READY TO RAISE?
This January 2026, we’re kicking off the year with an event on one of the biggest hurdles for founders: securing the right funding at the right moment. You'll have the unique opportunity to network with Belgian angel investors and have a drink together at the Foyer next to our Auditorium.
From angels and venture capital to bank financing: we’ll break down what really matters, what investors look for, and how to navigate the fundraising landscape like a pro.
Curated by our Startups & Scale-ups curator Louis Jonckheere, this session brings together a top-tier line-up of investors, founders, and financing experts.
SPEAKERS
- Entrepreneur: Louis Jonckheere
- Angel investor: Lorenz Bogaert
- Startup friendly bank Belfius: Kristof Schelfhout and Karel Van Lierde
- Head of Marketing at London-based Connect Ventures: Claire Walker
What you can count on:
- Reversed pitches from the experts in the room
- Strong curated panel
- No fluffy theory
- Real stories from people who’ve actually raised (and funded) millions
- Clear takeaways you can apply the next day
Whether you’re prepping your first round or levelling up for your next stage, this masterclass will give you the clarity, confidence, and strategy to move forward.
AGENDA
- 7.00PM Welcome & registration at our blue front desk (entrance Miriam Makebaplein)
- 7.30PM - 8.15PM Reversed pitches of an angel, VC and bank expert
- 8.15PM - 9PM Panel
- 9PM The unique opportunity to network with Belgian angel investors and have a drink at our Wintercircus Foyer.
- 10.30PM. Close
GUEST POLICY -This event is exclusive for Campus Residents and Collective Members. No guests allowed.
CANCELLATION - Can’t make it? You can cancel your ticket up to 4h for this event.
- App: My Account (profile pic) > My Events & Tickets > Event > Request Cancellation
- Portal: My Account > Tickets > Event > Cancel Ticket
NO-SHOW POLICY - We’re becoming stricter on no-shows as of 2026. Not to be difficult, but because empty spots mean someone else misses out.
Soon, no-shows will be linked to a €25 contribution to the Wintercircus Fund, an initiative supporting those who might otherwise have less access to networks like ours.
Collective Type of Events
Collective Original - Our own signature events, created by and for the Collective community. These gatherings bring all members together to connect, learn, and grow. Fully curated and organized by Collective.
Collective Invites - Events we co-create with partner communities. You’ll meet new people, discover fresh ideas, and tap into networks beyond Collective , while still enjoying our signature vibe. Think of it as Collective + friends.
Collective Choice - Handpicked recommendations for great external events hosted at Wintercircus. Not organized by us, but absolutely worth your time. We arrange your access (tickets or %) and make sure you can join in, because we know you’ll love it.
