Founder Institute CEE

The cohort may be getting smaller, but the energy is higher than ever. As we move into the final stages of the program at FI Central Eastern Europe, we are seeing the true "survival of the fittest."

Our startups are continuing to rock! We are seeing real traction, refined pitches, and products that are evolving into sustainable businesses. The potential in this room is undeniable!

Over the last three weeks, our founders have pushed through three critical sessions that define the future of their ventures:
📍 Co-founders & Team: Navigating the complexities of building a winning culture.
📍 Growth: Developing the engines that will scale these ideas into global businesses.
📍 Funding: Understanding the investor landscape and preparing for the capital injection needed to soar.

These weeks were filled with intense discussions, significant product pivots, and a shared drive to reach the finish line.

🌍 We couldn't do this without the experts who give their time to challenge, guide, and inspire our founders. A massive thank you to our recent session mentors: Niv Tavor, Florin Daniel CIOACA, Victor Schiller, Sameer Sortur, Delia NECULA, and Adam Matalon.

Your strategic insights are the catalyst for the growth we are seeing today.

💪 A huge shout-out to the FI Team for keeping the gears turning and providing constant support as the pressure builds: Ivaylo Ivanov, Alex M Dascalu, Raluca Samuilescu, Ivan Germanov, Nika Kapanadze, and Lyubomir Kolev.

Next?
The finish line is in sight. The hard work is paying off, the products are ready, and the founders are primed.

Next stop: GRADUATION! 🎓

Stay tuned as we prepare to celebrate the newest wave of innovators ready to change the world.

Over the past four weeks, FI Central Eastern Europe Fall 2025 has been a powerful journey of learning, refinement, and growth.

Our founders explored Revenue & Business Models, Pitch Mastery, Mentor Idea Review, and Legal & Equity - guided by an exceptional group of mentors: ANEIDA BAJRAKTARI BICJA, Milena Kraeva, Sam O., Yavor Gochev, Florin Daniel CIOACA, Gabriel P., Georgi Malchev, Tamir K., Benjamin Rameau, Niv Tavor, Adrian Gheorghe, Narine Kotikyan, Giorgi Chugoshvili, Davit Tsitsko, Mihai DARZAN, Chris Lascor, Simina Negulescu, Georgi Hristov, Jivko Moutafov

Thank you for generously sharing your time, experience, and strategic insight to empower the next generation of impactful startups in our region. 🌍

A heartfelt shout-out as well to our local leaders, ambassadors, and associates - your dedication and constant support are the backbone of this program. 💪 Ivaylo Ivanov, Alex M Dascalu, Raluca Samuilescu, Ivan Germanov, Nika Kapanadze, Lyubomir Kolev

The last two weeks at FI Central Eastern Europe Fall 2025 have been nothing short of inspiring.

Our founders took a deep dive into Vision & Mission and Customer Development, guided by an outstanding panel of mentors: Victor Schiller, Chris Foltz, Adam M., Regine Harr, Aiden Hendler, Charlotte Christensen.

Thank you for dedicating your time, insights, and expertise to help shape the next wave of impactful startups in our region. 🌍

Special thanks also go to our local leaders, ambassadors, and associates for their ongoing commitment and support - this program wouldn’t be possible without you. 💪 Ivaylo Ivanov, Alex M Dascalu, Raluca Samuilescu, Ivan Germanov, Nika Kapanadze, Lyubomir Kolev

🎉 FI Central Eastern Europe 2025 Cohort = OFFICIALLY STARTED 🚀

A new journey begins! Last week, we kicked off our 2025 cohort - bringing together an inspiring group of founders ready to shape the future with bold ideas, relentless ambition, and unstoppable energy. 💡🔥

From the first sessions, it’s clear: this cohort means business.

The next few months will be packed with growth, insights, and breakthroughs - and we can’t wait to see what they’ll build. 🙌

Missed your chance this time? Don’t worry - the next one’s already on the horizon.

✨ Pre-register for the next FI Central Eastern Europe cohort:
https://fi.co/join

💬 Curious what it’s like before applying?
Join one of our upcoming events and connect with the FI community:
https://fi.co/events

The next generation of founders are already building. The only question is - will you be the next one? 💥

🚨 Tonight’s the night! 🚨

Our panel on building with AI that investors take seriously in the era of cheap SaaS is happening this evening.

This is your last chance to join the conversation with top experts and get practical insights that can shape your startup journey.

👉 Don’t miss out —

Co-found with AI and build an investible startup in CEE AI and no-code are changing product building — faster, cheaper, and easier. But with more startups flooding the market, raising capital becomes tougher. This event shows you how to build fast without breaking your neck, keep your startup investable, and prove your product is more than just window ...

🌍 Meet the speakers for our upcoming event: “Co-found with AI and build an investible startup in CEE”

We’re bringing together top experts who will share insights on building startups faster with AI and no-code, while staying attractive to investors:

- Petar Petrov — Chief AI Officer, Eleven Ventures
- Ricardo Monagas – CTO, TotalCtrl
- Shahar Hillel – Head of Tech, FYI
- George Simongulashvili – Axel – Georgian Business Angel Network

They’ll dive into how founders can:
✔ Bulletproof their product for long-term success
✔ Decide when to onboard a technical co-founder
✔ Pitch in a way investors will believe
✔ Build with a global mindset from day one

📅 Date: September 23, 2025
⏰ Time: 18:00 (Europe/Sofia)
📍 Online Event
👉 Register here: FI.co/e/379005/fbk

We welcome Paul O'Brien as the Head of Public Affairs at Founder Institute 👏👏

Entrepreneurs aren’t just starting companies. | Paul O'Brien Entrepreneurs aren’t just starting companies. They’re shaping the future of our economy — and most cities still don’t know how to help them. That’s about to change. I’m excited to share that I’ve stepped into the role of Head of Public Affairs at Founder Institutehe world’s largest n...

We had an amazing expert panel for the 'Funding' portion of our Central Eastern Europe 2025 program: Max Gurvits, Robin Teurlings, and Raya Yunakova. Thank you to everyone for providing the expertise and guidance our new startups need 💚

We had an amazing expert panel for the 'Growth' portion of our Central Eastern Europe 2025 program: Charlotte Christensen, Regine Harr, and Sergiu Maier. Thank you to everyone for providing the expertise and guidance our new startups need 💚

We had an amazing expert panel for the 'Co-Founders & Team' portion of our Central Eastern Europe 2025 program: Abdellah Aouf, 🚀 Efi Ben Artzy, and Florin Daniel CIOACA. Thank you to everyone for providing the expertise and guidance our new startups need 💚

We had an amazing expert panel for the 'Investor Progress Review' portion of our Central Eastern Europe 2025 program: Iro Tsagareishvili, Mihai DARZAN, and Robin Teurlings. Thank you to everyone for providing the expertise and guidance our new startups need 💚

⏳ Last chance to join!

Startup Co-Founder Matching Night
📍 Sofia | 🗓️ July 3 | 🕕 6:00–9:30 PM
Venue: Resonator – Creative Tech Hub

A strong mix of founders, builders, and operators is already confirmed.
If you’re looking for a co-founder or a project to join — this is your moment.

🎯 Speed-pitches, meaningful conversations, real connections.
🎟️ Free to attend, but registration is required: https://fi.co/e/374217/fbcee

Sofia Startup Co-Founder Matching (In Collaboration with Startup Oasis) Do you have a pre-seed startup or an idea for a tech company, and want to team up with other entrepreneurs to bring your company into reality? Do you want to be part of a strong founding team? Then join us for our Startup Co-Founder event. Attendees will have the opportunity to network, and speed-pi...