About the event.
In 2021, the global agenda was defined by the rise of smart mobility, proptech, and climatetech. These fields are shaping how digitalization and sustainability are transforming cities and business environments worldwide.
Astra Global, together with Gold Ventures, hosted an international online event where startups presented their solutions to a distinguished jury of leading experts and investors.
All participants had the opportunity to take part in in-depth jury sessions, during which their projects were thoroughly reviewed and received professional evaluation. Following this stage, three winners were selected in the main nominations. These winners gained access to exclusive one-on-one meetings with venture investors, advancing their projects to the next level.
Event format:
- Startups Battle — project presentations and expert evaluation by the jury.
- Investors Panel — a strategic discussion on global trends and investment challenges.
- Individual Pitching Sessions & Q&A — in-depth sessions with the jury for all participants, and exclusive meetings with venture investors for the three winners.
Smart Mobility, PropTech, ClimateTech: Panel & Pitching emphasized the strategic role of urban technologies in the global economy. The future of urban tech is not about isolated innovations but a comprehensive transformation where mobility, real estate, and climate solutions merge into a sustainable ecosystem that sets new standards for development.
To support startups building the smart and sustainable cities of the future; accelerate their access to capital; and foster international partnerships aimed at long-term ESG goals and technological progress.
The jury evaluated projects based on the following criteria:
- Innovation & Disruption — ability to transform the market.
- Scalability & Market Fit — growth potential and product relevance.
- Business & Revenue Model — sustainability of the monetization strategy.
- Team & Leadership — expertise and leadership capacity.
- Technology Excellence — maturity and uniqueness of the technology.
- Impact & Sustainability — long-term value and ESG contribution.
- Presentation & Strategic Vision — clarity of vision and persuasiveness of delivery.
- Regulatory Readiness — preparedness for compliance in regulated markets.
- Investment priorities in smart mobility and urban tech.
- Proptech: digital transformation in real estate management.
- Climatetech: solutions driving sustainable development.
- How venture deal structures evolved in the post-COVID economy.
- International perspectives: USA, Latin America, and Europe.
- ESG and sustainable business models: balancing growth and responsibility.
Speakers & jury.
David Boulton
Investor in Private Equity, DIP Capital. Passionate about working to help daring founders build legendary companies from early-stages to IPO and beyond
Clara Ricard
Analyst, Balderton Capital. Expert in early-stage start-ups
Daniel Lloreda
Founder & General Partner, H20 Capital Innovations. Emerging fund manager with +9 years of experience in private equity and venture capital investments
Bob Gillespie
Executive Director, Second Century Ventures. Serial entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience in technology, leadership, operations and finance
Francisco Forbes
Global Director, Hyperloop Transportation Technologies. Visionary founder who is always trying to find innovative ways to question status quo
Kristen Palma
Venture Partner, VU Venture Partners / Stimulo. Market innovation strategist that is dedicated to accelerating high capex sustainable solutions to advance the green economy
Luis Ruano Marrón
CEO, Ricari Venture Capital Rioja. Specialist in Venture Capital investment-startups, entrepreneurship and strategy
Thomas Bigagli
Ventures, Plug and Play. Entrepreneur, investor, advisor, and consultant, Guest lecturer and mentor at several high class business schools and universities
Valentina Shegoyan
Managing Partner, REACH UK. Works with property technology startups, mentors and real estate and technology organizations across the European Union, leading the investment strategy and selection process
Valiantsin Kuzmenka
Proven CCO and VP of Sales with 14+ years in commerce, sales, and IT BD at Andersen. Expert in commercial strategy and technology, he builds high-performance business units delivering above-industry results.
Arkadi Khachaturian
Entrepreneur within the automotive accessories industry
Winners.
Best Startup
Ben Narasin
NEA - New Enterprise Associates
Best Business Model
Chokha Palayamkottai
Integral and Open Systems, Inc
Best Product
Oscar Ramos
SOSV
What participants said.
Proptech and climatetech are no longer niche solutions — they are becoming the foundation of the new urban economy. Astra Global succeeded in bringing together projects that truly reflect this trend.
Devon Zimmerling
Senior Investment Director at Cambridge Associates
The jury sessions organized by Astra Global gave us a fresh perspective on our go-to-market strategy and helped us prepare for investor negotiations.
Sarah Merrick
Founder and CEO of Ripple, United Kingdom
The real value of this event lies in its international scope and the practical relevance of the solutions presented. The forum stood out from many other industry events for its focus and concreteness.
Thomas Bigagli
Ventures, Plug and Play
Partners.
Partners
