"We believe that the future of global prosperity is shaped by bold entrepreneurs who dare to innovate and scale beyond borders. By joining the Global Fundraising Stage (GFRS), you position your venture within a trusted international investment ecosystem—one that connects visionary founders with global investors, strategic partners, and opportunities for sustainable growth."
Baybars Altuntas
Executive Chairman, World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF)
An affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion (GPFI)
As an affiliated partner of the G20 Global Partnership for Financial Inclusion, the World Business Angels Investment Forum (WBAF) is committed to easing access to finance for entrepreneurs and strengthening global investment ecosystems. In line with this commitment, we are pleased to invite promising startup founders and scaleup leaders from around the world to apply for participation in the upcoming Global Fundraising Stage (GFRS)—an international co-investment platform designed to connect high-potential businesses with qualified investors and global partners.
The Global Fundraising Stage (GFRS) aims to create a high-quality portfolio featuring some of the world’s most promising startups and scaleups while creating meaningful opportunities for co-investment and follow-on investments. Through this platform, top startups are connected with leading angel investors and institutional investors, enabling them to benefit not only from capital investment but also from the know-how, mentorship, and global networks of experienced investors.
The GFRS is designed to capitalise on the worldwide growth in entrepreneurial activity and venture financing, leveraging WBAF’s extensive network of global investors. This network includes:
GFRS attracts a wide range of global investors, including:
These investors form part of WBAF’s extensive international network.
Companies participating in GFRS are typically funded businesses raising between:
€50,000 – €500,000 (Startups)
€500,000 – €3,000,000 (Scaleups)
The objective is to support their international growth and globalisation journey.
Applications are welcomed from:
Startups:
Businesses seeking financing that have not yet raised capital from formal sources such as angel investors or venture capital firms.
Scaleups:
Companies that have already received funding from angel investors or venture capital firms and are now raising additional funding for international expansion.
No. Startups do not need to be incorporated. However, if incorporated, the company must be less than 12 months old at the time of application.
Yes. Scaleups must be incorporated and must have already received funding from investors such as angels, private equity, or venture capital firms.
Applications must be submitted:
Offline applications will not be accepted.
1 October 2026: Applications open
1 December 2026: Application deadline
Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted.
Applications are reviewed by the GFRS Investors Committee, which scores applicants and assigns them to one of three categories:
The assigned category is stated in the official acceptance letter.
Category A includes:
Package Fee: €750
(Only about 20 companies are selected for Category A.)
Category B includes:
Package Fee: €725
Category C includes:
Package Fee: €500
Yes. An additional €500 fee applies for each team member beyond the two founders included in the package.
Selected applicants will receive an official Letter of Acceptance by email. The letter will include:
If no response is received within 7 days, applicants are encouraged to contact the organisers.
No. Participation is confirmed only after completing the booking process within the required timeline.
Participants must complete booking within 5 days of receiving the acceptance letter to guarantee participation.
The WBAF Angel Investment Fund is an international co-investment platform that supports startups and scaleups participating in GFRS.
It complements investments made by angel investors and venture funds present at the event.
No. The WBAF Angel Investment Fund is only one of many investors participating in GFRS. Multiple investment institutions attend the event.
Industries of interest include, but are not limited to:
And many others across emerging and traditional sectors.
Selected startups and scaleups will have the opportunity to participate in the Global Fundraising Stage at the WBAF Grand Assembly, scheduled for 2 December 2026 in Albania.