EU-Startups Summit 2025: Coaching for Success

Next week, the EU-Startups Summit in Malta will once again bring together Europe’s most ambitious founders, investors, and innovation leaders for two days of inspiration, networking, and deal-making.

Embracing the Start-up Journey

As I prepare to join this vibrant community, I reflect on the unique journey of the European start-up founder. There are often-overlooked “parts” that shape their leadership as they scale from seed to Series A and beyond.

After more than 7,000 hours coaching founders, executives, and teams since 2004, I’ve witnessed a recurring theme: founders are rarely just one thing. They are a complex blend of visionary, engineer, strategist, and—sometimes reluctantly—leader. In the early days, technical expertise and a relentless focus on product-market fit serve them well.

But as their start-up grows, so does the need to integrate new parts: the communicator, the culture builder, the team developer, and the storyteller for investors.

The Challenge of Transition

This transition isn’t always comfortable. Many founders arrive at events like the EU-Startups Summit laser-focused on their next funding round. They are often wary of anything that feels “soft” or subjective. However, scaling across Europe’s diverse markets demands more than just technical brilliance.

It requires regulatory navigation across the 27 states and the ability to build trust across cultures. Founders need to inspire teams and adapt to rapid change. These skills emerge when they are willing to explore and develop the less familiar parts of themselves.

The Role of Leadership Coaching

Leadership coaching, especially when grounded in evidence-based practice and deep experience, isn’t about changing who you are. Instead, it’s about unlocking the full spectrum of your leadership potential. It’s about learning how to step back from the part of you that solves problems in the lab and stepping into the part that can set vision.

Here's where the coaching for founders experience becomes essential. It allows leaders to navigate ambiguity and empowers others to deliver at scale.

At the Summit, surrounded by over 2,000 peers and investors, every meaningful connection is an opportunity. It's a chance to discover and develop the various parts of yourself.

Connecting and Networking

Whether you’re pitching on stage, networking on the terrace, or reflecting over coffee, consider which part of you is leading the conversation. Which part needs a voice as your company enters its next chapter?

The Summit presents an incredible platform for discovery. Each interaction can spark new insights into leadership styles, team dynamics, and personal growth.

I am eager to meet other founders and exchange insights on how coaching can assist in scaling both your business and personal growth, one step at a time.

Final Thoughts

Building a successful startup requires more than just great ideas and technical skills. It demands a multifaceted approach to leadership that evolves as your company grows.

Remember, embracing your complexities as a leader can pave the way for transformative growth. If you want to explore how coaching can empower your journey, let’s connect!

PM on the EU-Startups Summit 2025 app or connect with me on LinkedIn as we prepare for an enriching experience at the Summit.