTURE PROMOTERS:
16