The significance of business angels in Europe-analysis from 2018 to 2022

Abstract

Ovaj završni rad bavi se ulogom poslovnih anđela kao ključnih aktera u financiranju start upova i poduzeća u ranim fazama razvoja u Europi, s fokusom na razdoblje od 2018. do 2022. godine. Poslovni anđeli su pojedinci koji ulažu vlastita sredstva u zamjenu za vlasnički udio te pritom nude savjetodavnu i mentorsku podršku, što ih čini izuzetno vrijednima za mlade poduzetnike. Rad analizira mreže poslovnih anđela u različitim europskim zemljama, uključujući EBAN, CRANE, UKBAA i druge, naglašavajući važnost njihove organizacije i povezivanja. Posebna pažnja posvećena je investicijskim trendovima, gdje je 2021. godina zabilježila vrhunac ulaganja, dok 2022. bilježi rekordan broj investitora i investicija. Uspoređeni su i rezultati ulaganja u razvijenim, srednje razvijenim i manje razvijenim tržištima. Rad također razmatra prednosti i izazove poslovnih anđela te njihovu ulogu tijekom pandemije COVID-19. Zaključuje se kako poslovni anđeli nisu samo financijeri, već i pokretači inovacija i rasta poduzetničkog ekosustava, osobito u zemljama u razvoju. Njihova daljnja integracija i poticanje kroz politike i inicijative na europskoj razini može osnažiti konkurentnost i gospodarski napredak.This thesis examines the role of business angels as key players in financing start-ups and early stage companies in Europe, focusing on the period 2018-2022. Business angels are individuals who invest their own funds in exchange for an equity stake and offer advisory and mentoring support, making them extremely valuable to young entrepreneurs. The paper analyses business angel networks in different European countries, including EBAN, CRANE, UKBAA and others, highlighting the importance of their organisation and networking. Particular attention is paid to investment trends, with 2021 recording a peak in investment, while 2022 recorded a record number of investors and investments. Investment results in developed, middle-developed and less developed markets are also compared. The paper also considers the advantages and challenges of business angels and their role during the COVID-19 pandemic. It concludes that business angels are not only financiers, but also drivers of innovation and growth in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, especially in developing countries. Their further integration and encouragement through policies and initiatives at the European level can strengthen competitiveness and economic progress