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