In the heart of Prishtina’s growing innovation scene, the Innovation Centre Kosovo played host to a two-day pitch training that brought together a select group of early-stage startups from Kosovo, Albania and North Macedonia. The training, led by the internationally renowned coach Jamie Reynolds, offered founders an opportunity to refine not just their pitch decks, but the way they communicate their vision.
With years of experience coaching executives and founders at global giants like Google and Microsoft, as well as hundreds of startups across continents, Jamie Reynolds brought an approach that was sharp, dynamic, and deeply human. His method didn’t revolve around memorizing lines or perfecting slides, it focused on helping founders unlock their message and own their voice.
Opening the session, Jamie emphasized the importance of authenticity in storytelling:
“Your pitch isn’t about your product,,it’s about your belief. Investors don’t invest in slides; they invest in clarity, conviction, and energy. Your job is to bring all three into the room.”
The first day combined pitch-building theory with intense live practice. Founders worked in small groups to shape their 30-second, 60-second, and 3-minute pitches. With each iteration, they received targeted, constructive feedback, not just from Jamie, but from each other. This collaborative atmosphere quickly turned strangers into trusted peers.
Ekrem Tahiri, founder of Vetalgo shared:
“You think you know your story until you have to say it out loud. And then someone asks you: why now? Why you? That’s when things get real.”
The training focused on what makes an early-stage pitch work: simplicity, relevance, and emotional connection. Founders explored how to structure a compelling narrative, how to guide an investor through a pitch deck, and how to speak with clarity especially when nervousness kicks in.
Day two deepened the experience with 1:1 coaching sessions. Each startup received personalized feedback on their deck design, storyline, and delivery. Many teams took this chance to completely revise their approach, stripping down jargon and getting to the heart of their ideas. The transformation was evident not only in the words they used but in the confidence they projected.
As the training wrapped up, the energy in the room was electric. Teams weren’t just preparing to pitch, they were preparing to lead. Many stayed after the final session to connect, exchange ideas, and encourage one another for the next steps ahead.
This training was made possible through the support of the Swiss Entrepreneurship Program, the Western Balkans Fund, and the European Union. Their involvement in founder development is helping create a more resilient and investor-ready startup ecosystem across Southeast Europe.
0 comments