Meet the 3rd Batch of Growpreneur Startups

Driving innovation across Albania and beyond

The Growpreneur Accelerator is proud to introduce its 3rd cohort of startups, a dynamic group of entrepreneurs building bold solutions in sectors ranging from sustainable energy and digital marketplaces to beauty tech and smart scheduling.

With both Intensive and Flexible tracks, this cohort showcases some of the brightest minds shaping the future of Albania’s startup ecosystem.

INTENSIVE TRACK: High-Growth Startups Solving Big Challenges

Harnex

Harnex is creating the first online marketplace for buying and selling used cars across Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia. They’re replacing the current confusing, offline car sales process with a trusted digital platform where listings are verified, transactions are safe, and users can easily compare options.

SunWave

SunWave helps families and businesses lower their energy bills with an eco-friendly heating system that uses 100% organic technology. Their system reduces electricity use by up to 80%, making it a smarter, cleaner alternative to traditional heaters.

MOKU

MOKU is a creative media studio that brings together video production, photography, podcasts, and editing, all in one place. They help brands and artists get high-quality, consistent content without having to deal with multiple providers.

n’Arte

n’Arte is a digital platform that supports Albanian visual artists and the diaspora by helping them sell their art online. It gives them tools to promote their work, earn income, and grow professionally, all through a centralized e-commerce space.

Ankand Albania

Ankand Albania is an online auction website that allows small businesses and individuals to sell extra products or collectibles through live bidding. It’s user-friendly, accessible to anyone, and opens up new income opportunities for artisans, parents working from home, and young entrepreneurs.

Shirel Organic

Shirel Organic is a local brand offering healthy food and natural skincare products, all made in Albania with organic ingredients. They focus on transparency and sustainability, helping people live healthier lives while supporting local farmers.

TNLP – The new life proposition

TNLP is a U.S.-based startup helping seniors find affordable co-living options. Using AI, they match older adults with suitable roommates and help manage rent, healthcare, and services—combating loneliness and high housing costs.

EasyBook

EasyBook is a scheduling platform designed for businesses like salons and clinics. It uses AI to automate appointment bookings, avoid double-booking, and make life easier for both customers and business owners.

Frymëmarrje

Frymëmarrje brings nature indoors by designing and installing vertical green walls in homes and offices. These living walls improve air quality, reduce stress, and add a relaxing, natural feel to urban environments.

99BROWN

99BROWN is Albania’s first certified sustainable fashion brand. They design stylish clothes using biodegradable, plant-based materials, proving that fashion can be both beautiful and environmentally responsible.

Solinvic

Solinvic builds strong, easy-to-install mounting systems for solar panels. Their structures combine steel and concrete to support Albania’s growing solar energy market and make solar installation faster and more cost-effective.

BUX

BUX is a personal finance app that helps people track their spending, scan receipts, set budgets, and save money through fun challenges. It’s designed to make managing your money simple and even enjoyable.

Drury

Drury collects old, unused furniture and transforms it into beautiful, upcycled pieces. They work with local artists and host community workshops, combining sustainability with creative design.

ABC Clinic

Blending decades of medical experience with a human-first approach, ABC Clinic is redefining private healthcare in Albania.
As part of the pioneering ABC Health Foundation, this Tirana-based clinic delivers high-quality diagnostics and personalized care rooted in Albanian expertise and international standards. With strong partnerships and a dedication to dignity-driven service, ABC Clinic continues to be a trusted destination for those who seek not just treatment, but meaningful, compassionate care.

FLEXIBLE TRACK: Agile Startups with Market-Ready Solutions

Beauty Booking

Beauty Booking is an online platform where users can easily find, compare, and book appointments with salons and beauty professionals. It includes verified reviews and makes the beauty booking experience smooth for both clients and service providers.

PMable

PMable offers short, focused online courses that teach project management in a practical, easy-to-apply way. Unlike generic training, their lessons are tailored for young professionals who want to improve quickly on the job.

Rumio.al

Rumio.al is a smart calendar and booking tool for businesses like barbershops, dentists, and therapists. It automates appointments and helps business owners stay organized, save time, and keep customers coming back.

List4Free

List4Free is changing the way real estate works in Albania. Instead of paying high listing fees, homeowners and agents can post properties for free and only pay a small success fee (0.6%) if the property is sold.

From transforming e-commerce and financial habits to enabling sustainable lifestyles and creative expression, these startups are not just solving problems,  they’re reimagining the future.

Stay tuned as we follow their journey of growth, innovation, and impact through the Growpreneur Accelerator.

Helga Mustafaraj

Helga Mustafaraj

Storytelling, Communication, Investor Alignment & Time Management

Helga is a communication and storytelling trainer who equips founders with the tools they need to speak confidently and connect meaningfully,  whether it’s with customers, investors, or teams. She focuses on narrative clarity, emotional resonance, and practical communication techniques that enhance every startup’s ability to pitch and present their vision with impact.

In addition to storytelling, Helga also helps founders improve investor alignment, refine their messaging for different stakeholders, and manage their time and priorities more effectively. Her workshops blend creativity with critical thinking, encouraging founders to sharpen their focus, express their purpose, and communicate their value with precision and presence.

Linkedin

Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

Work with leading experts and get your startup investment-ready.

APPLY NOW!

Pezana Rexha

Pezana Rexha

Business Model Analysis, Product Design, Growth & Financial Strategy

Pezana brings a holistic perspective to startup growth, blending design, business strategy, and financial acumen. She works closely with founders to review and refine their business models, ensuring they are viable, scalable, and well-positioned in the market. With a strong foundation in entrepreneurship and product innovation, she helps teams translate vision into structure and strategy.

From product design to marketing, Pezana supports startups through multiple growth phases. She provides expertise in aligning product features with market demands, optimizing operations for sustainability, and building go-to-market strategies that are grounded in data. Her collaborative approach enables founders to think critically, innovate effectively, and grow with purpose.

Linkedin

Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

Work with leading experts and get your startup investment-ready.

APPLY NOW!

Xhulio Mitre

Xhulio Mitre

MVP Development, Product Design & Business Models

Xhulio is a hands-on expert in early-stage product development, with a strong focus on MVP design, prototyping, and business model validation. He supports startups in translating abstract ideas into tangible, testable products, using lean methodologies and design thinking practices. With a practical mindset and deep understanding of startup needs, Xhulio helps founders build fast, fail smart, and adapt quickly.

His experience spans across tech and design teams, guiding them through the process of user research, functionality prioritization, and rapid prototyping. He brings clarity to early product decisions and ensures that teams focus on building what matters most, a product that meets real user needs and is aligned with the business model from day one.

Linkedin

Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

Work with leading experts and get your startup investment-ready.

APPLY NOW!

Thinking of Applying to Growpreneur? Here Are 5 Things Demo Day Taught Us

Demo Day wasn’t just the final event of our cohort.

It was proof that with the right program, mentorship, and support, early-stage startups in Albania can launch, grow, and get investor-ready in just 12 weeks.

And if you’ve ever thought “Maybe next time that could be me” — this is your sign.

Here are 5 real things we saw at Demo Day:

1. You don’t need a perfect product, you need the courage to start.

Every founder who pitched had doubts at the beginning. Some changed ideas halfway. Others reworked their entire model. What mattered wasn’t perfection,  it was their willingness to build, test, and grow with guidance.

👉 If you’ve got a serious idea and you’re ready to work, you’re ready to apply.

2. Your pitch is a muscle, and we train it.

At Demo Day, founders stood on stage and delivered 3-minute pitches with confidence and clarity. That didn’t happen overnight. Growpreneur gives you feedback, pressure, mentorship, and room to find your voice, so when the moment comes, you’re ready.

👉 If you want to speak clearly about your business, to investors, customers, or the world, we’ll help you get there.

3. Investors aren’t just looking for numbers, they’re looking for YOU.

At Demo Day, several startups earned follow-up meetings and investment interest,  not because they were “perfect,” but because they showed promise, potential, and coachability. You don’t need a million users, you need a mindset for growth.

👉 Growpreneur gives you the tools, structure, and credibility to stand out in any investor room.

4. Investors don’t want perfection. They want clarity.

Let’s break the myth: investors aren’t always hunting for “the next unicorn.”

What they really want? A team that listens. A founder who knows what they don’t know. A model they can grow together. We saw meaningful conversations spark after pitches, not because everything was perfect, but because founders showed they were ready to learn.

👉 Take a look at our experts that will guide you toward investment readiness journey.

5. Your idea matters more than you think.

Albania’s founders are solving real problems, in education, tourism, sustainability, fashion, tech, and more. Maybe your idea feels “small” now. But with the right support, it could become something big.

👉 Apply, and let’s explore it together.

Applications are OPEN for the next Growpreneur Accelerator cohort!

If you have a prototype that’s waiting to grow, this is your chance to get the mentorship, structure, and investor access to take it further.

APPLY HERE

Growpreneur Demo Day: A Bold Celebration of Startups, Investment, and the Future of Innovation in Albania

Inside Growpreneur Demo Day: The Night Albania’s Startups Took the Stage

On April 11th,at Innovation Hub, the stage belonged to the dreamers, the builders, and the next wave of Albanian innovation. For 12-14 weeks, Growpreneur startups had been immersed in strategy, mentorship and guided expertise.

Eight early-stage teams, each with a bold vision, pitched to a room of real investors, and proved that the startup ecosystem in Albania isn’t just alive. It’s thriving.

What Happened on Demo Day

The evening opened with remarks from Shkelzen Marku (CEO of YSB Balkans), Sebastian Berwanger (EU4Innovation), and Thomas Kösters (Deep Ecosystems), each highlighting the collective effort behind building Albania’s startup infrastructure and the power of founder-first programs like Growpreneur.

A compelling keynote from Grant Van Cleve, President of AmCham Albania and Managing Partner at Hangar75, reminded everyone that global ambition can, and should, start local.

That set the stage for a powerful Growth Talk panel titled “Attracting Startup Investments”, featuring expert voices from across the region:
 🔹 Ravik Mima, Keiretsu Forum SEE
 🔹 Mark Crawford, Chairman at AKSIONER Group
 🔹 Dritan Musolli, Digit Sapiens
 🔹 Grant Van Cleve, President of AmChamb
 Moderated by Aneida Bajraktari of Balkans Capital, the panel gave founders rare access to what investors are really looking for.

Startups That Took the Stage

Eight startups pitched their solutions in front of a live audience of investors, mentors, partners, and media. Each team had just 3 minutes to deliver a pitch that captured both heart and business logic.

Here’s who pitched and what they’re building:

  • Almanart – Your digital guide to Albania’s cultural scene. Discover, engage, and experience art, all in one place.

  • BeachMaster – One app to reserve your sunbed, order snacks, and skip the beach chaos.

  • Stampisti – Sustainable, customizable fashion for conscious creators and eco-minded consumers.

  • Pronar.al – Smart real estate at your fingertips,virtual tours, no middlemen, just one click to buy.

  • Switch Technologies – Teaching tech and building websites to empower Albania’s next generation of digital talent.

  • SunEasy – Book your spot on the beach in real time, right from your phone.

  • Komuniteti – Tools for modern buildings, transparent, efficient, and green property management.

  • Gjelber & Vytal –  Albania’s first healthy restaurant & retail startup leading the circular economy shift by launching the Vytal reusable packaging system.

When Pitches Turn into Possibilities

Several startups walked away with tangible next steps:

🏆 Growpreneur Prize – €1,500 Internationalization Support Voucher awarded to BeachMaster, Stampisti, Komuniteti, Almanart, and Switch Technologies

Investor Commitments & Interest

  • Stampisti & Komuniteti – Received follow-up interest from Ravik Mima, CEO of Keiretsu Forum SEE.

  • Stampisti – A potential €20,000 investment + mentorship from Rrezart Lahi, Kozma Seferaj, and Grant Van Cleve

  • Almanart – Interest in a €10,000 investment, plus strategic brand support from Rrezart Lahi

  • Switch Technologies – Mentorship and potential future collaboration with Tomi Kallanxhi and Gerti Boshnjaku

Thank You to Our Investors & Partners

Demo Day wouldn’t have been possible without the trust and dedication of our investor panel, who engaged with the startups not only as investor panel, but as future collaborators:

Ravik Mima, Rrezart Lahi, Kozma Seferaj, Mark Crawford, Gerti Boshnjaku, Dritan Musolli, and Grant Van Cleve, thank you for asking the hard questions, giving honest feedback, and believing in the future these founders are building.

And to our partners:
 EU4Innovation, YSB Balkans, Deep Ecosystems, Keiretsu Forum SEE, Alban Global, Germin, Geek Room. Albania Tech, Business Magazine and SIPRI, thank you for supporting this journey from day one and helping create a space where innovation truly thrives.

🚀 What’s Next?

Demo Day might be the final chapter for this cohort, but for these startups, it’s just the beginning. Whether closing deals, expanding to new markets, or applying the lessons learned, their journey continues.

Applications are OPEN for the next Growpreneur Accelerator cohort!

If you have a prototype that’s waiting to grow, this is your chance to get the mentorship, structure, and investor access to take it further.

APPLY HERE

Aneida Bajraktari

Aneida Bajraktari

Ecosystem Builder & Impact Strategist

Aneida Bajraktari Bicja is a prominent voice in Albania’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem. As Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Balkans Capital, she brings years of experience in designing and implementing high-impact programs focused on economic development, youth empowerment, and startup growth. Her work bridges the gap between policy, private sector engagement, and community-driven change.

Aneida is known for her commitment to creating inclusive, collaborative environments where startups and entrepreneurs can thrive. She has been involved in multiple regional and international partnerships, supporting initiatives that foster innovation, education, and cross-border collaboration.

At Growpreneur, she contributes her expertise in strategic development and ecosystem strengthening, helping shape a platform where startups don’t just grow, they lead.

Linkedin Link

Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

Work with leading experts and get your startup investment-ready.

APPLY NOW!

Gerond Begolli

Gerond Begolli

Finance Consultant & Startup Advisor

Gerond Begolli is a finance expert and startup advisor with a strong track record in helping early-stage ventures build financial clarity and long-term sustainability. With years of experience in corporate finance, business modeling, and startup consulting, he specializes in turning numbers into strategic tools for growth.

At Growpreneur, Gerond leads the Financial Planning module, equipping founders with the skills to manage their finances, project cash flows, understand key metrics, and prepare for funding with confidence. His sessions provide practical insights that help startups not only become investor-ready but also financially resilient as they scale.

Linkedin

Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

Work with leading experts and get your startup investment-ready.

APPLY NOW!

Hélène Mariette

Hélène Mariette

CEO of Vivinov | Marketing & Brand Strategy Expert

Hélène Mariette is the CEO of Vivinov and an accomplished marketing strategist with a global career in brand development, market positioning, and business storytelling.

With experience across France, the Netherlands, and the Western Balkans, Hélène has advised early-stage and scaling startups on building impactful campaigns, identifying ideal customer profiles, and creating growth-focused messaging.

At Growpreneur, she leads modules on Marketing and Sales Strategy, helping founders craft brands that connect, campaigns that convert, and messages that move.

Linkedin Link

Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

Work with leading experts and get your startup investment-ready.

APPLY NOW!

Boris Golob

Boris Golob

Innovation & Business Model Expert

Boris Golob is a seasoned expert in product, service, and business model innovation, with over two decades of experience working with startups, researchers, and companies across Southeast Europe and beyond. Known for his practical, hands-on approach to innovation, Boris has trained and advised entrepreneurs through accelerator programs, academic institutions, and international development organizations including UNDP, Swiss Contact, and GIZ.

He is one of only 28 certified trainers worldwide for the Business Model Canvas by Strategyzer, and an official European Innovation Council (EIC) Accelerator expert evaluator. His focus areas include commercialization strategies, service innovation, and outcome-driven business design. Through his work, Boris empowers startups to move from ideas to validated business models ready for growth and investment.

At Growpreneur, Boris helps founders rethink how they deliver value and guides them in building innovation-driven, sustainable business models that are grounded in real customer needs.

Linkedin

Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

Work with leading experts and get your startup investment-ready.

APPLY NOW!