The EASY Investment Partners today announced that investor interest in innovative young companies is alive and well, particularly for companies with global ambitions.

At the latest EASY Investment Forum in Sophia Antipolis, France during 20 and 21 November 2008, business angels from across Europe examined over 20 investment pitches from young technology business from across the European Union and declared that the opportunities open to early stage investors for both private investors and venture capitalists are as good as ever.

Early stage investment has always been seen as an exciting, but risky alternative asset class, but set in the context of today’s market turmoil, its relative risk profile is altered.  These businesses are perfectly poised to exploit their market opportunities as more established players divert resources to deal with the effects of the credit crunch. 

 Anthony Clarke, EASY Project Director, said

“In the last two years, the EASY Project, has showcased over 140 young hi tech businesses to more than 1,000 early stage investors at events across the European Union spanning the UK to the Czech Republic and Finland to Spain.  Over a dozen deals have already closed with 6 cross-border deals, bringing vital funding to businesses which have the chance to be the leaders in their sector in the future.

 “The EASY Project has also shown that pan European investing is now proven and that both entrepreneurs and investors will find opportunities outside their domestic economy.  In fact, seeking international investment is as likely to be successful in an international arena as looking closer to home. 

We would encourage all early stage investors to form links with investment groups outside their home territory as soon as possible.”

Amongst the deals that have closed as a result of the EASY Investment For are 360 Geocities (Czech Republic), Lisa Airplanes (France) and Probe Scientific (UK) which represent some of the highest quality young companies today in the areas of ICT, aerospace and medical technology – three hot sectors for investors today.