
Meet our partner Birdhouse
Can you give an elevator pitch about what Birdhouse is all about and what you guys can do for startups?
Birdhouse supports Belgian Tech startups and AgeTech startups from across Europe with their growth story.
We help founders with turning their enterprise into a success, with the ultimate goal to give them the potential of blossoming into a unicorn.
We achieve this by providing structured access to our network of experienced founders, C-level executives, and experts. Our approach combines this unique support with a 12-week hybrid programme (3 weeks physically in Antwerp, 9 weeks remotely), which lays a solid foundation for further growth and investment readiness.
In addition, through Birdhouse Ventures, our early-stage investment fund, we offer an initial investment to each participating startup. The fund can contribute up to €1.5 million per company in follow-on investments.
Can you tell us more about the program that you set up?
Our 12-week hybrid program is specifically designed for Belgian Tech startups and AgeTech startups from across Europe. Each start-up receives an initial investment through Birdhouse Ventures and participates in three Physical Deep Dive-weeks in Antwerp, all having a specific focus.
Week 1 (Matchmaking, online) & Week 2 (Product-Market Fit, physically in Antwerp)
The Birdhouse programme kicks off with an intensive first week, conducted online, where startups focus on matchmaking. They engage with mentors and potential advisory board members from our extensive network, carefully selecting the right experts who will provide strategic guidance throughout their journey. In the second week, held physically in Antwerp, the focus shifts towards validating product-market fit. Startups dive deep into understanding their market, refining their value proposition, and ensuring they are building a product that truly meets customer needs—an essential foundation for sustainable growth.Following weeks: Online Sessions & Physical Deep Dives
The intense start is followed by (online) hybrid sessions and two additional Deep Dive-weeks in Antwerp. During these weeks, the focus respectively lies on finance and fundraising and storytelling. During these sessions, founders learn how to devise their financing strategy and to refine their story until they have a pitch ready for investors.End Point: Demo Day
The process ends with a demo day, where founders can present their technology and vision to an audience that often consists of more than 100 investors from the Birdhouse Ventures network.
You spent the Physical Deep-Dive weeks of the program at Brain Embassy. What made you choose to do this?
We love to do things differently here at Birdhouse. We want startups to be able to develop themselves in a warm and pleasant environment, without the classical and monotonous presentational settings.
Brain Embassy offered us exactly what we were looking for: a dynamic space with separate offices for the startups, noise cancelling booths for calls, bigger meeting rooms for team discussions and cosy, communal rooms where founders can connect and relax. This flexibility, together with the hands-on service, made this the logical choice.

In what way did our offices and facilities contribute to a successful project?
The combination of functional spaces, clear communication with the Brain Embassy team, and the logistical support led to a seamless experience. For example, the opportunity to use an entire floor gave us the chance to create a close-knit community among the startups, while the lunches and facilities freed up time to focus on substantive sessions.
"The combination of functional spaces, clear communication with the Brain Embassy team, and the logistical support led to a seamless experience." - Anke Artois - Marketing & Communications Birdhouse
Are there any particular success stories or highlights that stand out?
What was special for us was the strong communication with the Brain Embassy team and the versatility of the venue. We are looking forward to making full use of the roof terrace in the future as well!
"Brain Embassy is the ideal partner for us to give startups a pleasant and professional lift-off."
How do you think the future will unfold between Birdhouse and Brain Embassy, but also between Brain Embassy and the startups that were launched here?
It is an added value for the startups to work in a coworking space such as Brain Embassy, even aside from the times we come together as a team. It doesn’t only offer them an inspiring environment, but also the chance to form new connections with other founders and professionals. Brain Embassy is the ideal partner for us to give startups a pleasant and professional lift-off.
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