Ask HN: European startups, how did you get seed funded?

Just curious about your experience: how long did it take and how much did you raise? did you look for investors in your own country or abroad ? is it worth attending specific conference or events to get in touch with investors ? how many investors did you get in touch with before getting funded ? how have you made it finally ? What is the single advice you would give to a first-time entrepreneur in this area ?