Investor Connect meeting approach explained

At HLTH Europe, we understand how important meaningful investor and startup connections are. Investor <> startup relationships are at the heart of what we’re building, and we’ve designed our experience specifically to help both parties make the most of your time at the event.

Why we’ve flipped the traditional meeting model

In many event settings, startups spend hours sending meeting requests to investors - often with low response rates. It’s a frustrating and inefficient process that eats into valuable time and resources of startup leaders, and results in investors being inundated and overwhelmed by meeting requests and messages, often from startups they are not suitable to invest in.

At HLTH Europe, through Investor Connect, we’ve turned this model on its head.

Instead of startups chasing meetings, we empower investors to find and connect with startups that align with their specific investment theses using enhanced filters and discovery tools within the HLTH Europe app. This means:

• When startups get a meeting request, it’s from someone already interested in what they're building.
• Both parties get a higher return on their time and investment in the event.
• Both parties' time is focused on warm leads and qualified conversations.

This model mirrors our successful approach at HLTH events in the US and is built with startup and investor needs at its core.

Startup representatives who are not part of Investor Connect are still able to view and send connection requests to investors via the general attendee networking section of the app. However, in our experience, investors rarely engage with these inbound requests from startups. When investors are genuinely interested in connecting with startups, they use Investor Connect, and here’s why:

• More advanced filtering and better targeting: The Investor Connect section of the app offers significantly more sophisticated filtering tools, allowing investors to quickly find startups that align with their specific investment focus. They aren’t looking to meet just any startup—they come with clear criteria. Investor Connect is built to support that. Participating investors also receive a downloadable .csv of all participating startups to help manage follow-ups and integrate data into their CRMs.
• Streamlined meeting process: Unlike the general app, where investors must first send a connection request and wait for it to be accepted before starting a conversation, Investor Connect enables them to view your availability and send a meeting request immediately. This frictionless experience is critical for time-poor investors and encourages greater engagement.
• Additional benefits: Investors in the programme also gain access to the dedicated Investor Connect Lounge for informal meetings, exclusive networking events, and other tailored opportunities that add value throughout the event.

Investor Connect is the curated, high-signal environment designed specifically to foster meaningful conversations and hot-lead meetings between investors and startups.

Showcase your organisation: Your profile matters

This year, we’ve significantly enhanced startup profiles in Investor Connect. A standout profile increases your visibility and helps you attract the right attention. Be sure to:

• Complete all relevant fields in your profile - many of these are fields that investors can filter by to find suitable meeting prospects
• Highlight your mission, traction, and team. If you're an investor, highlight your track record, thesis and approach.
• Use clear, concise, and compelling language
• Add logos, pitch decks, or videos if applicable

👉 Tip: Think of your app profile as your virtual pitch - it’s your most powerful asset leading into the event.

More ways to connect with investors and startups

Beyond the curated Investor Connect meetings, we’ve introduced several opportunities for organic and structured networking throughout the week for those taking part in Investor Connect:

Investor Connect Lounge

• When: Tuesday & Wednesday
• What: A relaxed space at the heart of the Show Floor designed for serendipitous conversations with a selection of sofas, tables and refreshments (also where all Investor Connect meetings take place)
• Support: Lounge staff will be available to try and facilitate personal introductions based on your goals. Let them know who you're hoping to meet!

Curated Networking Events

1. REPRESENT: Breakfast & Speed Networking

   For underrepresented founders and investors

   🗓 Wednesday 18 June, 8–9am

   You will be provided a link to register if you are a startup participating in Investor Connect.

2. Startup Stage Takeover

   Featuring investor panels and networking with VCs like AlbionVC and Calm/Storm

   🗓 Wednesday 18 June, 3:30–5pm

3. The Last Round: Brunch & Roundtables

   A relaxed wrap-up session with investor-founder discussions

   🗓 Thursday 19 June, 9:30–10:20am

   You will be provided a link to register if you are a startup participating in Investor Connect.

If you are a startup taking part in Investor Connect eagerly awaiting investor meeting requests, please be reassured that we typically see the vast majority of meeting requests are sent in the couple of days prior to the event, or even during the event. And remember, all of the above networking opportunities are additional opportunities to connect with investors in curated environments, regardless of whether you have any formal meetings.

Need help or have questions?

We’re here to support you. Whether you need help refining your app profile, navigating the Investor Connect Lounge, or understanding how to get the most from the platform reach out to Alice on alice@hlth.com any time.

We’re also committed to continuous improvement. We’ll be gathering feedback after the event to evolve and enhance the experience for 2026 and beyond, so please don’t hesitate to share your thoughts.