This Thursday, Tirana turned into a true gravitational center for investors and creators of the future, hosting a highly significant event for the Albanian startup ecosystem: “Investor Talks”, a forum organized by ALBAN Global in cooperation with ADLR Partners, led by Denada Rauch Bare, a globally recognized Albanian figure in the Austrian business world and diaspora. With extensive experience across finance, technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare, sustainability, and real estate, she brings high-level investment expertise to the table.
In her welcoming remarks, Ermelinda Hajdari, the founder of ALBAN Global, emphasized the platform’s role as a bridge connecting investors with bold startups and fostering cross-border collaboration:
“In an increasingly interconnected world, helping startups grow internationally is at the heart of what we do.”
She highlighted how Tirana is transforming at a pace that is both thrilling and challenging, making this the perfect time to align energies toward a shared path of progress.
The speaker panel featured a carefully curated mix of expertise, experience, and diverse visions, covering everything from digital transformation to technology and social innovation.
Kristian Kabashi, one of the leading voices in digital transformation in Switzerland and co-founder of the well-known startup Numarics, introduced his concept “The Blank Collar”, exploring how technology and humanity interact in the modern work environment. As the winner of the Swissalbs Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 award, Kabashi brought to Tirana deep insights into the future of work and entrepreneurship.
Jurgen Vleminckx offered not only his experience as an investor but also a human sensibility for the behind-the-scenes of innovation. In another entrepreneurial perspective, Eli Zhabevska brought her experience as a VC and someone who knows how to spot potential where others see risk.
A key figure in the panel was Shefqet Avdullau, a prominent member of the Albanian diaspora in the USA and the UK, with a diverse portfolio of investments in areas like AI, FinTech, and HealthTech. Mr. Avdullau is a concrete example of how the diaspora contributes to Albania’s entrepreneurial development—not just through capital, but also through mentorship and networking.
Naim Anis Payman, founder of Zeevou and strategic investor, shared how artificial intelligence can reshape the hospitality and real estate sectors. With his background in strategic investment, he offered a fresh perspective for Albanian entrepreneurs aiming to enter these industries.
Shkëlzen Marku, co-founder of Yunus Social Business Balkans, brought a different angle—social impact entrepreneurship. With over 20 years of experience in policymaking and economic development, Marku emphasized the importance of building businesses that aim not just for profit, but for inclusion and social transformation.
Founders and Funders: The inside journey
The second panel, themed “Inside the Journey of Founders and Funders”, brought together Akil Rajdon, CEO of POK, Briseida Gjoza, CEO of Consciesg, and Albi Zhulali, CEO of EU Presence. They shared their early experiences, fundraising challenges, and key lessons from building businesses aiming to expand beyond national borders.
The discussion highlighted the structural challenges that Albanian startups face in their early stages—such as the lack of access to early-stage funding, specialized mentorship, and preparation for large investments. However, all speakers emphasized that Albania has extraordinary potential—a market brimming with energy, just waiting to be smartly channeled.
The panel served as a roadmap for those aiming to build globally visionary startups rooted in local values and needs.
Albanian Startups: Between ambition and challenge
Albanian startups are at a critical juncture. On one hand, they’ve enhanced their technical capabilities and are aiming for international markets. On the other hand, they still face obstacles like the lack of early funding, structured mentorship, and access to strategic investors.
Albania has produced remarkable talent in the fields of technology and innovation, yet many continue to develop their ideas abroad. Initiatives like Investor Talks are essential bridges between the local market and the global stage, connecting local innovators with international capital.
Moreover, the very fact that Albania is attracting prominent figures in investment and entrepreneurship from Europe and the U.S. shows that the country is increasingly seen as fertile ground for innovation and technology.
€50,000 for the best idea: A aompetition that draws high attention
To close the event, ALBAN Global delivered an exciting announcement: a €50,000 prize will be awarded to one winning startup as part of a special competition that will be announced soon.
While the details of the competition will be made public shortly, the message was clear: the best idea will not only receive financial support but will also gain access to strategic assistance to grow into a sustainable and scalable business.
This move by ALBAN Global is a concrete example of its commitment not only to talk about innovation but to actively support entrepreneurs—breathing life into an ecosystem that seeks to grow, internationalize, and create long-term impact.
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