Corporate venture fund wants to be visible in the ecosystem: “It’s a no-brainer”

The East Jutland energy and fiber group AURA is among the partners when the entrepreneurial event SMIL is held for the first time in Aarhus on 22 May. Behind the conference is Startup Aarhus, which with SMIL wants to bring together entrepreneurs, investors and the established business community to create new connections and promote innovation.

“We think it’s only natural for us to be a part of SMIL. We have a keen interest in helping to create good conditions for startups in Aarhus. Both because we want to contribute to local business development, but also because in the long run it can provide even more and better investment cases for ourselves. And of course, we need to be there when the innovation and investment communities meet,” says Martin Schorling Overgård, Head of AURA Ventures, in a press release.

The conference takes place at and around the Institue of (X) at Godsbanen and is expected to attract up to 600 participants. AURA participates as a partner and contributes to the Superconnectors concept, where four selected startups present specific challenges from their business. The audience is then invited to contribute with ideas and suggestions for solutions.

“When we invest in startups, we not only provide capital but also know-how and experience. Superconnectors is a natural extension of our approach, where startups can get good advice and guidance,” concludes Martin Schorling Overgård.

Read also: Taking a break from the classic conference format: “The ecosystem must meet in a genuine and meaningful way” – TechSavvy

As a cooperative, AURA wants to engage locally and invest in community development, including entrepreneurship and new technologies. Through its subsidiary AURA Ventures, the company invests directly in promising startups, and the involvement in SMIL is seen as a natural extension of this effort, which is appreciated by the organizers.

“We are very happy that local players like AURA are involved in SMIL. When a company with such strong roots in the local area actively supports the startup community, it is exactly the kind of connections and community we want to create with SMIL. And with Superconnectors, AURA makes it even more concrete – by helping to boost startups with knowledge, networks and drive,” says Mette Hoberg Tønnesen, CEO of Startup Aarhus.

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