22@BARCELONA-an innovation district

B&W has defined and implemented a new approach to evaluating the investment readiness of start-ups in Barcelona´s new innovation district. The 22@Barcelona project transforms two hundred hectares of industrial land of Poblenou into an innovative district offering modern spaces for the strategic concentration of intensive knowledge-based activities. One key for 22@Barcelona is being a growth environment for high-tech initiatives, including supporting their connection with investors.

Making start-up funding more efficient

Common complaints in the world of start-up investment regard on one hand the time for entrepreneurs to receive answers regarding investment, and on the other hand the quality of the business plans proposed to investors. The result is an inefficient use of resources, together with missed opportunities and lack of finance even for promising innovations. Across Europe, support programmes aim to optimize the connection between start-ups and investors. However, these programmes are either expensive, high-level coaching programmes or cheaper, general support activities. 22@ wanted to find a new, more efficient way of bringing well-deserving hi-tech businesses in contact with the right investors. That is when B&W was hired to define and implement a transparent approach for the selection of those projects that merit high level support, and ensuring their investment readiness.

Implementing our own investment readiness tool

B&W defined the services portfolio and implemented a stage-gate approach for selection based on transparent criteria. Those projects that do not have the very key ingredients to become an attractive investment opportunity are quickly filtered, whereas those having these key ingredients are carefully assessed identifying stronger and weaker areas (from an investors’ point of view) and then helped in re- defining their business models, strategies and/or financial plans to make an stronger investment case. Now, we continuously evaluate the investment readiness of start-ups according to the developed approach. Once attractive enough, entrepreneurs receive help on preparing presentations and contacts with potential investors, as well as support in finding the appropriate investor to provide capital and/or intangible assets.

 22@Barcelona