The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) continues to strengthen its commitment to businesses and transition economies, investing over €15 billion annually in around 40 economies. In this context, EBRD has created a unique opportunity for high-potential startups in the Western Balkans and other regions through its innovative Star Venture program.
What is Star Venture?
Star Venture is a 24-month intensive growth program designed to support and empower startups offering innovative technological solutions or new business models. The program’s goal is to mobilize global expertise and provide an extensive network of mentors, advisors, and investors to help these ventures refine their business models, expand into new markets, and prepare for further investment.
What Does the Program Offer?
Participants in Star Venture will benefit from a range of personalized services and support, including:
- Strategy and Planning: In-depth business diagnostics to identify growth opportunities.
- Innovation and Technology: Enhancements to business models and the implementation of new technologies.
- Financing and Financial Management: Support with fundraising, financial management, and financial reporting.
- Digitalization and ICT Development: Implementation of digital solutions to optimize operational processes.
- International Expansion: Guidance and strategies for entering international markets.
- Marketing and Communication: Assistance in developing marketing plans and communication strategies.
- Mentoring and Networking: Opportunities to pitch to an international panel of experts and investors, as well as to connect with strategic partners and lenders.
Who Can Apply?
The program is intended for innovative private enterprises that meet the following criteria:
- Innovative Solution: The company must offer an innovative technological solution or a new business model.
- Large Market: There must be a significant market opportunity and a clear competitive advantage.
- Company Age: The company must have been registered for less than 10 years.
- Revenue Growth: A proven track record of consistent revenue growth within the first 3 years of operation.
- National Ownership: The company must be majority-owned by citizens of the countries where EBRD operates.
Financing and Partnership
The Star Venture program is financed in collaboration with:
- Luxembourg through the EBRD Small Business Impact Fund, and
- The European Union via the Western Balkans Investment Framework (WBIF).
Deadlines and the Application Process
For companies wishing to take advantage of this opportunity, the application deadline is February 25, 2025 (applications close at COB). After the preliminary selection, applicants will be invited to a pitch session to present their ideas to an international panel of experts and investors. Key dates in the selection process are:
- February 25, 2025: Final application deadline.
- March 7, 2025: Notification for preliminary selection and pitch invitations.
- Late March / Early April 2025: Pitch sessions and final selection notification.
How to Apply?
Interested companies can visit the official Star Venture webpage at https://www.ebrd.com/starventure/overview for more information and application guidelines. Please ensure you have your company’s financial data (in an official or public format) and your pitch deck in PDF format ready to streamline the application process.
For any questions or additional assistance, please contact Dejan Tonic at: [email protected].
For further support, local EBRD teams and regional accelerators will organize regular “Open Doors” sessions every Friday, starting January 31, 2025, to assist with the application process via Microsoft Teams.
Join the Meeting Now
- Meeting ID: 361 545 785 295
- Passcode: bw2hb9HR
Don’t miss this opportunity to drive innovation and scale your business to an international level!
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