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The Start Up, Bulgaria Program

Design your own path to success: choose the sessions you want!
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"Sofia is Not Bulgaria": Unlocking Regional Talent and Opportunities

Entrepreneurship 101

EN

Galin Stefanov, Emiliyan Enev, Angel Marchev, Mariana Roder

Sofia may be the capital, but Bulgaria’s true strength lies in its diverse regional talent. Meet community leaders from across the country and discover the incredible opportunities for learning, networking, and growth beyond Sofia. Tap into regional power, build your network, and find your next big opportunity by connecting with like-minded innovators from every corner of Bulgaria.

"Sofia is Not Bulgaria": Unlocking Regional Talent and Opportunities

#BreakingGrounds: How Bulgaria’s Tech Scene Captivated 250,000 Global Investors – and How You Can Too?

Scaling up

EN

Teodor Antonio Georiev, Iskren Krusteff, Konstantin Bezuhanov, Boyko Takov

Discover how #BreakingGrounds put Bulgaria’s tech ecosystem on the global map, attracting 250,000 investors and innovators in under a year. Learn from the key players behind this success and gain insights on how you, as an entrepreneur, can become part of the movement and leverage its momentum to scale your business.

#BreakingGrounds: How Bulgaria’s Tech Scene Captivated 250,000 Global Investors – and How You Can Too?

6 Steps to Mastering a Successful Media Presence

Sky is the Limit

BG

Dessie Stoyanova

In this session, you'll gain an insider's perspective on what captures media interest and keeps audiences hooked. Dessie Stoyanova will walk you through a practical, step-by-step algorithm for grabbing and holding the media’s attention, drawn from her 25+ years of experience as a journalist and TV presenter. She'll break down six clear and actionable rules that are the backbone of any successful media presence.


You’ll learn what makes a person, topic, or event irresistible to the media, how to position yourself as a go-to expert on the issues you care about, and how to boost your chances of landing interview invitations. Plus, you'll discover what it takes to be a compelling guest that keeps those invitations coming.


This session will also dive deep into the power of storytelling as a tool for persuasion, how to present data in engaging ways, and the impact of strong versus weak language in delivering your message. Packed with real-world examples, this workshop is practical, hands-on, and accessible to everyone—whether you're new to the game or looking to refine your skills.

6 Steps to Mastering a Successful Media Presence

Boosting Sales by Engaging the Right Stakeholders: from fanatic users to executive engagements

B2B Sales forum

EN

Ognyan Vasilev & Tatyana Eliseeva

In this action-oriented session, we will explore proven strategies to accelerate sales by effectively engaging key stakeholders—champions, executives, and users. 


Learn how to tailor your approach to each group, understanding their unique needs and motivations, and discover what drives decision-making at every level. 


With numerous practical examples from industry leaders, you'll walk away equipped with actionable insights to build stronger relationships and close deals faster. 


This session is essential for anyone looking to master stakeholder engagement and elevate their sales game.

Boosting Sales by Engaging the Right Stakeholders: from fanatic users to executive engagements

Building a Global Software Product startup from Bulgaria

Sky is the Limit

EN

Orlin Radev

Get electrified by the inspiring story of Orlin Radev revealing what fate has signaled him to embrace the journey and how his passion, persistence, commitment and genuine curiosity in the matter has enabled him and the business to reach global scale. Get to hear more about the Lessons learned while building AMPECO.

Building a Global Software Product startup from Bulgaria

Building a Global Success: From 0 to 2 Million Customers on an Entrepreneurial Journey

Entrepreneurship 101

EN

Georgi Dimitrov & Vasil Ralchev

Join Georgi and Vasil as they share their inspiring journey of creating a global product that now serves over 2 million customers. Learn how they stayed true to their Bulgarian roots, which played a key role in their remarkable success, and gain insights into building a thriving business from the ground up.

Building a Global Success: From 0 to 2 Million Customers on an Entrepreneurial Journey

Building a Thriving Organizational Culture: The Role of Well-Being in Business Success

Sky is the Limit

EN

Ivaylo Sekoulitchki & Sami Hossny

Explore why prioritizing well-being is essential for shaping a strong organizational culture and driving business growth. Ivaylo and Sami will share their journey of integrating well-being into their strategy while offering practical insights on how you can build a scalable SaaS MVP without coding or hiring developers. Discover how well-being and innovation go hand in hand for long-term success.

Building a Thriving Organizational Culture: The Role of Well-Being in Business Success

Bulgaria - Innovation Destination: How Entrepreneurship can lead the way for turning Bulgaria into an innovation destination

Scaling up

EN

Milena Stoycheva

Let’s deep dive into what innovation is and what it means for distinctive industry representatives. The panel discussion will give you all those perspectives that illustrate what known and unknown potential we have thriving in Bulgaria and how we can leverage it even further for broader visibility

Bulgaria - Innovation Destination: How Entrepreneurship can lead the way for turning Bulgaria into an innovation destination

Discover the Financial Instruments enabling the ecosystem

Sky is the Limit

EN

Galina Markova, Martin Gikov, Teodor Radonov

Have you ever wondered what instruments are available to support a business growth, scale, and potential financially? Join the group discussion and find out what paths you might aspire to take next

Discover the Financial Instruments enabling the ecosystem

Entrepreneurship mindset - starting a project from within an organisation

Entrepreneurship 101

EN

Eftim Eftimov

It is not all about startups and running for new business foundations, the entrepreneurial mindset is the enriching power that can pull the right strings to inspire you to run the extra mile and kick off a new initiative, project or product within your current  employer’s organisation. Eftim will demystify what the commonalities and differences are and will empower you valuable examples of what you can do next yourselves

Entrepreneurship mindset - starting a project from within an organisation

Founder Fundraising Hacks: Maximizing ROI for Your Next Round

Scaling up

EN

Krikor Dzeronian

Learn proven strategies and insider hacks to secure your next round of funding and achieve a high return on investment. Krikor will share his personal experience and techniques for making the right moves in the fundraising process, ensuring your efforts lead to rewarding and impactful results. Don’t miss this opportunity to level up your fundraising game.

Founder Fundraising Hacks: Maximizing ROI for Your Next Round

From good to great: Elevating account executives performance with best practices

B2B Sales forum

EN

Mika Pyhämäki

Explore key practices that turn good account executives into top performers. Learn actionable strategies for optimizing sales techniques, improving customer engagement, and closing deals more effectively.

From good to great: Elevating account executives performance with best practices

Fueling Your Entrepreneurial Journey: Uncover Opportunities to Launch Your Next Venture

Entrepreneurship 101

EN

Nadia Zaharieva, Hristo Boyadzhiev, Zornitsa Mitkova, Aleksander Grozdanov, Alexander Georgiev

Ready to turn your ideas into action? This session explores how entrepreneurs can tap into untapped opportunities, connect with the right community, and leverage resources to start their next big venture. Join us to find out what steps you can take today to ignite your entrepreneurial path and bring your vision to life.

Fueling Your Entrepreneurial Journey: Uncover Opportunities to Launch Your Next Venture

Generations of Entrepreneurs: Insights from the Pioneers of Success

Sky is the Limit

EN

Coming soon

In this flagship keynote session, a panel of remarkable entrepreneurs from different industries will share their journeys to success, offering invaluable lessons for the next generation of business leaders. 


Featuring surprise guests, this session will explore the key strategies, challenges, and breakthroughs that defined their paths to greatness. Join us to discover what it takes to turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality, as we learn from the best to pave the way for the future.

Generations of Entrepreneurs: Insights from the Pioneers of Success

How to get to a Global Scale and what's the bridge to it?

Scaling up

EN

Pavlina Yanakieva

Scaling Bulgarian businesses globally is not a mission impossible. Hear more about the future horizons the ecosystem offers and how you can cross the bridge for international success

How to get to a Global Scale and what's the bridge to it?

Impossible is Nothing: It is all in your own hands

Sky is the Limit

EN

Dimitar Berbatov

An inspiring talk on what success takes and how to learn from your failures to aim higher and work harder

Impossible is Nothing: It is all in your own hands

Leverage the Power of the Ecosystem - what formats exist to test your potential

Sky is the Limit

EN

Georgi Kaludov & Dimitar Georgiev

A spotlight on the IBM Accelerator programme and what exciting technologies are available here for startups to use and test the potential of their ideas and innovative solutions. Hear more from the latest cohort’s success stories and what unique capabilities are utilised for ongoing projects.

Leverage the Power of the Ecosystem - what formats exist to test your potential

Mission (Im)possible? How to start up, scale up and build the future?

Entrepreneurship 101

EN

Boyan Ivanov

How many times have you heard that your idea does not work or is not good enough? Let’s demystify some of the myths of what it takes to start a business and learn on the go while believing in your idea and accommodating external feedback on the way up

Mission (Im)possible? How to start up, scale up and build the future?

Overcoming the Fears of Scaling: Lessons from Successful Entrepreneurs

Scaling up

EN

Nikolay Todorov, Ivan Georgiev, Boris Pavlov

Are you ready to scale your business, or are you hesitant about the next big leap? In this session, successful business owners will share their hard-earned lessons on scaling up, revealing what to do—and what to avoid—for long-term, sustainable growth. Learn how to overcome the challenges of scaling and ensure your business thrives at every stage.

Overcoming the Fears of Scaling: Lessons from Successful Entrepreneurs

Regional Perspectives on Innovation and Business Growth: Insights from a BCG Partner

Sky is the Limit

EN

Stefan Trifonov

Explore the business landscape through the lens of a Boston Consulting Group partner, gaining key insights into innovation, organizational transformation, and scaling from a regional perspective. Discover strategies for driving growth and staying competitive in an evolving market.

Regional Perspectives on Innovation and Business Growth: Insights from a BCG Partner

Revolutionizing sales with AI: strategies for the future

B2B Sales forum

EN

Coming soon

AI is transforming the sales landscape and the strategies sales teams need to stay ahead. Learn how to leverage AI tools for lead generation, customer insights, and personalized selling to drive efficiency and revenue growth.

Revolutionizing sales with AI: strategies for the future

Skilling in the Future World - how to be capability-ready?

Sky is the Limit

EN

Theodor Panayotov

The story of lifelong learning and what does Ethermind bring to the table

Skilling in the Future World - how to be capability-ready?

Smart money, smart business and a few stupid mistakes. The art of being a solopreneur in Bulgaria

Entrepreneurship 101

BG

Stoyne Vasilev

Hear more about the art of solopreneurship and continuous learning and how changing and evolving your ideas can turn into being the smartest move you can make

Smart money, smart business and a few stupid mistakes. The art of being a solopreneur in Bulgaria

Starting Strong: Essential Steps for Launching Your Own Business

Entrepreneurship 101

EN

Vilislav Slavev

Learn the key foundations for successfully starting your own business, from accounting and legal considerations to practical tips for first-time entrepreneurs. This session covers everything you need to know to turn your business idea into reality.

Starting Strong: Essential Steps for Launching Your Own Business

Supercharging your Startup Journey: Insights from Christian Kunz, Pomona Apparel, ex-Plug and Play

Sky is the Limit

EN

Christian Kunz

Christian Kunz, now an entrepreneur at Pomona Apparel and formerly with Plug and Play Tech Ventures, shares his journey and expertise on how the startup ecosystem empowers early-stage ventures.  Get ready to define your purpose, choosing the support system that is right for you and launching successful B2B collaborations. 

This session will focus on three essential areas of the early founder journey. Whether you are still developing a concept, have just launched or are starting to scale, you will find key insights and best practices that will help launch or grow your business.

Supercharging your Startup Journey: Insights from Christian Kunz, Pomona Apparel, ex-Plug and Play

Tech PR for Startups: Building Credibility to Attract Investors, Partners, and Clients

Sky is the Limit

EN

Kristina Kuneva

Embrace the importance of building trust and your personal and business position out there so others can grasp your true value and potential for investment and growth


What is the added value of tech PR?

Why is it important for startups to build credible image in the media in order to position themselves more effectively in front of investors, partners and clients?

In what ways can Storytelling Studio help startups achieve this goal?

Tech PR for Startups: Building Credibility to Attract Investors, Partners, and Clients

The Art of Finding the Perfect Cofounder

Entrepreneurship 101

EN

Niklas Köster

Is the success of a business driven by the idea, the team, or the cofounder who shares your vision and passion? Niklas will share his valuable experience in launching a business and explain why finding the right cofounder is crucial. 


Join this session to discover what it takes to build a strong partnership and why it can make all the difference in your entrepreneurial journey.

The Art of Finding the Perfect Cofounder

The BEAM Market: Unlocking Growth Opportunities for SMEs with Benchmark Finance

Scaling up

EN

Coming soon

The SME growth market, BEAM, organized by the Bulgarian Stock Exchange (BSE), offers a unique opportunity for small and medium-sized businesses to finance their operations and scale through public markets. BEAM provides the benefits of being publicly traded, with a lighter listing and reporting regime, making it an attractive alternative to traditional financing. 


In this session, Benchmark Finance—one of Bulgaria’s most experienced financial intermediaries—will share insights from guiding companies through the BEAM listing process. Learn what to watch out for, how to navigate the process smoothly, and the best practices to successfully raise capital for your business growth.

The BEAM Market: Unlocking Growth Opportunities for SMEs with Benchmark Finance

The Billionpreneur Mindset - what does it take to develop one?

Sky is the Limit

EN

Jeko Kolev

Only 0.00006% of startups achieve unicorn status, and even fewer entrepreneurs will grow their company to generate a billion dollars in annual revenue. There is no universal formula for becoming a "Billionpreneur," but even just having a shot at such a milestone requires a specific mindset and adherence to a few fundamental principles when building a business. Drawing on his personal and professional experiences with multiple unicorn founders and his role in scaling WeWork to a $47 billion company, Jeko will share his insights on developing the mindset of a founder capable of building a groundbreaking business.

The Billionpreneur Mindset - what does it take to develop one?

The Entrepreneur's Paradox

Sky is the Limit

EN

Georgi Nenov

In a world full of contradictions, it is the entrepreneur who turns challenges into opportunities. In this lecture, we will touch on some of the biggest paradoxes that I have come across while developing "The Superhuman Podcast with Georgi Nenov" in the last 8 years and meeting with some of the most influential entrepreneurs in Bulgaria. Let's discover together how these contradictions shape the success of anyone who dares to try.

The Entrepreneur's Paradox

The Evolving Role of the CRO: Mastering the Modern Revenue Landscape

B2B Sales forum

EN

Felix Buehner

With the revenue landscape constantly evolving, the Chief Revenue Officer (CRO) plays a pivotal role in driving growth. In this session, discover how CROs can navigate market shifts, foster alignment between sales, marketing, and customer success teams, and implement strategies for long-term, sustainable growth.

The Evolving Role of the CRO: Mastering the Modern Revenue Landscape

The Power of Youth - how to master the investment game while coming from Eastern Europe

Scaling up

EN

Zvezdin Besarabov

Get inspired by the successful story of a young entrepreneur studying abroad and looking for the opportunities to learn, develop, and create value for the society while pushing international boundaries and proving that potential can be found anywhere - regardless of where you start or come from

The Power of Youth - how to master the investment game while coming from Eastern Europe

The Role of the Ecosystem: Building Infrastructure for International Business Success

Entrepreneurship 101

EN

Kremena Dervenkova, Ned Dervenkov, Momchil Vassilev

How well do you understand Bulgaria’s startup ecosystem? This panel discussion will dive into the latest developments in business regulations, infrastructure, and support networks that are essential for growing your business internationally. Join the conversation, learn how to leverage the ecosystem for success, and come prepared to ask the questions that matter to your entrepreneurial journey.

The Role of the Ecosystem: Building Infrastructure for International Business Success

The Volt-ron of a successful business journey

Sky is the Limit

EN

Ognyan Popov

A story about what it takes to be a serial entrepreneur - success is not a destination, it's a journey of serial trials and learnings

The Volt-ron of a successful business journey

The principles and stories of business longevity

Sky is the Limit

EN

Andrey Davtchev

Growing a mature business in a mature industry 3X in 4 years: a collection of principles, stories and anecdotes

The principles and stories of business longevity

The technology boost into our lifestyle - AI generations

Scaling up

EN

Georgi Kostadinov, Milena Georgieva, Nikolay Vasev, Federico Acosta

Let's deep dive into understanding why AI is gold in the current business dynamics and how technology can not only bring in more ideas, improvements and efficiencies, but also can change and boost our health conditions

The technology boost into our lifestyle - AI generations

Turning Crisis into Opportunity: Scaling a Business Through Innovation

Entrepreneurship 101

EN

Georgi Kadrev

Learn how innovative thinking can transform crises into opportunities for business growth. This session explores how tech solutions are being used to address health problems, with real-world examples of turning challenges into scalable ventures. Discover how to harness the power of adversity to inspire your next business idea.

Turning Crisis into Opportunity: Scaling a Business Through Innovation

Unlocking Growth: Secrets to Scaling Your Business

Scaling up

BG

Dimitar Dimitrov, Alexander Dreischuh, Nikolay Zheynov, Lubomir Nokov

Hear from successful entrepreneurs across various industries as they share their personal journeys and reveal the common strategies that helped them scale their businesses. Learn the key factors that drive sustainable growth and take your business to the next level.

Unlocking Growth: Secrets to Scaling Your Business

What are investors looking for?

Scaling up

EN

Tim Jeck

Our international guest Tim Jeck is excited to join us and reveal some of the “mysteries” around what entrepreneurship investment looks like from regional perspective, what investors across the globe are mostly looking to see in a pitch or business proposal and how you can prepare to address those expectations more effectively next time you are up for an investor meeting.

What are investors looking for?

What's life after the exit? Retaining your organisational culture while growing the business

Scaling up

EN

Teofil Shikov & Zdravko Zdravkov

Teo and Zdravko will unveil the mystery of what happens when you grow a business to a scale for exit and how you continue the future growth in a new organisational setup and dynamics.

What's life after the exit? Retaining your organisational culture while growing the business

What's next? From vision to reality

Sky is the Limit

EN

Ognyan Vasilev

As we wrap up three days of inspiration, networking, and transformative insights, the real journey begins—turning your vision into reality. 

In this closing keynote, we will explore what comes next and how to leverage the knowledge, connections, and strategies gained during the conference to drive your future success. 


This session will guide you through the steps needed to apply these learnings in your entrepreneurial journey and provide practical advice on how to sustain momentum, ensuring that the impact of these three days lasts long into your business future. The next steps are yours to take—let's turn inspiration into action.

What's next? From vision to reality

When is the Right Time to Start? Insights from Successful Entrepreneurs

Entrepreneurship 101

EN

Kosta Karakashyan, Jane Dimitrova, Aleksandar Gramatikov, J.D. Mininger

There’s no perfect moment to start your entrepreneurial journey—what matters is taking the leap. Join this discussion to hear from panelists about what inspired them to embrace entrepreneurship, the challenges they faced, and where they are today. Discover how to find your own timing and take that first step toward success.

When is the Right Time to Start? Insights from Successful Entrepreneurs

When to ‘Nail Down’ Your Idea’s Brand: Before or After Validation?

Entrepreneurship 101

BG

Katya Todorova

Discover more about what is the right timing for preparing for your business brand and what are the pros and cons for doing it either way.

When to ‘Nail Down’ Your Idea’s Brand: Before or After Validation?

Why some businesses don't scale and what to do about it?

Scaling up

EN

Ognyan Vasilev

Coming soon

Why some businesses don't scale and what to do about it?
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