Apply for Startup Capital: Learn what Cogo gained from the investment platform

Startup Capital, powered by DanBan, Danske Bank, Vækstfonden, Silicon Valley Bank, byFounders, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark and Digital Hub Denmark, connects pre-seed, seed-stage, and series A startups across the Nordics and Baltics with global investors through virtual facilitated matchmaking.

Written by Keyvan Bamdej

Feb. 17, 2022 / 3 min. read

Apply for Startup Capital:

Learn what Cogo gained from the investment platform

Overview:

What is Startup Capital?

Startup Capital connects pre-seed, seed-stage, and series A startups across the Nordics and Baltics with global investors through virtual facilitated matchmaking.

What is Cogo?

Cogo is one of the leading shared mobility aggregator in Europe with more than 250 shared mobility operators included in their app. With Cogo, users can search for shared electric scooters, bikes, cars and mopeds, check availability, compare prices and find the best option for their trip. The app is available in 10 languages and can be used in over 500 cities worldwide.

Interview:

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What did you gain from Startup Capital?
"We met with PreSeed Ventures (PSV) for the first time at Startup Capital in 2021. A few months later, Cogo received investment from them. This was of course a huge boost in our operators and enabled us to scale up. Other than PSV we have 3 business angels onboard and we have also received support from Innovationsfonden, Vækstfonden, and others along the way."

— Robin Eriksson

Co-founder at Cogo

Q&A:

Describe your experience with Startup Capital?

“Startup Capital was one of the first opportunities that we had to meet potential investors. We had launched Cogo just 3 months earlier (in July 2020) so this was a great opportunity for us to meet and talk to relevant people about our startup.”

“At that time we weren’t entirely sure of how to ‘position and pitch’ Cogo to the outside world as we had been so focused on getting our product ready so it was great networking and learning opportunity for us.”

“I like the speed dating format, it’s a quick 20-30 min meeting and if there is a mutual interest to talk more it was easy to get a second meeting. I think Startup Capital is a great place for investors and startups to meet!”

What is your growth journey after the Startup Capital?

“We met with PreSeed Ventures for the first time at Startup Capital and they later invested in Cogo a couple of months later. This was of course a huge boost in our operators and enabled us to scale up. Other than PSV we have 3 business angles onboard and we have also received support from Innovationsfonden, Væktsfonden, and others along the way.”

“We have now 10 full-time employees working either remotely or from our beautiful office at Blox in central Copenhagen. We saw an average monthly user growth of 40% in 2021 and we are now the largest shared mobility aggregator in Europe.”

What would you advise to startups seeking investment/attending Startup Capital?

“Come prepared!”

“First of all, have a 3 min pitch ready so you can give them the highlight of your business. Secondly, research the investors you are going to meet so you understand what they are looking for. This also helps you quickly figure out if they are the right investor for you as you can ask better questions. Thirdly, this is a quick first screening call so don’t expect too much at this point. If there is a match you will most likely be asked to send your pitch deck (if they haven’t seen it already) and to schedule a follow-up call to continue your conversation at another time.”

“20 min goes very fast so be quick and to the point! If there is time I suggest asking what their initial thoughts are and if they see any red flags. If they have anything to remark on I always make sure to address those red flags straight on in the next meeting.”