Business Angels in Albania: A golden opportunity for startups and young entrepreneurs in 2025

In the world of entrepreneurship and innovation, funding remains one of the biggest challenges for new startups. In this context, Business Angels play a key role in supporting new ideas and developing the ecosystem—especially in Albania, where startups are still relatively new and in their early stages. This phenomenon appears to be gaining more and more ground in Albania in 2025, as many innovative ideas seek capital to move from concept to reality. Such a supportive climate is motivating startups to build confidence and develop innovative products and services. But what exactly are Business Angels, and how is this trend influencing Albania in 2025?

What are Business Angels?

Business Angels are wealthy individuals—often successful entrepreneurs or experienced professionals—who invest in early-stage startups and businesses. Beyond financial capital, they also provide mentorship, networking, and expertise to help founders grow their businesses.

Business Angels in Albania in 2025: A Growing Ecosystem

In Albania, the concept of Business Angels has significantly evolved over the past few years, with a considerable increase in the number of investors interested in startups. This growth has been influenced by:

• The emergence of angel investor networks, such as the Albanian Business Angels Network (ALBAN), which is playing a key role in connecting startups with investors.
• New startup funding programs, like the Western Balkans Startup Fund and the Albania Innovation Grant, encouraging more private investment.
• Participation from foreign investors, including many Albanian diaspora angels now investing in new projects.
• The rise of tech startups, particularly in sectors like fintech, blockchain, and AI, which have attracted significant investor interest.

Why does Albania need more Business Angels?

• Lack of traditional funding – Albanian banks remain hesitant to fund startups in their early phases.
• Accelerating startup growth – Angel investors’ capital and mentorship help entrepreneurs avoid common mistakes and scale faster.
• Fostering innovation and technology – Angel investments support sectors like technology, healthcare, and renewable energy.
• Developing an entrepreneurial culture – With more investors involved, more young people are encouraged to pursue entrepreneurship.

Challenges and Opportunities for Business Angels in Albania in 2025

Despite the growing number of Business Angels, they still face several key challenges:

• Lack of a formalized investment market – There’s still no well-structured platform to connect startups with angel investors.
• Legal and fiscal framework – Despite some improvements, strong incentives for investors are still missing.
• Lack of financial literacy among entrepreneurs – Many Albanian startups still lack the knowledge to attract investment effectively.

How Can the Number of Business Angels in Albania Grow?

• Developing structured angel networks – Through initiatives like ALBAN and investor forums.
• Government support and incentive policies – Offering tax breaks for angel investors.
• Educating and training entrepreneurs – Organizing more startup events and bootcamps.
• Participation in international events – Like Web Summit, Startup Grind Global, and the EU Tech Summit to increase exposure for Albanian startups.

Notable Business Angels:

• Kevin Sekniqi is one of the most well-known Albanian names in the angel investing world, co-founder of the blockchain platform Avalanche and part of Forbes 30 Under 30. He also founded the K4S6 incubator, which supports startups with up to €250,000—Patoko being its first beneficiary. Sekniqi plays a vital role as a business angel and mentor, strengthening Albania’s innovation ecosystem and connecting it to the global market.
• Grant Van Cleve is an internationally recognized angel investor who, although not Albanian, has contributed to Albania’s entrepreneurial development for over 30 years. As a leading member of Tech Coast Angels (a prestigious angel network in California), he has invested in over 90 startups, primarily in the U.S. As a global entrepreneur and ecosystem statesman, Grant brings extensive experience to help shape the startup environment in Albania.
• Lirim Krasniqi is the Executive Director of GERMIN, a nonprofit connecting the Albanian diaspora with opportunities in their homeland. He serves as a key bridge between diaspora investors and investment opportunities in Albania and Kosovo. With experience in diaspora project management, he has built trust between overseas professionals and local institutions—a prerequisite for attracting investments.
• Ardian Hoxha is a serial entrepreneur and angel investor (in industries like telecom, food, luxury products, education, media, etc.) and president of Keiretsu Forum SEE. With diverse investments in innovative startups and experience across sectors, he has facilitated funding for several startups in Albania and Kosovo through Keiretsu.

Organizations and Networks Promoting Angel Investments

• Albanian Business Angels Network (ALBAN) – A key network connecting startups with investors.
• Angels Albania – The first official angel investor network in Albania, founded to link startups with early investors and develop the ecosystem.
• Keiretsu Forum SEE – The Balkan chapter of the global Keiretsu network, launched in Kosovo/Albania (2021–2022) under Ardian Hoxha’s leadership. Active in tech, life sciences, real estate, and more. Regular pitch meetings are held in Tirana and Pristina, enabling real investment opportunities (e.g., Blue Spot, Cybee, Suapr).
• Albanian Diaspora Angel Network (ADAN) – A diaspora-led angel network connecting emigrant investors with local startups across industries, with a focus on economic impact in Albania.
• EU for Innovation – Challenge Fund – Supports a sustainable innovation ecosystem, frequently collaborating with private (angel) investors.
• Destil Creative Hub – A creative space that hosts events connecting investors with startups.
• Swissep – Swiss Entrepreneurship Program – Has supported the development of angel investment networks and mentoring in Albania.
• ICTSmedia & ICTSlab – Active in developing Albania’s tech and startup community; they organize events and training often attended by angel investors.
• Tirana Inc. – A university-based accelerator frequently connected with early-stage investors.
• Innovation Nest – A platform encouraging collaboration between startups and investors.
• AlbaniaTech – Since 2021, AlbaniaTech has been a valuable resource for finding business angels. As the first platform dedicated to identifying startups and sharing the latest information in the entrepreneurial world in Albania, it aims to empower new founders and help them build networks.