Future Story
Future Story is a joint venture between AcrossLimits, a Maltese company represented by Angele Giuliano, and Grey Matter, an Emirati company represented by Kais Badran.
Our goal is to connect European companies, especially startups, with investors from the Gulf Cooperation Council (Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE) who are interested in funding cutting-edge innovations across sectors like Deeptech, Healthtech, Foodtech, and Proptech.
What sets Future Story apart from other matchmakers is the personal touch. Instead of relying on algorithms to make connections, we take the time to meet personally—either online or in person—with both startups and investors. This allows us to fully understand their needs and goals, ensuring we make the most suitable matches.
At Future Story, we connect European startups with GCC investors to tap into the region’s growing reputation as a key investment hub. By doing so, we aim to bring innovative technologies to the GCC, helping startups expand their reach and make an impact beyond Europe. We focus on supporting those with the ambition to grow internationally and introduce their solutions to new markets.
Below, we explore how Future Story is a bridge between EIC-backed startups seeking global expansion and GCC investors looking for cutting-edge opportunities, creating new avenues for collaboration and success across Europe and the Gulf region.
The Role of EIC Funding in Driving Innovation Across Europe
The EIC Accelerator is a funding programme under the European Innovation Council (EIC) within the Horizon Europe framework. It is designed to support innovative startups and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe by providing financial assistance to develop and scale up groundbreaking technologies and innovations. These innovations often involve high risks but have the potential to create new markets or disrupt existing ones.
The EIC Accelerator has a significant impact on European startups by providing essential financial support that accelerates their growth, allowing them to scale operations and expand into new markets. By backing high-potential startups, the programme strengthens Europe’s innovation ecosystem and helps reinforce the continent’s role as a leader in technology and entrepreneurship. It also plays a key part in attracting further investment from private investors and venture capital firms, fueling the growth and success of these startups. With this combination of funding, ecosystem support, and enhanced investment opportunities, the EIC Accelerator is instrumental in driving innovation and supporting the growth of European startups in an increasingly competitive global market.
Results of the EIC Accelerator Across Europe – October 2024 Cut-Off
EIC Accelerator Impact: Funding and Opportunities for European Startups
In the October 2024 EIC Accelerator funding round, 71 companies were selected from 1,211 proposals, resulting in a highly competitive 5.9% acceptance rate. These startups will receive up to €161 million in grants and €226 million in equity investments, demonstrating the European Commission’s strong commitment to supporting high-risk, high-impact innovations. Significantly, 79% of the selected companies (56 out of 71) are utilising the blended finance option, which combines grants with equity funding. This dual approach supports startup scaling and increases their appeal to private investors.
The funded companies span 16 countries, showcasing Europe’s diverse innovation ecosystem. Among them, 21% are women-led, highlighting the increasing representation of female entrepreneurs in Deeptech and high-growth ventures. The selected startups are pioneering breakthroughs across various sectors, including Agritech, Medtech, Deeptech, AI, and space technology. Their innovations range from AI-driven medical diagnostics that improve early disease detection to sustainable agriculture technologies enhancing food security and efficiency. Additionally, cutting-edge advancements like next-generation protein derived from agri-food byproducts are poised to revolutionise the food industry and contribute to a more sustainable future.
Companies Funded by the EIC Accelerator Across Europe – October 2024 Cut-Off
Even for those not selected for direct funding, the EIC Accelerator offers an important recognition, the Seal of Excellence, which opens doors to alternative funding opportunities across Europe. This designation signals to investors and national funding bodies that these startups have undergone rigorous evaluation and meet the highest standards of innovation and market potential.
Navigating Challenges and Unlocking GCC Investment Opportunities for Startups
The GCC is emerging as a key investor region in sectors like Deeptech, Healthtech, Foodtech, and Proptech, driven by economic diversification, investment-friendly policies, and a growing consumer market, particularly in healthcare. Countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, with their strategic location, political stability, and long-term plans like Vision 2030, are increasingly attractive to European startups. However, EIC-backed startups often face challenges such as high-risk innovations and market entry barriers, making it difficult to secure international funding. The GCC provides a unique opportunity, offering a supportive environment for innovation and global expansion. Future Story helps by strategically matching these startups with GCC investors who understand these complexities and can navigate the region’s market dynamics.
EIC-backed startups often face challenges in securing international funds due to high-risk innovations and market entry barriers. Despite coaching and networking support, traditional investors may hesitate to fund unconventional technologies, making expansion difficult outside Europe. To overcome these challenges, the GCC offers a unique and promising opportunity for EIC-backed startups, providing a supportive investment environment that fosters innovation and global expansion. Future Story can mitigate the challenges experienced by European startups by strategically matching them with GCC investors who understand and can navigate the complexities of expanding into the global market.
How Future Story Connects European Startups with GCC Investors to Unlock New Growth Opportunities
Future Story connects EIC-backed startups with GCC investors, leveraging the expertise of co-founders Angele Giuliano and Kais Badran. Angele’s extensive experience as an EIC ambassador and her deep understanding of the European startup ecosystem, combined with Kais’s knowledge of the GCC investment landscape, ensures that startups gain access to the right funding and investors discover cutting-edge technologies. Beyond matchmaking, Future Story actively prepares startups for investor engagement. Kais works closely with founders to refine their pitch decks, strengthen their storytelling, and tailor their offerings to align with regional market needs. Meanwhile, Angele takes a hands-on approach to due diligence, building in-depth data rooms for investors and rigorously stress-testing the startups’ technology and business models. This ensures they are fully prepared to navigate investor scrutiny and secure the funding needed to scale. By focusing on high-growth sectors in the GCC, Future Story helps startups expand internationally while enabling investors to make informed, high-impact decisions.
Interested in exploring new growth opportunities in the GCC?
Whether you’re a European startup or a GCC investor, Future Story can connect you with the right people and opportunities to take your growth to the next level. Reach out to us on our website and let’s explore how we can help you navigate these exciting markets.
References
European Innovation Council (EIC). (2025, February 17). EIC Accelerator: 71 companies selected in most competitive funding round so far. Retrieved from this link.
Rasph. (2025, February). EIC Accelerator results – February 2025 update (October 2024 cutoff). Retrieved from this link.