Expression of Interest

 

The Call for Startups is Open!

We are looking for standout deep-tech startups to join our second cohort. This is your chance to sharpen your investment strategy, understand the new EU SCALE agreement, and get in front of a pan-European investor network.

Apply now!
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Want to raise your seed round faster and connect with the right investors?

Together with EU SCALE we bring to you the EU SCALE Startup Academy – hands-on training and coaching designed for European startups.

Learn more here

Practical bootcamps on fundraising strategy, investor fit, team & product scaling, and pitch refinement

Early access to the EU SCALE framework, designed for European realities

Personalised feedback from experienced investors and mentors

Eligibility Criteria

Registered in an EU Member State or Ukraine

An Innovative Deeptech Startup

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Open to providing feedback on EU SCALE

Complete OnePass Company Profile

No conflict of interest with project consortium partners

Who will be prioritised?

While all eligible startups are encouraged to apply, the EU SCALE program has limited capacity. To ensure we select companies that can best benefit from and contribute to the program’s success, we will prioritise applications that demonstrate the following:

  • Early-stage deep-tech companies.

  • Startups led by diverse teams.
  • Work in areas such as AI, Advanced Computing, Cybersecurity, Blockchain, IoT, Metaverse, Energy, GreenTech, AgriTech, or FinTech.
  • A Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 5 and 8.

  • Relatively small scale (up to 10 team members).

  • High degree of innovation in products, services, or business models that solve significant existing challenges.

  • At least two co-founders.

  • Actively looking for funding in a pre-seed or seed investment round.

  • Limited funding history (up to €100,000).

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How EU SCALE will select the candidates?

Candidates will go through the following phases to select up to 21 startups for the programme:

1. Eligibility check: Verification of legal registration, eligible countries, submission deadline, and complete English OnePass profile.

2. Pre-scoring (Optional): If eligible applications exceed 60, we will screen based on highlighted priorities. Applicants must meet at least 50% of priorities to proceed.

3. In-depth evaluation: Expert review based on 3 criteria: Scalability, Go-to-market strategy, and Team potential.

Check out the Expression of Interest Guidelines for full details.

FAQ

What is a SAFE agreement?

A SAFE (Simple Agreement for Future Equity) is an investment contract that allows startups to raise funds from investors in exchange for future equity, without setting a valuation at the time of investment. It was originally developed in Silicon Valley to simplify early-stage fundraising.

A SAFE works by granting investors the right to receive company shares at a future financing round, usually at a discount or with a valuation cap. This makes it a founder-friendly alternative to traditional convertible notes, as it avoids interest rates and maturity dates.

How do I apply?

Fill in your startup profile on OnePass and submit your application here: https://app.getonepass.eu/invite/Ty2ZrLeeM5 

When is the deadline?

The call is open until 14 April 2026.

What happens after I apply?

Once the call closes on April 14th, 2026, your application undergoes a formal eligibility check to ensure all legal and technical requirements are met.

If eligible applications exceed 60, a pre-scoring phase identifies the top 60 candidates based on project priorities.

Shortlisted startups then enter the Final Evaluation, where experts assess your Scalability, Go-to-market strategy, and Team potential.

You will be notified of the final decision by late April or early May.

What happens if I’m selected?

You will:

  • Participate in a 3-month Venture Readiness mentoring programme starting in May 2026.

  • Attend sessions to deep-dive into the Simple Convertible Agreement for Loan to Equity (EU SCALE) to understand how it accelerates cross-border funding.

  • Test the EU SCALE template and provide critical feedback to refine the instrument for the entire European ecosystem.

Participation in the pilot does not guarantee investment.

I can’t register on OnePass with my email address – why?

You must use a work email address with your company’s domain. Emails like @gmail.com, @yahoo.com, etc., are not accepted.

I completed registration – where can I find more info about the EOI?

After completing your OnePass profile, you will receive a confirmation email with details about the EOI and next steps.

I didn’t get any email after signing up – what should I do?

Most likely, your profile is not complete. You need to fill in all required information, including legal info, pitch deck, and team, before your application is considered valid.

Need help?

Questions about the EOI: euscale@fundingbox.com

Questions about OnePass registration: https://help.getonepass.eu

Project website: https://eu-scale.eu