During the debate, the moderator Csaba Johanyák asked Professor Ehrlich about the role of business angels in startup financing. The professor was quick to point out that business angels play a crucial role in the early stages of startups, and that in the US, they actually invest more in startups than venture capital firms. It is important to note, that Professor Ehrlich isn't just focused on one particular industry. He made it clear that he was "industry agnostic," meaning he wasn't attached to any specific sector. This perspective allowed him to see the bigger picture when it came to startup financing and investment.
Connecting to the points of Ehrlich, Cséfalvay pointed out that in Europe, a few large startup hubs dominate the scene, but with smart sector specialisation, smaller hubs can also make a big impact. The panel discussion was very fruitful, as both sides made compelling arguments for their respective positions. As a former startupper and current university lecturer, Professor Ehrlich brought his experience to the table Cséfalvay's insights as a researcher on European startups added a valuable perspective to the discussion. The Innovation Lunch Debate was a great opportunity to explore different views on startup financing and investment.