FlashpointSpeaks

Italy’s startup ecosystem is growing, but what is still holding it back?
In this podcast with Francesco Cerruti, Director General of Tech Italian Alliance, and Ilja Velickis, Associate Partner at Flashpoint Growth Debt , we take a closer look at the Italian tech landscape and discuss:

→ Where the Italian startup ecosystem stands today
→ Why growth debt remains underused
→ What’s changing in the funding landscape
→ The challenges investors and founders face
→ Where Italy could see the next wave of growth, from robotics to space

In this episode, Ilja Velickis, Associate Partner at Flashpoint, and Cyril Golub, Board Member at Latvian Business Angel Network (LatBAN), dive deep into the reality of angel investing, from building an investment philosophy to creating meaningful relationships beyond transactions.

They discuss the tough lessons behind angel investing, why chasing unicorns isn’t always the right strategy, and what really matters when keeping LPs happy. We also explore how AI is changing the startup landscape, why the value of code has disappeared while the value of software remains, and how AI is transforming due diligence and portfolio evaluation.

Henrik Zillmer, founder and first CEO of AirHelp, shares the story of building the company from early frustration with airline delays into a global leader in flight compensation. In conversation with Lukas Harustiak, Partner at Flashpoint, he reflects on the company’s early pivot from an information platform to a “no win, no fee” legal-tech business, its global launch strategy, and the role of Y Combinator in pushing the team toward automation and scale.

How did a lifelong passion for chess become a $100M+ global business?

What were the early challenges of bootstrapping Chess.com, and how did moments of fate and serendipity shape the company?

How is technology, including AI, transforming the game and the future of fair play?

In our podcast, Amiad Soto, Co-Founder of Guesty, and Alex Konoplyasty, Co-Founder of Flashpoint, will share how AI is:

Automating guest journeys & back-office operations

Boosting efficiency and guest satisfaction

Powering an AI-enabled hospitality stack with partners like AIPEX

Driving measurable ROI for property managers

If you’re curious about real AI impact in proptech, this episode is a must-listen 🎧

How have you seen the Italian investment landscape evolve recently, and what factors are driving this change?

Growth debt seems to be gaining traction—what makes it appealing to local investors, and how is it shaping venture strategies in Italy?

With the rise of deeptech startups, what unique opportunities or challenges are emerging for collaboration with family offices and gatekeepers?

Alex Konoplyasty and Haim Zaltzman dove into the dynamic world of private capital in growth tech. They explored where investment was flowing, what investors were prioritizing, and how cross-border deals were evolving in the fast-changing market of the time.

Alex shared his perspective and the Flashpoint approach, while Haim brought insights from his experience at Latham & Watkins, a global law firm that advised the businesses and institutions driving the global economy.

The clock is ticking for a generation of companies. An unprecedented number of startups that raised during the peak of 2019-2021 are now approaching the end of their investors' fund life. The problem? Many aren't ready for an IPO, and the traditional M&A market presents its own challenges.

This is creating a massive surge in structured secondary solutions. But what do these deals actually look like today?

We shared our perspectives on why governance and education were key to helping family offices access and navigate new investment opportunities.

If you're thinking about the future of family capital and how to build smarter, more agile investment structures—this one’s for you.

Why is ESG important for early-stage companies? What are the risks and opportunities?

What are the most common weak areas for early-stage companies in their approach to ESG?

How should early-stage companies navigate the ever-changing landscape of ESG?

How can companies integrate ESG into their strategies and processes?

Jan Dauman, Independent Director, Trusted Advisor to SMEs and charities, Specialist in ESG implementation

Flashpoint is an international technology investment firm that manages venture capital, secondary buy-out and venture debt funds. We seek to partner with exceptional entrepreneurs who would like to change and improve the world around us. We invest in international software companies with proven business models, support founders originating from Emerging Europe and Israel doing business in the western markets, and provide various types of capital to companies and their stakeholders from early life of the company to late stages.