Call for Applications: Star Venture Programme in the Western Balkans

03 Feb 2025 Calls
Star Venture 2025

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) invites applications for its Star Venture Programme, designed to help early-stage businesses scale up rapidly and attract investment. This is a fantastic opportunity for growth-oriented start-ups to receive tailored support and access to a global network of experts and investors.

What is the Star Venture Programme?

The Star Venture Programme, launched in the Western Balkans in 2019, aims to strengthen the start-up ecosystem by providing bespoke advisory services, mentorship, and access to investors. Since its inception, the programme has supported 57 high-potential start-ups and 24 regional accelerators, helping them improve their business models, expand into new markets, and secure the necessary funding.

What Does the Programme Offer?

Selected enterprises will join a 24-month Scaling Programme that includes:

  • Strategic innovation and business diagnostic workshops
  • Advisory projects and mentorship
  • Business matching with investors and stakeholders
  • Fundraising support and investor pitching events
  • Regional and international expansion assistance

The support areas are tailored to the needs of each enterprise and may include:

  • Strategy and planning
  • Fundraising and financial management
  • ICT and digitalisation
  • Marketing, sales, and communications
  • Internationalisation and scaling
  • Governance and compliance

Who Can Apply?

The programme is looking for innovative, growth-oriented start-ups based in one of the WB6 economies (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo*, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia) that meet the following criteria:

  • Innovative technology-based solution or business model
  • Large market opportunity
  • Strong competitive advantage
  • Less than 10 years since company registration
  • Majority-owned by citizens of EBRD countries of operation
  • Demonstrated revenue growth within 3 years of operations

Application Process

Interested companies must submit an online application by 25 February 2025. The application requires financial data and a pitch deck (PDF). Shortlisted companies will be invited to pitch their ideas to an international panel of experts and investors in March/April 2025.

For more details and to apply, visit the Star Venture Programme website.

Need Help with Your Application?

The EBRD Western Balkans local teams and regional partner accelerators will provide assistance through weekly Open Doors group sessions starting from 31 January 2025. These sessions will be held every Friday at 11:00 AM CET via Microsoft Teams.

  • Meeting Details:
  • Meeting ID: 361 545 785 295
  • Passcode: bw2hb9HR

For additional information, contact Dejan Tonic at tonicd@ebrd.com.

Why Apply?

This is a unique opportunity to gain access to global expertise, mentorship, and funding to take your start-up to the next level. Don’t miss out on the chance to be part of a dynamic cohort of venture teams and accelerate your growth in the Western Balkans and beyond.

???? Application Deadline: 25 February 2025
???? Location: Western Balkans (Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia)

For more information and to apply, visit: Star Venture Programme