Internationals have historically found the Italian startup ecosystem difficult to navigate, primarily due to its focus on local markets, using the Italian language, and generally being content with doing business locally. However, that contentment has changed, as Italian entrepreneurs have begun to make a concerted effort to enter international markets, seeing increased growth opportunities. 

The Italian startup ecosystem has taken several steps to open itself up more to international markets – ranging from the initiative to attract international VC offices through a multi-million EUR governmental incentive, startup visas for attracting foreign founders, as well as bringing TechChill, an international startup event, to Milan.

“The Italian ecosystem is smart. Rather than going the slow, organic growth route, they've decided to partner with TechChill, to leverage the network of already excited investors, experts, and media reps, to get results quickly. And because of the similarities between Latvian and Italy – the small, growing, and on-the-rise ecosystem, it's a great fit for everyone involved.” - Annija Mezgaile, CEO of TechChill

TechChill brings its extensive network, developed over 12 years of hosting TechChill in Latvia, the most startup-friendly country in the world (according to Index Ventures) to Milan to organise the only truly international startup event, and help international visitors navigate the Italian startup ecosystem. 

"The Italian ecosystem is growing and is becoming more and more international, and that's happening at several levels. With an increasing rate of international investors participating in rounds in excess of 1M EUR (from 58% in 2021 to 67% in 2022), scale-ups are also becoming more international with an increased presence in Europe, the Middle East, and the world. Many international organizations such as accelerators, incubators, and startup programs are already operating in Italy such as Plug and Play, Techstars, Berkeley SkyDeck to name a few. 

Internationalisation in Italy is a process that is accelerating and now is the perfect moment for international investors and ecosystem players to meet the Italian entrepreneurs – and TechChill Milano is the event to be." – Emil Abirascid, editor in chief of Startupbusiness.it 

The event gives local startups a platform to reach international markets. The Fifty Founders Battle pitch competition finalists will have the chance to pitch on stage to the 1300+ attendees and 100+ investors, and fight for the 110,000+ EUR prize pool. 

Following a successful pilot event in Milan in 2022 and meeting local demand, bringing together the Italian startup ecosystem in the country's only international-scale startup event. The main event, held on September 26-27, will be preceded by a side-events day on the 25th, which will be free for anyone to attend. Early bird tickets are on sale until July 25th. TechChill will be returning to Milan in Bocconi University in partnership with its entrepreneurship hub, B4i, Bocconi for Innovation.

“We're excited to be partners of TechChill Milan for the second year in a row and actively contribute to the organisation of an international, tech-focused conference that brings founders and investors together. Furthermore, hosting this type of initiative in Bocconi University makes so much sense as it also allows us to give students real-life access to what it means to be an entrepreneur.” -Nico Valenti Gatto, Operating Director at B4i

The Fifty Founders Battle pitch competition prize pool is made up of 10,000 EUR, no strings attached, as well as the chance to win a 100,000 EUR investment from EDEN Ventures. Other prizes include 30,000 EUR worth of media coverage from IMMEDIATE Accelerator, 100% covered tuition for the Draper University Hero Training entrepreneurship program, and more prizes to be announced. Last year's winner was TA-DAAN, who joined other winners and Baltic success stories such as Longenesis, Infogr.am, and Edurio.

Startups that have not raised more than 500,000 EUR in equity investment are eligible to apply for the Fifty Founders Battle. There are no geographical restrictions, though Italian and South-European startups are particularly encouraged to apply by August 11. Find more about applications on the TechChill Milano website.

TechChill Milano will be held on two stages. The program will focus on four main tracks – Starting & Building, Futureproof Tech, Work-life & Culture, and AI, Big Data, Web3. The tracks are aimed at supporting founders and teams in the process of launching and scaling their businesses, while also offering insights into the latest tech on the horizon, how to leverage it, all while keeping mental health and wellbeing in sight. Early bird tickets are on sale until July 25. 

Get your tickets here: https://www.techchillmilano.co/get-a-pass