Apply
Founder Institute Image

Rethink what's possible in 2022: the world needs more entrepreneurs to lead the way in creating a better future, for everyone.

Whether you have already launched a startup or are still in the idea-phase, now is the time to act. As the global community moves incrementally toward an eventual post-pandemic future, today it remains filled with reshuffled industries and new problems in need of solutions. As we continue into 2022 and beyond, each and every entrepreneur has the opportunity to play a part in helping shape that better future.

That's why we are excited to announce applications are now open for the Eastern Europe Virtual 2022 program.

If you could use a structured process and a lifetime of support from Eastern Europe's top investors and entrepreneurs to build something meaningful, then apply to the Eastern Europe Virtual 2022 Founder Institute today.

We will be hosting several free startup events in Eastern Europe over the coming weeks, where you can learn from top entrepreneurs from the comfort of your home:

  • Co-Founder Networking: Find a Business Partner, Online on 8:00pm, May 31, 2023 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/323837
  • Founder Institute Online Information Session: https://FI.co/infosession
  • Learnings from Building a Fast-Growing Edtech Startup on 8:00pm, Jun 05, 2023 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/323858
  • Pitch Lounge: Practice Pitching Your Business Idea to Startup Experts on 8:00pm, Jun 07, 2023 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/323882
  • Corporate Venture Building: 8 Lessons Learned from the Trenches on 4:00pm, Jun 08, 2023 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/324710
  • How to Build a Community for Your Startup on 8:00pm, Jun 12, 2023 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/323903
  • Founder Showcase: Pre-Seed Startup Pitch & Networking Event (Online Conference) on 8:00pm, Jun 14, 2023 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/323927
  • How to Delegate Tasks and Remain Focused as a Startup Founder on 8:00pm, Jun 21, 2023 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/323951
  • How Large Organizations Can Launch a Successful Venture Building Program on 4:00pm, Jun 22, 2023 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/325000
  • Why Founders Should Care About Branding on 1:00pm, Jun 26, 2023 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/324874
  • Adopt an Experience Mindset as a Startup Founder with Tiffany Bova on 8:00pm, Jul 12, 2023 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/324474
  • The Startup Founder’s Guide to Finding Prospects on LinkedIn on 1:00pm, Jul 19, 2023 (Europe/Sofia): https://FI.co/e/323974

Based in Silicon Valley and with chapters across 200+ cities worldwide, the Founder Institute is designed to help you build an enduring business that can survive and thrive in the “new normal.” We do this by giving you a clear process, combined with constant feedback from a devoted network of international entrepreneurs and investors. Participants in the 4-month core program also get access to a lifetime of support through the Founder Institute's industry-leading free post-programs.

The Eastern Europe accelerator is led by some of the region's top startup leaders, including Janet TodorovaAlex M. DascaluBozhidar Georgiev, and Simona Irmova. In addition, some of Eastern Europe's top investors, entrepreneurs, and CEOs will be participating as mentors in the program, providing expert feedback and evaluation. The list of startup mentors for the Eastern Europe Founder Institute includes:

  • Adeo Ressi: Founder/CEO, Founder Institute
  • Adrian Stanica: Founder
  • Adrian Zarnescu: CTO, SysWin
  • Adrian Stoica: Founder, Soft Galaxy
  • Adriana Iordan: VP Product Management, Microanalytics
  • Ajay Naqvi: Founder, The Blue Renaissance
  • Aleksandar Karaviloski: Founder, VE DOG FOOD LCC
  • Aleksandar Hinkov: Community Evangelist, BESCO - The Bulgarian Startup Association
  • Alex Dona: Founder , TimesNewRoman.ro
  • Alex Cernatescu: CEO & Co-Founder, Infinit Solutions Agency
  • Alex Mincu: CEO, Safer Work
  • Alexander Naydenov: Head of Sales, GraphCMS
  • Alexander Sumin: co-founder, Chief Marketing Officer, ClaimCompass
  • Alexandra Karapidaki: Co-Founder, Bizrupt
  • Alexandru Gheorghiu: CCO@ABC Data Distributie, Founder@IBWT
  • Alex M. Dascalu: Lead Director, Founder Institute Eastern Europe
  • Alina Balan: Partner, designthinkingsociety.com
  • Ana Iorga: CEO, Buyer Brain
  • Ana Maria Udriste: Founder & CEO , Avocatoo
  • Anastasia Angelova: CSO & Co-Founder, Noble Hire
  • Andon Simeonov: VP @ SoftServe | Bulgaria Country Manager, SoftServe
  • Andreea Suciu: Managing Partner, Suciu | The Employment Law Firm
  • Andrei Pitis: CEO, Simple Capital
  • Andrei Cretu: co-founder
  • Andrei Cretu: Co-founder of 7card
  • Andrei Ostacie: Founder, Business Development Manager, OKAPI
  • Andrei Roth: Commercial Pricing Director, UiPath
  • Andrei Muscalu: CEO, SUNMARKET.IO
  • Andrew Crawford: Head of Finance
  • Aneida Bajraktari Bicja: Co-Founder & Partner, Balkan Capital
  • Angel Angelov: CEO, GarGarage
  • Anil Pillai Dr.: Founder and CEO, Buyer Brain
  • Anita Jovic: Founder, PurpleBlock and AI Serbia
  • Anna Radulovski: Partner , Tech Family Ventures
  • Antonio Eram: Founder & CEO, NETOPIA Payments
  • Assim Ishaque: Co-Director, Founder Institute Midlands, Director, The Entrepreneurs Trust
  • Atanas Atanasov: Agile Master, Bosch.IO
  • Bartosz Drapikowski: CEO, Debonair Beast
  • Bilyana Dimitrova: Managing Partner, Dimitrova and Staykova Law office
  • Bogdan Iordache: Founder, How to Web, TechHub Bucharest, TechAngels
  • Bogdan Oprea: Founder, Aventurine
  • Boris Kolev: Founder and Managing Partner, DigiMark Ventures
  • Boris Hristov: Founder and CEO, 356labs
  • Borys Musielak: Partner, SMOK Ventures
  • Boyan Pavlov: Investor, ConnectedBin Ltd.
  • Bozhidar Georgiev: CEO & Founder
  • Bozhidar Georgiev : Founder and CEO, Work & Share Coworking
  • Bozhidar Hristov: Founder, Streebl
  • Bülent Duagi: Digital Business Strategist
  • Calin Lupsan: Founder, CEO, Intelligence
  • Catalin Grigorescu: Managing Partner, bpv GRIGORESCU STEFANICA
  • Charlotte Aschim: CEO and Co-Founder, TotalCtrl
  • Chintan Oza: Founder, Anantam Ecosystems
  • Christo Peev: Co- Founder & CEO, Motion Software
  • Claudia Falkinger: Co-Founder, Women in Mobility
  • Colin Howes: Founder, Series-A
  • Constantino Navarro: CFO, - Jumia / Taparo / World Bank
  • Corina Toma: Founder, Hub Eleven Advertising
  • Corneliu Manescu: Principal Software Development Engineer, Microsoft
  • Cosmin Pasnicu: Founder, KOFITI
  • Cosmin Curticapean: Founder, iFactor
  • Costin Baroiu: Founder, Heroo
  • Cristi Badea: Co-founder & CEO , MavenHut Games
  • Cristian Orasanu: Co-Founder, Paybilla
  • Cristian Negrutiu: Partner, Sparking Capital
  • Cristian Munteanu: Partner, Early Game Ventures
  • Cristian Onetiu: Entrepreneur, Life Care Corp
  • Cristina Daianu: Partner, Dentons
  • Cristina Bucur: Counsel, DLA Piper Global Law Firm
  • Csanad Udvardy: VC, Day One Capital
  • Dan Mihaescu: Founding Partner , Gapminder Venture Partners
  • Dan Calugareanu: Partner, Early Game Ventures
  • Dan Huru: Co-Founder, Meetgeek
  • Danail Hadjiatanasov: Engineering Manager, MUI
  • Danail Koev: Co-Founder & CEO, VEDA
  • Daniel Lorer: Advisory Board Member, Quadrodynamics
  • Daniel Vaduva: Founder, Kalium Labs
  • Daniel Rogoz: Founder, Kinderpedia
  • Daniel Ratke: CTO, rhome
  • David Llorente: Founder and CEO, Narrativa (AI-Generated Content)
  • Diana Aladzhova: Founder , CFO Insights
  • Dilyan Dimitrov: Partner, Eleven Ventures
  • Dimitar Giulev: CEO, Antipodes
  • Dimitar Savov: Founder & Head of Marketing, Startup Masters
  • Dimitar Vouldjeff: Co-founder and CEO, Enhancv
  • Dimitris Polychronopoulos: Oslo Chapter Director, FI Mentor
  • Diyan Mihaylov: Co-Founder, ProductTank
  • Dora Petrova: Founder, FemGems
  • Dragos Preda: Co-Founder & CEO, PrimeRenting
  • Elena Mlotok: General Manager, Head of EU Newsstand, Amazon
  • Elena Nikolova: Community Manager, CEO Angels Club, Co-Founder, ESCREO
  • Elena Gramatova: Director of Product Development, Bosch Digital Bulgaria
  • Eli Zhabevska: Senior Associate, South Central Ventures
  • Elina Halatcheva: Managing Director, BrightCap Ventures
  • Elina Zheleva: Managing Partner, launchlabs Sofia
  • Elitza Stoilova: Founder & CEO, Umni.co
  • Erik Barna: CEO and Founder, LIFE IS HARD SA
  • Evelina Necula: Co-Founder, kinderpedia.co
  • Florian Zgunea: CEO, Remantec AG
  • Florin Cioaca: Founder, Traderion
  • Florin Grosu: Co -founder, Traderion
  • Gabriel Paunescu: CEO, Naologic
  • Gabriel Paunescu: CEO, Naologic
  • Gabriel Barcaru: Managing Partner, BRIDCON Business and Management Consulting
  • Gabriela Milcev: Partner, MILCEV BURBEA Intellectual Property & Law Office
  • Gabriel Alin Zainescu: Founder & CEO, Zainescu Consulting
  • Galia Jordanova: CEO, Gaida.ai
  • Galina Markova: Angel Investor, Angel Investor
  • George Brashnarov: General Manager, Nemetschek OOD Bulgaria
  • George Dita: Founder, WiseUp
  • George Petrov: Founder, Trevor Labs ltd.
  • George Sidjimkov: General Partner , Sofia Angels Ventures
  • George Cretu: ALECHMIST, AXIOBIT LIMITED
  • Georgi Malchev: Managing Partner, XploraBG
  • Georgi Milenchev: CEO, Fonio
  • Georgi Ivanov: Founder & CEO, Noble Hire
  • Georgi Kadrev: Co-Founder & CEO, Imagga
  • Gergana Stoitchkova: Investment Associate, Eleven Ventures
  • Gold Hood: Founder, Ads4Earth
  • Gregoire Vigroux: Co-Founder & Vice-President, TELUS International
  • Grzegorz Grabowski: CEO, Maspex Romania, Bulgaria, Moldova
  • Hristo Hristov: CEO, Darik
  • Hristo Chernev: Founder and CEO, TaxiMe
  • Hristo Neychev: Founder & CEO, Tryad Games
  • Hristo Tenchev: Co-Founder, Softuni
  • Ihar Mahaniok: Managing Partner, Geek Ventures
  • Illia Kolomoiskyi: Founder, Boatscribe
  • Ioan Cocan: Managing Partner, Tremend
  • Ioan Iacob: Founder & CEO, FLOWX.AI
  • Ionut Tata: President, Cluster for Innovation and Technology
  • Ionut Patrahau: Managing Partner, Corporate Development, SeedBlink
  • Irena Teneva: CEO, Space Pro Ltd.
  • Irina Obushtarova: Co-founder & CEO, The Recursive
  • Iskren Mitev: Co-Founder & Wizard of Light-bulb moments, Co-Founder, ESCREO
  • Iskren Krusteff, VC LAW FIRM
  • Iulian Circiumaru: Managing Partner
  • Ivan Dzheferov: Community Manager & GM for Bulgaria, Vereign AG
  • Ivan Ivanka: President & CEO, FI Hungary
  • Ivan Ivanka: President & CEO, Ivanka Group
  • Ivan Draganov: Senior Innovation Analyst, Dealroom.co
  • Ivan Osmak: CEO & Co-Founder, Quantive (formerly Gtmhub)
  • Ivan Guberkov: VP & GM, Hybrid Work Division, OfficeRnD | Flex & Hybrid Work Software
  • Ivaylo Slavov: CEO, Bulpros
  • Ivaylo Hristov: Founder, DEV.BG
  • Ivaylo Simov: Founder, Eleven Ventures
  • Ivaylo Ivanov: Director, Founder Institute Eastern Europe
  • Ivelin Ivanov: co-founder, FI Web 3
  • Ivo Vasilev: Founder and CEO, Reloyalty
  • Ivo Radulovski: Partner, Tech Family Ventures
  • Jaco Fok: Founder, equalifai
  • Janet Todorova: Head of Expansion, Founder Institute
  • Janet Todorova: Head of Expansion, Founder Institute
  • Janet Mentor: Mentor, Fourth State Ventures
  • Janet Mentor
  • Janne Saarikko: Director, Food Ecosystems Accelerator, Founder Institute
  • Jascha Willimek: Managing Partner, neusta group
  • Jivko Ivanov: Managing Partner, Simbula Ltd.
  • Konstantinos Vassakis: Co-founder, Bizrupt
  • Konstantinos Karvounakis: Principal, Metavallon VC
  • Krasimir Nikolov: CEO & Co-founder, Quark VR
  • Krasimir Kehayov: Investment Manager, DYNAX Invest
  • Kristijan Mileski: Program Director, Business Impact Lab
  • Lars Wiechen: Partner in Charge, Deloitte
  • Laurentiu Balasa: Founder, Founder at BookVitals
  • Lenard Adanov: CEO, Adan Media Ltd.
  • Leo Mart: Founder, Sunrise VR Studio
  • Leona Aslanova: Founder and CEO, Innovation Starter Box
  • Liviu Dragan: Founder, DRUID
  • Lucia Cerchlan: Co-Founder, Lumus Investment
  • Lukasz Owczarek: Head of Growth, MIT Enterprise Forum CEE
  • Lyubomir Yanchev: Founder and CEO, MClimate
  • Magdalena Jabłońska: CEO, MIT Enterprise Forum CEE
  • Maher Santarissy: Managing Director, moment
  • Maksym Moneta: CEO and Founder, Startupers Online
  • Malin Iulian Stefanescu: President, TechAngels
  • Mara Rada: CEO & Chief of Strategy, Feral (thinkferal.com)
  • Maria Mihes
  • Marian Ignev: CEO, TeachableHub
  • Marian Dinu: Managing Partner, DLA Piper Dinu
  • Mariola Bitner: Director, Founder Institute Poland
  • Marius Ursache: CEO & Co-founder, MetaBeta
  • Marius Mitroi: CEO , Rise
  • Marius Dosinescu: CEO, AYSA.ai
  • Marius Deak: CEO, AVANDOR & Green Pixel
  • Marius Dosinescu: Founder, AYSA.ai
  • Marius Costin: CEO, PayU
  • Mark Rogers: CEO, Futurist Labs
  • Marvin Liao: Partner, GAMEGROOVE Capital & Diaspora Ventures
  • Matiullah Rahmaty: Founder/President , BrightPoint Consulting Services
  • Max Gurvits: Managing Partner, Vitosha Venture Partners
  • Maya Zlatanova: Co-Founder & CEO, FindMeCure
  • Mester Catalin: Founder, Bookups & I Love Failure
  • Mihai Sfintescu: Managing Director, Abilito Capital
  • Mihai Darzan: Founder, RINGHEL
  • Mihai Rotaru: FOUNDER, CLEVER TAXI
  • Mihai Stefanescu: Senior Advisor at Innovation Norway, innovasjonnorge.no
  • Mike Suprovici: Head of Acceleration, VC Lab
  • Mike Hapoianu: CEO, Mindspace Romania and Poland
  • Mila Petrova, TeamUp services
  • Milen Ivanov: Managing Partner, Sofia Angels Ventures, Co-Founder, CEO Angels Club
  • Milena Kraeva: Senior Representative, Match-Maker Ventures
  • Mircea Vadan: Founder, Cluj Startups, MVP Academy
  • Mirella Yordanova: Network & Community Manager, Seedcamp
  • Miroslav Nedyalkov: Co-founder & CTO, OfficeR&D
  • Miroslav Miroslavov: Co-Founder and CEO, OfficeRnD
  • Miroslav Nedyalkov: Software Architect & Co-founder, OfficeRnD
  • Monica Georgieff: CMO, School Space
  • Myrto Papathanou: Partner, Metavallon VC
  • Nancy Brito: Partner - Investor, Ground Capital
  • Natalya Bagrova: Co-Founder, Art Director, Brand Strategist , Suva Inc.
  • Natanail Stefanov: Executive Director
  • Nathan Evans: Co-Founder, fulfin - financing ecommerce
  • Nick Todorov: Founder & CEO, LimeChain
  • Nikolai Nedelchev: CEO, Publicis Groupe Bulgaria
  • Nikolas Samios: Managing Partner, PropTech1 Ventures
  • Nikolay Yarmov: Founder and CEO, CEED
  • Nina Nikolikj: SwissEP Program Officer, Swisscontact
  • Oana Petrescu: CEO, Blueair
  • Olivia Marcu-Iordanescu: Founder, Chief Legal Strategist, https://spotlegal.io
  • Ovi Negrean: Chief Executive Bee, SocialBee.io
  • Ozana Giusca: CEO & Founder, Tooliers
  • Paloma Lecheta: LatAm Regional Director, Founder institute founder institute
  • Patrick OConnorRead: Founder/Director, Several
  • Paul Putz: Managing Partner, Danube Angels
  • Pavel Kaminsky: Founder & CEO, 7Security GmbH
  • Pavlina Dzhartova: COO, HyperAspect
  • Petar Zaharinov: CTO, DiFOLD
  • Petar Tsachev: Investor, LAUNCHub Ventures
  • Peter Lozanov: Co-founder and CEO, BattlePass Studio
  • Petko Karamotchev: Director
  • Petya Angelova, FoodHack
  • Piotr Boulangé: Director, Founder Institute Poland
  • Radoslav Nikolov: Managing Director, SAP Labs Bulgaria
  • Radoslav Stankov: Head of engineering, Product Hunt
  • Radostina Tsenova: Lead Manager of Tech Tour Investors Club, Tech Tour
  • Radoy Stoyanov: FSI Leader, DIGITALL
  • Radu Savopol: CO-FOUNDER & GENERAL MANAGER, 5-To-Go
  • Radu Ionicioiu: National Quantum Coordinator, Romanian Quantum Network
  • Radu Ticiu: Co-Founder, Growceanu Angel Investment
  • Radu Sebastian Amarie: CTO, Findie.me
  • Raluca Elena Rogoz: Founder, Raluca Elena Rogoz
  • Razvan Dinu: Founder, RoboSelf
  • Razvan Tapu: Chief Digital Officer, Stefanini
  • Regine Harr: Investor , Regine Investements
  • Ricardo Monagas: CTO, TotalCtrl
  • Rina Onur: General Partner, 500 Istanbul
  • Rita Vilas Boas: Investor & Advisor, Ground Capital
  • Robert Wijers: Founding Partner, Value & PurposeValue
  • Robin Teurlings: Founder / CEO, The Startup Buddy
  • Ruben Seoane: CEO, Damocles Analytics
  • Rumen Iliev: Partner, LAUNCHub
  • Ruslan Bocancea: Owner, Bocancea Law Group
  • Ruslan Leteyski: Founder & CEO, Vanga AI
  • Russell Brand: CEO & Founder, Responsible Solutions Limited
  • Ryan Riegg: Senior Associate, Adams Corporate Law, Inc
  • Salim Virani: Founder, Source Institute
  • Sam Olawale: Founder, DGL
  • Sasha Bezuhanova: Founder and Chairperson, MoveBG
  • Sergiu Petre: Senior PR Consultant, Graffiti Public Relations
  • Sergiu Gîdei: Founder, Boanță, Gîdei și Asociații
  • Sergiu Maier: Founder, Plaeto
  • Silvia Axinescu: Managing Associate, Reff & Associates SCA
  • Silyana Bojilova, Nebula Coworking Space
  • Simona Bali: Head of Investor Program, GoingVC
  • Simona Irmova: FI Eastern Europe Program Manager & FI HQ Operations Associate, -
  • Sinisha Djukic: General Manager, Bosch Digital Bulgaria
  • Sorina Conea: Co-Founder, EduMagic
  • Stanislav Sirakov: Partner, LAUNCHub
  • Stefan Jørgensen: CEO, itembase.com
  • Stefan Vladimirov: Creative Director, monolig.
  • Stefano Glauser: Founder, Startup Jam
  • Stephane Gantchev: Co-Founder, Mobile Monday Sofia
  • Svetla Simidchieva: Founder and CEO, Placement Feed
  • Svetlin Nakov: Co-founder, Software University Ltd.
  • Svetoslava Georgieva: Founder, Talent Hub
  • Svetozar Georgiev: Co-Founder, Telerik, Telerik Academy, Campus X
  • Tatjana Kalezic: Founder, Serbia Start Up
  • Tatyana Mitkova: Co-Founder and CEO, ClaimCompass
  • Teodor Panayotov: CEO, CourseDot
  • Thibaut Taittinger: Founder & CEO, Puzl CowOrKing
  • Till Kaestner: Founder, Managing Director, BrightSide Holding UG
  • Timo Kugler: Co-Founder, NASH + BANKS
  • Todor Kolev: Founder and CEO, Farstar
  • Torrey Smith: Co-Founder & CEO, Endiatx
  • Valentin Mihov: CTO, Santiment
  • Valentina Zaharia: Actor & Coach, The National Theater In Bucharest
  • Vasile Tamas: CEO, Beez
  • Vassil Popovski: CEO & Co-founder, Connecto.ai (Acquired by Leanplum)
  • Veroniek Vermeulen: Founder, Silatha
  • Victor Schiller: President, R Cubed Group
  • Viktor Bilyanski: Chief Technology Officer, ScaleFocus
  • Viktor Petrov: Co-Founder & COO, Crypto APIs
  • Viktor Minchev: VC Investor, Eleven Ventures
  • Vittoria Casanova: Investment Manager, The Index Project
  • Vlad Sarca: Partner, Sparking Capital
  • Vlad Tudorie: Founder, Fuse Press
  • Vlad Nikolov: Head of Platform and Community, LAUNCHub Ventures
  • Vladimir Sijakovic: Founder, Cvik & Partners
  • Volen Vulkov: Co-Founder, Enhancv
  • Xenia Muntean: Founder, Planable
  • Yasen Rusev: Co- Founder & CEO, Escreo
  • Yavor Gochev: Investment Manager, Innovation Capital
  • Zbigniew Barwicz: Managing Partner, Freya Capital
  • Zoya Todorova: Partner, Dimitrov, Petrov & Co. Law Firm
  • Zsofi Toth: Co-founder and Navigator, Puzl CowOrKing Budapest

  • And many more to be announced.

Since 2009, the Founder Institute has helped over  6,800 Alumni raise over $1.75BN funding, get into seed-accelerators, generate traction, recruit a team, build a product, transition from employee to entrepreneur, and more (see the FI 10 Year Impact Report here).

Join us in Eastern Europe to help build the future. 

Apply to the Eastern Europe Virtual 2022 Founder Institute today, or learn more at FI.co/overview.  

---


Related Insights

More insights
Founder Institute Image
FI News

New Normal, New Opportunities: Build a Great Startup in 2023 with the FI Washington DC Startup Accelerator

By Askshay Kumar on May 22, 2023
Founder Institute Image
FI News

Build a Great Startup in 2023 with the FI Health Tech Startup Accelerator

By Askshay Kumar on May 22, 2023
Founder Institute Image
FI News

Build a Great Startup in 2023 with the FI Taiwan Go Global Startup Accelerator

By Askshay Kumar on May 22, 2023

Are you ready to apply to the world's largest pre-seed accelerator?

Apply to the Program