Inside the EU's Plan to Fix Startup Scaling—What US Founders Need to Know

Jan de Vries · 2026-09-09

### The EU's Big Bet on Startups Europe has a reputation for great ideas that struggle to scale. Momchil Sabev, Director of the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), wants to change that. In a recent podcast interview, he laid out how public institutions can help founders turn bold visions into global companies—and why the US should be paying attention. Sabev's career spans entrepreneurship, private consulting, and high-level EU leadership. That mix gives him a rare view of both the founder's grind and the policymaker's playbook. He's not just talking about funding; he's talking about fixing the entire ecosystem. ### Why Scaling Across Europe Is Still a Nightmare Ask any European founder about expansion, and you'll hear the same story: fragmentation. Different languages, regulations, tax systems, and markets make growing beyond your home country feel like climbing a mountain in flip-flops. "The biggest hurdle is not lack of ambition," Sabev explains. "It's the friction of moving from one market to another. We need to make that friction disappear." EISMEA and the EIC are tackling this by creating programs that help startups navigate cross-border challenges. Think mentorship from operators who've done it before, strategic partnerships with larger corporations, and access to expertise that money alone can't buy. ### The DeepTech Advantage DeepTech—think AI, biotech, quantum—is where Europe has a real shot at global leadership. The EIC has been pouring resources into these founders, not just with cash but with something arguably more valuable: time and connections. "Non-financial support can be just as transformative as funding," Sabev says. "A great mentor can save you two years of mistakes." That's a lesson US founders know well. But Europe's approach is more coordinated. The EIC acts as a central hub, linking startups to research institutions, investors, and corporate partners across the continent. ### Leveling the Playing Field One of the most striking parts of the conversation is Sabev's focus on regions that usually get left behind. Startups in less-connected areas—rural parts of Spain, Eastern Europe, the Baltics—often lack the networks that Silicon Valley takes for granted. EISMEA is working to distribute opportunity more evenly. That means targeted support for founders outside major hubs, and programs that bring them into the broader European ecosystem. > "We want a founder in Bulgaria to have the same shot as a founder in Berlin," Sabev says. "That's the goal." ### What's Next for EU Innovation Looking ahead, Sabev paints a picture of a more integrated, competitive, and founder-friendly Europe. The EIC and EISMEA will act as catalysts, not gatekeepers. The idea is to make it easier to start, scale, and stay in Europe. For US founders and investors, this matters. A stronger European startup scene means more competition, more partnership opportunities, and more deal flow. It also means the global talent war just got a little more interesting. ### Key Takeaways - EISMEA is tackling fragmentation that stops startups from scaling beyond local markets. - The EIC is doubling down on DeepTech with targeted support and resources. - Non-financial help—mentorship, partnerships, expertise—can be as valuable as cash. - The EU is working to give founders in less-connected regions a fair shot. If you're watching the global startup map, keep an eye on Brussels. The next decade of European innovation is being built right now.