The focal point of the discussions was the startup ecosystem in the Western Balkans region and Southeast Europe, for which the highest quality expertise was utilized. Presentations, experiences, and valuable insights shared by Rumen Iliev and Kamen Bankovski, representatives from Launchub and Vitosha Venture Partners, were met with great interest from the attendees, culminating in the opportunity for startups part of the event to exchange ideas, but also to have networking and potential access to financing opportunities in 100-million-euro worth of funds.
In addition to the vibrant discussions and valuable insights shared during the Keiretsu Forum SEE Investor Pitch Day, it’s important to recognize the role of Moneys Magazine as a media partner, actively participating in this event. With its dedication to covering entrepreneurial developments, Moneys Magazine played a crucial role in magnifying the significance of the event, capturing key moments, and spreading valuable information to its audience.
Part of the discussions were also Kushtrim Shala, a key contributor to the Albanian ecosystem and co-founder of ICTSlab, the innovation center dedicated to digital skills development and supporting the startup ecosystem in Albania through education and acceleration programs, as well as Hana Qerimi, a successful entrepreneur and founder of the Digital School and StarLabs in Kosovo, who shared their conclusions, perspectives, and suggestions.
The Startup Ecosystem – Expert Insight couldn’t pass without the special attention and greetings from the distinguished guests and key government actors in Albania. Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate, stated, “…holding this event coincides with an important moment for the Startup Agency, as we have just developed our strategy for innovative entrepreneurship.” The event was also greeted by Blendi Gonxhja, Minister of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, who emphasized the importance such events have in bringing progress to an environment for which all actors have joined their efforts.
“It’s important that the hall of an event like this is filled because it speaks volumes about how this country is progressing in the technology and development ecosystem,” added Arbjan Mazniku, Minister of State for Local Governance.
Erion Veliaj, the Mayor of Tirana, with notes of appreciation for all that has been done and is continuing to be done by the ecosystem for the ecosystem, and with messages of encouragement for all young people passionate about technology and innovation, welcomed the high participation in this event as an indicator of a genuine and fruitful common interest.
Dedicated continuously to supporting the ecosystem and initiator of the first startup law in Albania, Eduard Shalsi, Chairman of the Parliamentary Commission for Economy and Finance, emphasized in his speech that the importance of such events also constitutes a push for the government itself to promote a new standard and level of expectations.
Keiretsu Forum Southeast Europe is the forum that is becoming the gravitational center for successful entrepreneurs aiming to be business angels in the Southeast European ecosystem with the aim of being pioneers in the development of the region. That said, membership in this forum of known Albanian entrepreneurs and investors remains an open call and at the same time should be considered a tempting and beneficial alternative that gives them the opportunity to join with their counterparts, invest in promising startups in the region, and be part of the ecosystem change road that at this point seems to have only one direction: forward.
The panel discussions also highlighted that the trinity of the partner ICTSlab – Keiretsu Forum SEE – Venture Capital Funds, in fact, constitutes the consecutive links of the chain that startups need to follow to secure funds. (From education, incubation, and acceleration programs, towards the network of business angels and then Venture Capital Funds).
The networking part, after the event concluded, had its own dynamics. As expected, everyone flocked to Kamen Bankovski and Rumen Iliev to have the opportunity for a close conversation with them. Under the enjoyment of a glass of wine and identifying each other through the titles they wore attached to their jackets, much happened – quality contacts were made; bases were laid for new collaborations and friendships; fruitful ideas were exchanged, all culminating in receiving concrete proposals for investment.
Ardian Hoxha, President of the Keiretsu Forum Southeast Europe Chapter, an American patent operating in 9 Southeast European states and now counting 40 members, expressed optimism and determination in continuing this joint commitment aimed at capitalizing on the potential of our region at the level it deserves.
www.keiretsuforumsee.com
www.linkedin.com/in/ardianhoxha
BY Egli HAXHIRAJ, Anamaria MESHKURTI and Jonida GJUZI.
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