The Supernova Festival in Antwerp is a unique event where technology, entrepreneurship, and innovation converge. Over two days, it brings together visionaries, investors, and founders to discuss the future of business and explore groundbreaking ideas. A huge thank you to the organizers for creating an inspiring environment that showcased the immense energy and knowledge we have in Belgium and Europe.
With the right mindset, strategy, and execution, we have everything it takes to create the next unicorns right here. Below are 14 essential start-up lessons from the festival, structured to align with the startup journey—covering foundation, funding, growth, sales, and exit strategies.
🗝️ 14 Essential Start-Up Lessons
Employee Participation & Stock Options
Start by ensuring your team shares in the company’s success. Stock-option plans not only attract and retain top talent but also create a long-term commitment. Successful start-ups often generate a “waterfall effect”—early employees become angel investors in future ventures (as seen with the PayPal Mafia).
Small Teams, Big Impact
Building a €100M+ company with fewer than 10 people is more achievable than ever. You don’t need a massive workforce—just the top 10% of talent. Identify the real difference-makers in a company and focus on hiring them.
Know What You Don’t Know
Recognizing your own gaps in knowledge is a superpower. Bring in experienced mentors, advisors, or co-founders who can fill in where you lack expertise. Many start-ups fail because founders overestimate their abilities in unfamiliar areas.
Think Global, Beyond Europe
Scaling across Europe is complex due to different currencies, languages, and regulations. Instead, the U.S. market offers a single currency, unified legislation, and stronger funding opportunities. Don’t waste time trying to replicate success across fragmented European markets—aim big.
Pitching: U.S. vs. EU
The U.S. investor mindset is vision-driven—they want to hear about the big picture. In contrast, European investors focus on where you are today. Push your pitch beyond your comfort zone—if it feels exaggerated to you, it’s probably just right for U.S. investors
Funding as a Non-U.S. Company
If you’ve already proven success in the EU, you can secure funding in the U.S. However, if not, it’s nearly impossible without establishing a U.S. entity. Setting up a Delaware-based company can open doors to American investors.
Government Funding: Proceed with Caution
Government funding can be beneficial, but ensure your investors are aligned with your passion and vision and actively contribute beyond just capital. Smart capital providers don’t just write checks—they help you scale.
Leverage Local Sales Networks
Engage trusted local partners who already have very good relationships with the clients you want to reach and who have already sold to them before. A strong network beats a cold pitch every time.
Scaling with Global Tech
Platforms like Amazon.com.be make it easier for SMEs to access a global e-commerce market. Since 2022, Belgian customers have had access to hundreds of thousands of products, affordable shipping, and streamlined logistics—a huge advantage for start-ups to tap into and do the same in other countries.
Value Existing Clients
Your next client is likely your current client. Focus on delivering excellent service to retain and grow existing accounts—customer referrals and upsells are far easier than acquiring brand-new clients.
Always Be Exit-Ready
Be prepared for an acquisition or investment at any time. Structuring your data room early ensures that due diligence doesn’t become a roadblock when an opportunity arises.
Don’t Hold On Too Long
Selling your start-up and launching a new venture is often more beneficial than staying in the same company for too long. Timing is everything—don’t miss the right exit moment.
Formalize Deals Immediately
50% of deals fall apart post-handshake. Document key terms immediately to avoid endless renegotiations or unpleasant surprises.
Beware of the Peter Principle
Don’t promote your best salesperson into a bad manager. People should advance based on skills and fit, not tenure. Sometimes, the best move for a founder is to step aside or shift to a shareholder role.
💡 Final Thought
Start-up success requires scaling smart, securing the right funding, and building the best team. But beyond growth strategies, founders must remember: ✔ Reaching customers is essential—no business thrives without solving real problems. ✔ Solving a customer problem should be at the heart of every decision. ✔ Financial sustainability is critical—scalability means nothing if the model isn’t profitable.
These lessons from Supernova 2025 highlight how entrepreneurs can grow, attract investment, and expand globally.
🎙️ Inspiring Speakers
These insights were mainly shared during sessions with Eva Faict, Constantijn Van Oranje-Nassau, Erica Lutes, Roeland Pelgrims, Axelle Moortgat, Catalina Daniels and Marc Coucke on Thursday 27 March and sessions with Sebastien Deletaille, Lorenz Bogaert and Jürgen Ingels on Friday 28 March.
🚀 Let’s Build the Next Success Story Together!
At Phibonacci, we don’t just advise startups—we help build them. From launching new ventures to structuring go-to-market strategies, we’ve partnered with founders and investors to turn opportunities into thriving businesses.
With hands-on experience in validating business models, exploring emerging technologies, and pioneering new markets, we share the same passion and vision as the entrepreneurs and organizations we support.
Looking for a sparring partner to shape your next big idea? Let’s connect for a no-obligation exploratory discussion—because the best success stories start with the right conversation. Get in touch today!
