„Regional startup ecosystems– current state and

Transcript:„Regional startup ecosystems– current state and:
„Regional startup ecosystems– current state and development directions" Serbia and Croatia JANUARy 21, 2025 Drago Gverić, HORIZON EUROPE ERA TALENT – CALL FOR MULTIPLYING THE IMPACT OF EURAXESS Agenda intro serbia croatia Challenges and opportunities (15 minutes) Q&A (5 minutes) intro goals: Explore the current landscape. Identify key players, trends, and challenges. Consider strategies for growth and collaboration. serbia Key players in the ecosystem : Serbia has over 400 registered startups, with most operating in the fields of IT, artificial intelligence, fintech, and blockchain technology. A significant number of startups are in the early development stages (seed and early-stage), while a smaller number have managed to reach the scaling phase. serbia / investors in Serbia, the main investors in startups include venture capital funds, angel investor networks, and government institutions. Some of the key players are: South Central Ventures (SCV): A regional venture capital fund that invests in technology startups across the Balkans, including Serbia. SCV has invested in several Serbian startups, providing them with essential capital for growth and development. ICT Hub Venture: The first private venture capital fund in Serbia, focused on early-stage startup investments. By 2020, ICT Hub Venture had invested in multiple Serbian startups, supporting them in their initial stages of business development. serbia / investors Digital Serbia Initiative Business Angel Network (DSI): This network gathers individual investors who invest in promising startups, providing not only financial support but also mentorship and business contacts. Since its establishment, the network has invested significant resources into domestic startups. Innovation Fund: A government institution that provides financial support for innovative projects through various programs, including grants for early-stage startups. In 2020, the fund invested €3.1 million in 42 startups, while in 2024, this amount increased to €11.5 million (55 projects). These investors play a crucial role in the development of Serbia's startup ecosystem, providing the necessary resources and support for the growth of innovative companies. serbia / support organizations Science-Technology Park Belgrade (NTP Belgrade): The largest technology park in Serbia, providing support to innovative companies through mentorship, workspace, and access to investors. Science-Technology Park Novi Sad (NTP Novi Sad): Focused on IT and tech startups, offering workspace, education, and connections with investors. Science-Technology Park Niš (NTP Niš): Supports local startups with a focus on innovation, development, and collaboration with research institutions. Science-Technology Park Čačak (NTP Čačak): The first organization of its kind in central Serbia, supporting innovative projects and