Fueling startup success: Finance & Funding chapter
At Start it @KBC, Academy Days are special events aimed at helping startups grow. These monthly workshops offer practical guidance on key topics like funding and financial planning, giving startups the tools they need to succeed.
On September 10th, we hosted an Academy Day focused on Finance & Funding. A must for any startup looking to expand. With support from our partner Accenture for providing us with a space in Gare Maritime, the day was packed with expert advice to help entrepreneurs understand the world of finance.
The day started with The Harbour leading a session on different funding options. Attendees then joined hands-on breakout sessions covering:
Startup grants in Flanders, Wallonia, and Brussels
Insights into Venture Capital & Business Angels from Volta Ventures
- Information on Loans and Crowdfunding from KBC and Bolero
In the afternoon, The Harbour ran a detailed session on financial planning, followed by a keynote from Stijn Christiaens of Collibra, who shared how his company became Belgium’s first unicorn.
Sebastien De Couvreu, founder of OpStudio, shared his thoughts:
"What an insightful and action-packed day! We dove into the crucial world of finance and funding, learning from the best in the business. The breakouts provided practical strategies, and Stijn's keynote was truly inspiring!"
Key Lessons:
Be ambitious but realistic. Think carefully about your goals and the milestones you want to achieve, then plan your financial strategy accordingly," advised Matthieu from The Harbour, highlighting the importance of building a personalized financial mix, or Finmix, tailored to your business goals.
"Surround yourself with good advice, like a strong board, and always focus on the customer. Don’t let your ego get in the way," shared Stijn Christiaens from Collibra, giving startups a key insight into the journey of scaling a business.
Stijn also touched on the hardest moments of his financial journey, sharing how "the toughest time was when we were so close to zero, the stress clouds your thinking and affects your decisions. But perseverance is key."
The day ended with networking over drinks, giving founders a chance to connect with peers and financial experts.
Missed it? Don’t worry! Our Academy Days are designed to help startups thrive.
Pre-registerfor our 2025 cohort and take your business and boost your growth!
