Special thanks to all our sponsors, partners and supporters!

2024 EDITION

Special thanks to all our sponsors, partners and supporters!

2024 EDITION

Co-organizers and co-financers

Start:up Slovenia

Start:up Slovenia is an independent open platform of the Slovene startup ecosystem that supports innovative entrepreneurship in Slovenia. We are the contact, coordinator and promoter of the stakeholder network.This includes startups, investors, supportive environments, entrepreneurial experts and enthusiasts, both individuals and organizations, who are changing Slovenia for the better with their activities in the startup ecosystem.

startup.si

Start:up Slovenia

Start:up Slovenia is an independent open platform of the Slovene startup ecosystem that supports innovative entrepreneurship in Slovenia. We are …

Slovene Enterprise Fund

The Slovene Enterprise Fund (The Fund or SEF) is established with the purpose of improving the access to financial resources for different development – business investments of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) including with financial resources for SMEs start-up and micro-financing in the Republic of Slovenia.

The program is co-financed by the Republic of Slovenia and the European Union, specifically from the European Regional Development Fund. It is implemented based on the program ‘Substantive support for faster global and sustainable growth of innovative SMEs (DevelopmentPlus Program)’ within the framework of the Slovenia’s EU Cohesion Policy Programme 2021-2027.

Slovene Enterprise Fund

The Slovene Enterprise Fund (The Fund or SEF) is established with the purpose of improving the access to financial resources …

Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport

The Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport promotes the further strengthening of the international competitiveness of Slovenian companies and the Slovenian economy. By adopting various measures, it ensures the most stable, predictable and competitive economic environment for the growth and development of Slovenian companies in Slovenian and foreign markets.

Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport

The Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport promotes the further strengthening of the international competitiveness of Slovenian companies and …

Golden Unicorn Partners

South Central Ventures

South Central Ventures is a leading regional early-stage tech investor operating out of offices in Ljubljana, Zagreb, Belgrade and Skopje. They are primarily focused on early-stage B2B software companies addressing the pain points of businesses across the globe. Typically the first institutional investor in the companies, SCV follows them over multiple funding rounds and helps them attract co-investors to scale their business and expand in their target markets.

South Central Ventures

South Central Ventures is a leading regional early-stage tech investor operating out of offices in Ljubljana, Zagreb, Belgrade and Skopje. …

Silicon Gardens

Silicon Gardens was established by entrepreneurs who have successfully built their own companies like Outfit 7, Zemanta, Klika and others and wish to give back to the community. They aim to empower the Slovenian startup ecosystem and support the new generation of entrepreneurs. The size of the Fund enables a strong and authentic bond between investors and startup founders.

Silicon Gardens

Silicon Gardens was established by entrepreneurs who have successfully built their own companies like Outfit 7, Zemanta, Klika and others …

Fil Rouge Capital

Fil Rouge Capital is a Venture Capital investment fund whose primary goal is to invest in entrepreneurs, start-up, and scale-up companies. Their mission is to build an entrepreneurial ecosystem and make the Croatian startup scene the next leader in the CEE region and beyond because they believe it’s cool to disrupt things for the better!

Fil Rouge Capital

Fil Rouge Capital is a Venture Capital investment fund whose primary goal is to invest in entrepreneurs, start-up, and scale-up …

Infobip

Infobip is a global leader in omnichannel engagement powering a broad range of messaging channels, tools and solutions for advanced customer engagement, authentication and security. They help their clients and partners overcome the complexity of consumer communications, grow their business and enhance the customer experience.

Infobip

Infobip is a global leader in omnichannel engagement powering a broad range of messaging channels, tools and solutions for advanced …

Dewesoft

Dewesoft is the best in class provider of data acquisition devices with operational headquarters located in Slovenia in the heart of Europe and 250+ employees worldwide. Since 2000, they have developed and manufactured versatile and easy-to-use data acquisition systems – the ultimate tools for test and measurement engineers that are used in the most advanced labs all over the world for developing rockets and satellites ensuring fast worldwide communication, new safer vehicles and products that are improving our everyday lives. They have built a community of startups and enabled them to chase their dreams. In their business accelerator Katapult, they host prodigies that don’t necessarily share their line of work but they share their vision – to create, to innovate, to advance.

Dewesoft

Dewesoft is the best in class provider of data acquisition devices with operational headquarters located in Slovenia in the heart …

Zavarovalnica SAVA

Zavarovalnica Sava is an insurance company with more than 190 years of tradition. They provide high-quality services and efficiently cope with risks, which puts them among the most trustworthy companies in the industry. As a single insurance company, they have a transparent and modernly organized business operation system, which provides high-quality services and a long-term development.

Zavarovalnica SAVA

Zavarovalnica Sava is an insurance company with more than 190 years of tradition. They provide high-quality services and efficiently cope …

Infineon Technologies Austria – IPCEI Micorelectronics

Infineon Technologies Austria AG is a group subsidiary of Infineon Technologies AG. Energy efficiency, mobility and security are the central global challenges that Infineon addresses with its semiconductor and system solutions. Whether they are in your car, your smartphone, your fridge, your debit card and passport, or in computer centers, robots and industrial equipment – you can find expertise from Infineon Austria in many everyday applications. Infineon’s IPCEI spillover activities include the following areas: STEM education and talent, research and development and industry collaboration accross value chains, focusing on Eastern and Southeastern European countries.

Infineon Technologies Austria – IPCEI Micorelectronics

Infineon Technologies Austria AG is a group subsidiary of Infineon Technologies AG. Energy efficiency, mobility and security are the central …

EmpoWomen

EmpoWomen is a 2-year programme (2024-2025) funded by the European Union through its Horizon Europe Research and Innovation program, aiming to tackle the underrepresentation of women in the deep-tech sector, particularly in emerging European countries.

EmpoWomen

EmpoWomen is a 2-year programme (2024-2025) funded by the European Union through its Horizon Europe Research and Innovation program, aiming …

Italian Trade Agency

ITA – Italian Trade Agency is the Governmental agency that supports the business development of our companies abroad and promotes the attraction of foreign investment in Italy. With a motivated and modern organization and a widespread network of overseas offices, ITA provides information, assistance, consulting, promotion and training to Italian small and medium-sized businesses

Italian Trade Agency

ITA – Italian Trade Agency is the Governmental agency that supports the business development of our companies abroad and promotes …

Unicorn Partners

Feelsgood Capital

Feelsgood Social Impact Investment Fund is designed to invest in Croatian and Slovenian ventures that have typical private equity/venture capital for-profit-aims like commercial business models, led by strong management teams and ready to scale, but in addition can and will deliver measurable social impact. Feelsgood is spotting and supporting businesses that can find a way to address, if they already have not, one or more of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals and make measurable impact a conscious sustainable strategy of their business models.

Feelsgood Capital

Feelsgood Social Impact Investment Fund is designed to invest in Croatian and Slovenian ventures that have typical private equity/venture capital …

ABC Accelerator

ABC Accelerators is an accelerator in South-Eastern Europe with an award-winning acceleration methodology for startups and scaleups designed to grow your business and increase your valuation. They have supported over 500 startups across diverse sectors, including fintech, blockchain, AI, and robotics, offering mentorship, funding, and growth opportunities.

ABC Accelerator

ABC Accelerators is an accelerator in South-Eastern Europe with an award-winning acceleration methodology for startups and scaleups designed to grow …

Elevator Ventures

Elevator Ventures is an integral part of a long-term innovation strategy at Raiffeisen Bank International. They believe in the power of tech shifts that allow high-growth technology companies to transform industries and to drive customer value. They are looking to back outstanding companies in Fintech & Beyond Banking with ambitions in the DACH & CEE region and beyond.

Elevator Ventures

Elevator Ventures is an integral part of a long-term innovation strategy at Raiffeisen Bank International. They believe in the power …

Carinthian Venture Fonds

Carinthian Venture Fonds is a regional venture fund that invests in growth-oriented and innovative startups, as well as small and medium-sized enterprises with scalable business models and value creation in Carinthia. Their investment focus lies on pre-seed and seed phases, and they operate alongside independent private co-investors with a ticket size ranging from € 100k to € 500k.

Carinthian Venture Fonds

Carinthian Venture Fonds is a regional venture fund that invests in growth-oriented and innovative startups, as well as small and …

Vesna Venture Capital

Vesna VC manages the first-of-its-kind deep tech fund in Central Eastern Europe with a special focus on Croatia & Slovenia. The €50mil venture capital fund is established in Luxembourg with operational offices in Zagreb and Ljubljana. Their sector focus is: Climate, advanced materials, and AI/ICT.

Vesna Venture Capital

Vesna VC manages the first-of-its-kind deep tech fund in Central Eastern Europe with a special focus on Croatia & Slovenia. …

Labena Ventures

Labena Ventures empowers CEE startups to scale globally. They take high-potential startup ventures on a fast-paced learning journey to help them explore and access business opportunities. Through highly-customized programmes, mentoring dedicated experts, as well as access to their vast network of business partners and investors, they help startups from all stages and across various industries on their way to international success.

Labena Ventures

Labena Ventures empowers CEE startups to scale globally. They take high-potential startup ventures on a fast-paced learning journey to help …

US Embassy

The U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana conducts diplomatic relations with the Republic of Slovenia and coordinates the activities of all U.S. Government personnel serving in Slovenia. Bilateral cooperation includes political, economic, commercial, defense and security, educational, and exchange activities.

US Embassy

The U.S. Embassy in Ljubljana conducts diplomatic relations with the Republic of Slovenia and coordinates the activities of all U.S. …

LUI

LUI was established in 2004 by the University of Ljubljana and is a key pillar in the start-up ecosystem in Slovenia. Its primary task is to support the development and growth of innovative startups with high growth potential, regardless of industry sector. LUI provides end-to-end support to startups from the initial stages of development, helps to connect them with investors and offers various training, advisory and mentoring programs.

LUI

LUI was established in 2004 by the University of Ljubljana and is a key pillar in the start-up ecosystem in …

Slovenia Business (SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency)

Slovenia Business (SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency) is a single point of contact for businesses and investors looking for new opportunities. The agency’s chief tasks include the promotion of Slovenia’s companies abroad as well as promoting Slovenia’s advantages as an FDI location. SPIRIT Slovenia helps both, Slovenian companies to increase their exports and international companies to invest and expand in Slovenia and beyond.

Slovenia Business (SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency)

Slovenia Business (SPIRIT Slovenia Business Development Agency) is a single point of contact for businesses and investors looking for new …

Outlier Partners

Vienna Business Agency

The Vienna Business Agency offers a “360° service” for companies in Vienna. This includes funding and advice, workshops and coaching for start-ups, assistance with the search for industrial space or office premises, and contacts to potential partners in the technology scene or in the creative industries.

Vienna Business Agency

The Vienna Business Agency offers a “360° service” for companies in Vienna. This includes funding and advice, workshops and coaching …

Databox

Databox’s mission is to make it as easy as possible for everyone in a company to discover actionable insights and leverage data to drive faster, goal-directed, and more confident decision-making.

Databox

Databox’s mission is to make it as easy as possible for everyone in a company to discover actionable insights and …

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz is one of Austria’s leading law firms. Its Slovenian branch is a skilled provider of full legal services for local and international projects, advising clients since 2008. Their client list includes Slovenian companies with international operations, international companies and multinationals from a wide range of industries. With more than 70 offices in more than 40 countries and 4,800+ lawyers worldwide, they combine deep local market understanding with a global overview, giving them the ability not only to see what’s coming, but to shape it.

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz

CMS Reich-Rohrwig Hainz is one of Austria’s leading law firms. Its Slovenian branch is a skilled provider of full legal …

Nova KBM

Nova KBM is a universal bank with the longest tradition of banking in Slovenia and with sound reputation at home and abroad. Their principal objective is to provide good quality, modern, safe and profitable financial solutions for accomplishing personal and business objectives. The mission of Nova KBM, as the member of the OTP Group, is to operate as a modern and reliable bank with a tradition of understanding and supporting its customers, following its development objectives, and living with the community.

Nova KBM

Nova KBM is a universal bank with the longest tradition of banking in Slovenia and with sound reputation at home …

DIGI-SI – DIH UM

DIGI-SI aims to accelerate digital transformation in various fields to achieve prosperity and a better EU future.

DIGI-SI – DIH UM

DIGI-SI aims to accelerate digital transformation in various fields to achieve prosperity and a better EU future. …

Eles

ELES is the combined transmission and distribution system operator operator of the Republic of Slovenia. With a professional approach, know-how and advanced technology, ELES has been providing safe, reliable and uninterrupted electric power transmission throughout Slovenia and across the borders for 90 years. Thus, the company connects people and ensures quality of life.

Eles

ELES is the combined transmission and distribution system operator operator of the Republic of Slovenia. With a professional approach, know-how …

AVE Panvita

Panvita is a group of companies in the Slovenian food processing industry that manages the safe and quality production and processing of food throughout the entire production chain. Under the Ave brand, they offer the widest range of red and white meat and meat products in Slovenia.

AVE Panvita

Panvita is a group of companies in the Slovenian food processing industry that manages the safe and quality production and …

Startupper Partners

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services is a subsidiary of Amazon that provides on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs to individuals, companies, and governments, on a metered, pay-as-you-go basis.

Amazon Web Services

Amazon Web Services is a subsidiary of Amazon that provides on-demand cloud computing platforms and APIs to individuals, companies, and …

ICEX – Invest in Spain

Invest in Spain is an executive division of ICEX Trade and Investment, a publicly owned business-oriented entity of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business’s Secretary of State for Commerce. Their mission is to promote, attract and consolidate foreign direct investment in Spain, to connect international investors with the Spanish business ecosystem and to attract foreign startups who want to establish and grow in Spain.

ICEX – Invest in Spain

Invest in Spain is an executive division of ICEX Trade and Investment, a publicly owned business-oriented entity of the Ministry …

Science Park Graz

Driven by a passion for innovation, SPG has been supporting emerging entrepreneurs for more than 20 years. A powerful support structure and the expertise and experience of a dedicated team are the foundations upon which, to date, they have helped over 200 high-tech projects evolve into flourishing companies. And their mission continues: Empowering dreamers to become doers, so visionary ideas can transform into successful businesses.

Science Park Graz

Driven by a passion for innovation, SPG has been supporting emerging entrepreneurs for more than 20 years. A powerful support …

nChain

nChain is a leading global provider of  blockchain technology, IP licensing and consulting services. Combining a world-leading Web3 IP portfolio together with knowledge, expertise, tools, and products, they enable a seamless business transition from Web2 to Web3.

nChain

nChain is a leading global provider of  blockchain technology, IP licensing and consulting services. Combining a world-leading Web3 IP portfolio together …

Native Teams

Native Teams are empowering freelancers, remote workers and their employers with global work payments, payroll and tax management solutions, including employee benefits, visa support and employment tools. Everything you need to work remotely and stay compliant.

Native Teams

Native Teams are empowering freelancers, remote workers and their employers with global work payments, payroll and tax management solutions, including …

Rekrutech

Rekrutech is a professional consultancy agency in the field of HR, specialising in candidate search and selection processes, headhunting, executive search, outplacement services, talent assessment, and career consultancy. With over 15 years of experience in HR services within the Slovenian and international business environments, they offer a combination of strong HR expertise and broad knowledge of the labor market.

Rekrutech

Rekrutech is a professional consultancy agency in the field of HR, specialising in candidate search and selection processes, headhunting, executive …

Nlaw

Nlaw is an innovative law firm with offices in Ljubljana, Slovenia and Zagreb, Croatia. The focus on servicing the business sector allows their lawyers to gain substantial experience and expertise at the European and global level in, among other areas, corporate law, insolvency law, banking law and general business law.

Nlaw

Nlaw is an innovative law firm with offices in Ljubljana, Slovenia and Zagreb, Croatia. The focus on servicing the business …

POVIO

Povio is a San Francisco based design and development company building digital products that create a positive impact. With over 1000 successfully delivered projects and 200+ skilled professionals, they have worked together with multinationals like Volkswagen, unicorns like Flexport, and notable personalities like Serena Williams. Povio is your extra hand in design and development. Their goal is to make building software a great, quick and delightful experience.

POVIO

Povio is a San Francisco based design and development company building digital products that create a positive impact. With over …

Build! Grunderzentrum

build! Gründerzentrum Kärnten is the competence-, support-, and development centre located in Austria for innovative, technology-oriented and knowledge-based start-ups and scale-up projects of young companies – „Young Entrepreneurs Group“. As an incubator, build! provides services for startups from an idea to a scale-up.

Build! Grunderzentrum

build! Gründerzentrum Kärnten is the competence-, support-, and development centre located in Austria for innovative, technology-oriented and knowledge-based start-ups and …

4ngels

4NGELS is a program funded by the European Union with the goal of connecting business angels from different European countries. They have brought together partners from four countries: Estonia, Finland, Slovenia and Poland, and created a program for the exchange of knowledge, information and
experience in investing in startups by business angels.

4ngels

4NGELS is a program funded by the European Union with the goal of connecting business angels from different European countries. …

DonDon

The Don Don Group’s sales program includes fresh bread, bakery products, pastries, fried pastries, special bread and pastries with an extended shelf life, a range of ready-to-bake bread and other frozen products. The Don Don Group’s strategy is based on growth and industrialization, which enables it to compete with larger international bakeries.

DonDon

The Don Don Group’s sales program includes fresh bread, bakery products, pastries, fried pastries, special bread and pastries with an …

Strategic Partners

Municipality of Maribor

The municipality of Maribor independently performs local matters of public importance, as determined by the legislation and the municipal statute. Its key tasks are to provide its citizens with opportunities for quality life, work and development by supporting activities that contribute to this. 

Municipality of Maribor

The municipality of Maribor independently performs local matters of public importance, as determined by the legislation and the municipal statute. …

Slovenian Business Club

The SBC – Slovenian Business Club brings together Slovenian entrepreneurs who began their career and achieved results by developing their ideas or by taking their family businesses further. Members of the Slovenian Business Club strive for excellence in business, for adding high value, and for innovation.

Slovenian Business Club

The SBC – Slovenian Business Club brings together Slovenian entrepreneurs who began their career and achieved results by developing their …

Startup Sesame

Startup Sesame is the leading agency dedicated to Tech events in Europe; composed of specialists in the fields of innovation and business networking.

Startup Sesame

Startup Sesame is the leading agency dedicated to Tech events in Europe; composed of specialists in the fields of innovation and …

EEN

EEN helps entrepreneurs, research institutes, universities, technology centres and business development and innovation institutions to make the most of (business) opportunities in the EU and in Slovenia, free of charge, by providing expertise and access to a rich matchmaking database that connects Slovenian companies with the right international partners. With 600 centres in more than 60 European countries and around 4,000 experienced professionals networked, Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) is the largest business support network in the European Union.

EEN

EEN helps entrepreneurs, research institutes, universities, technology centres and business development and innovation institutions to make the most of (business) …

Program Partners

Event App Partner

Podim Friends

Municipality of Maribor