LUXEMBOURG CITY -- The best ideas are often the ones that become realities. For Honorary Consul Mike Ansay of Wisconsin, the seed of a great idea was planted while walking the cobblestone streets of the Old City of Luxembourg early one morning a few years ago. Looking out over the steep rocky outcrop with a view towards the modern Kirchberg neighborhood, he pondered the confluence of old and new, the past and future, and how things might merge to create a better tomorrow.
Later that day, after meeting with Luxembourg luminaries like Etienne Schneider, former Minister of Economy, and Jeannot Erpelding, head of international affairs at the Chamber of Commerce, that seed began to grow. They agreed Luxembourg was quickly becoming the European hub for start-ups, jobs, innovation, and culture. What if they were to combine forces with a cutting-edge start-ups accelerator based in the U.S., one well-known for its ingenuity and commitment to culture? A partnership of this sort would be especially appealing for key investors, as well as further position Luxembourg as a force for innovation.
Upon returning to the U.S., Mike met with Joe Kirgues, who founded the highly-successful accelerator Gener8tor. Joe instantly sparked to the idea of combining Luxembourg’s commitment to jobs and culture with some American ingenuity. But first, he had to see the country and its infrastructure for himself. A trip was planned and Mike returned to Luxembourg with Joe. How did the visit go? It took Joe just one day to fully commit himself to the idea after seeing Luxembourg’s vision for its economy and its predilection for new ideas. Following a conference with Sasha Baillie, CEO of LuxInnovation, Joe promised right then and there Gener8tor would not only be a partner in the idea, but an investor as well.
Still, despite the eagerness and enthusiasm from both sides of the ocean, someone was needed to act as the bridge between the U.S. and Luxembourg. A perfect match was found in Washington D.C., where the dynamic Ambassador to the U.S and Canada, Gaston Stronck, resides. Ambassador Stronck was well known for his energy, ambition, - and perhaps most importantly - his commitment to turning ideas into reality. After a series of productive talks with the Ambassador, the final piece of the puzzle was added – Jenny Hallen-Hedberg, Head of International Business Development, of LuxInnovation. In conjunction with the Ambassador, she helped put the finishing touches on the idea of a solid project to forward the cooperation between the US and Luxembourg.
What began as a seed of an idea on a glimmering morning walk through Luxembourg City has become LuxFund 1 – a cross-continental effort incorporating Gener8tor’s unique ability to launch start-ups with Luxembourg’s commitment to culture and fostering economic development.
Mike Ansay
Joe Kirgues