Kushtrim Xhakli

Kushtrim Xhakli

Entrepreneur & Startup Strategist

Kushtrim Xhakli is a serial entrepreneur, investor, and startup strategist with over 15 years of experience building and scaling digital products globally.

As the co-founder of several successful ventures, including IPKO and FLOSSK, Kushtrim combines deep startup know-how with an ecosystem mindset.

At Growpreneur, he delivers key sessions on Business Case Development, Product Strategy, and Growth Mapping, helping founders identify real market opportunities and build foundations for sustainable growth

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Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

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

APPLY NOW!

Kitti Jakab

Kitti Jakab

Incubation Leader at Lunar Program | Founder & Strategy Consultant at Klariti

Kitti Jakab is an entrepreneur passionate about innovation and organizational excellence. As Co-Founder & CEO of the Lunar Program, she supports startups from idea phase, through product and business model validation until first fundraising and international go-to-market strategy.

She also leads Klariti, a boutique consultancy focused on enhancing operational efficiency, team performance, and customer experience through data-driven and human-centered solutions.

With experience at McKinsey, Kitti has a strong background in digital transformation, strategic consulting, and business development.

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Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

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

APPLY NOW!

Vlad Gliga

Vlad Gliga

Investment Readiness & Startup Growth Expert

Vlad Gliga is the CEO and Co-Founder of Rubik Hub, one of the most influential startup support organizations in Eastern Europe. With a background in business development, ecosystem building, and early-stage venture strategy, Vlad has spent the last decade empowering founders to build scalable companies and become investor-ready.

At Growpreneur, Vlad leads several of the most crucial modules in the accelerator, guiding startups through the real expectations and mindset of investors. His sessions cover Investor Outreach & Negotiation, Understanding Investors, Investment Terms, as well as Product-Market Fit Evidence, Product Demos, and Competitor Analysis — helping founders not only refine their strategy but also position their startup confidently in front of the right investors.

With deep experience both in working with founders and engaging with VCs, Vlad provides a practical and candid perspective that bridges what startups want to say and what investors need to hear. His goal is to help founders become fluent in the language of investment, prepare strong narratives backed by real data, and negotiate with confidence.

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Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

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

APPLY NOW!

Nuriona Berdica

Nuriona Berdica

Entrepreneurship & Risk Management Expert

Nuriona Berdica brings deep expertise in entrepreneurship, risk management, and early-stage startup development.

With years of experience supporting young founders and guiding them through business uncertainty, Nuriona equips Growpreneur participants with the tools to understand, assess, and manage risk, both strategically and operationally. Her sessions help founders build resilience, think long-term, and confidently navigate the unpredictable journey of starting and growing a business.

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Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

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

APPLY NOW!

David Trayford

David Trayford

Pitch Coach & Communication Expert

David Trayford is a globally respected pitch and communication coach, startup advisor, and former BBC radio presenter. With a dynamic career spanning media, entrepreneurship, and startup ecosystems, David has helped hundreds of founders across Europe, Asia, and the U.S. craft and deliver high-impact messages.

David’s workshops are known for being highly engaging, practical, and transformative, empowering founders to move from simply explaining their product to truly inspiring their audience.

David has worked with accelerator programs like Singularity University, Startup Wise Guys, and Impact Hub, and brings to Growpreneur not only his technical communication know-how, but also his unmatched ability to unlock founders’ authenticity on stage. Whether it’s Demo Day or a 1-on-1 investor meeting, David helps startups shape their narrative in a way that gets results.

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Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

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

APPLY NOW!

Thomas Kösters

Thomas Kösters

Acceleration Advisor

Thomas Kösters is a seasoned startup ecosystem builder with over 12 years of experience designing and executing high-impact accelerator programs and investment initiatives across Europe and beyond. He has played key roles in launching the European Venture Program, managing Microsoft Ventures Germany’s national startup program, and leading investment schemes through EIT Digital across 20 countries in Central and Southern Europe.

As the Managing Director of DEEP Ecosystems, Thomas now advises leading ecosystem actors globally — from Europe’s top innovation hubs to emerging startup communities in Latin America and Africa. With more than 100 capacity-building events under his belt, he brings a unique mix of strategy, international perspective, and grassroots experience to every initiative he supports, including Growpreneur.

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Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

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

APPLY NOW!

Gerion Treska

Gerion Treska

Community Manager

He plays a central role in building and maintaining meaningful relationships across the startup ecosystem.

With a background in startup support, community engagement, and ecosystem facilitation, Gerion acts as the primary connector between founders, mentors, and partners throughout the program. From onboarding new teams to ensuring founders stay supported and informed, he is the go-to person for all things community inside Growpreneur. His energy, empathy, and commitment help shape the collaborative spirit that defines the accelerator.

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Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

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

APPLY NOW!

Shkëlzen Marku

Shkëlzen Marku

Co-founder of YSB Balkans

An entrepreneur and ecosystem expert with a deep commitment to advancing the startup landscape in the Western Balkans.

As the Co-Founder of YSB Balkans, he has been instrumental in designing and leading impactful programs that support early-stage founders, strengthen innovation infrastructure, and connect regional startups with international opportunities. His experience spans across entrepreneurship development, ecosystem building, and social impact, making him a vital force behind Growpreneur’s mission to grow startups to investment readiness.

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Applications for the Flexible Track
are open all year round!

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

APPLY NOW!

Growpreneur Accelerator Opens 3rd Call for Applications: Your Startup’s Next Big Opportunity! 🚀

Building a startup is tough. Scaling it? Even tougher. You have the vision, the product, maybe even your first customers, but what about investment, mentorship, and the right network to take you to the next level? 

That’s where Growpreneur comes in.

The 3rd Call for Applications is officially open, and this time, it’s bigger and better than ever. Not only will you get the hands-on support to refine your strategy, attract investors, and scale sustainably, but this year comes with a game-changing advantage: new partnerships with global investor networks and ecosystem players that will directly benefit you.

This is your chance to be part of Albania’s leading startup accelerator, designed to take you from where you are right now to investment-ready and primed for serious growth.

Why this cohort is different?

Over the last two editions, Growpreneur has helped dozens of startups validate their business models, improve their investment readiness, and successfully raise funding. But we saw the need for even stronger investor connections and more opportunities for startups to expand beyond Albania.

That’s why we’ve partnered with:

  • Keiretsu Forum SEE – One of the world’s largest private investor networks, giving Growpreneur startups access to a powerful global community of angel investors.
  • Germin – A bridge to the Albanian diaspora, helping startups tap into mentorship, funding, and international opportunities from successful Albanians worldwide.
  • ALBAN Global – A platform designed to help startups scale beyond Albania, providing connections and guidance to expand internationally.

For you, this means:

  • More chances to secure investment. You’ll be exposed to a network of angel investors and venture capitalists actively looking for startups to fund.
  • Direct connections to successful Albanians abroad. Whether for funding, mentorship, or market expansion, the diaspora is a powerful network you can now access.
  • A real roadmap for scaling beyond borders. If you dream of taking your startup global, this is the support system you need.

Which track is right for you?

Growpreneur understands that every startup is different, so we’ve designed two tailored tracks to meet your needs.

If you’re still in the earlier stages, maybe you’re testing your product-market fit or refining your go-to-market strategy, the best for you would be the Intensive Acceleration Track.

The Intensive Acceleration track is a 12-week deep dive into scaling your business, raising investment, and becoming an unstoppable founder. You’ll work with top mentors, develop a clear financial plan, fine-tune your sales strategy, and prepare for investor meetings. The program ends with Demo Day, where you’ll pitch directly to investors.

What to expect in the Intensive Track?

12 Weeks of Deep-Dive Acceleration
 This is an intensive, high-commitment program, meaning you’ll be actively working on your business, engaging in workshops, and meeting with mentors every week. Each session is designed to give you actionable steps to refine and grow your startup.

Tailored Workshops & Expert Mentorship
 Each week, you’ll have workshops and coaching sessions led by industry experts, investors, and experienced entrepreneurs on topics that directly impact your startup’s success, such as:

  1. Business strategy & market positioning – How to refine your business model and gain a competitive edge.
  2. Financial planning & investment readiness – How to manage cash flow, prepare for investor due diligence, and secure funding.
  3. Sales & marketing strategies – How to scale customer acquisition and build brand awareness.
  4. Pitching & storytelling – How to craft a compelling narrative that gets investors excited.

1-on-1 Coaching & Hands-on Support
 Beyond workshops, you’ll have dedicated mentors and business advisors helping you tackle specific challenges in your startup. Whether it’s revenue generation, refining your go-to-market strategy, or investor outreach, you’ll get personalized guidance to move your business forward.

Investor Connections & Networking
 Growpreneur’s strong investor network (now expanded through partnerships with Keiretsu Forum SEE, Germin, and ALBAN Global) means you won’t just be learning how to fundraise, you’ll be meeting real investors who are actively looking for high-potential startups.

Demo Day: Your Moment to Shine
 The program culminates in Demo Day, where you’ll pitch your startup in front of investors, ecosystem leaders, and potential partners. This is your chance to secure funding, gain visibility, and form strategic partnerships that could take your startup to the next level.

Roadmap of Intensive Track

Not every startup is at the same stage, and we get that 😉

That’s why Growpreneur offers the Flexible Acceleration Track, a program designed for founders who are more advanced in the journey of validating their business idea, testing their product-market fit, or refining their go-to-market strategy.

This track is perfect for entrepreneurs who knows what kind of mentorship and expert guidance they need but want the flexibility to move at their own pace. If you’re looking for support, connections, and strategic insights without the intensive weekly structure, this track is for you to customize it as you want.

The applications for Flexible Track are opened all year round.

The Time to Apply is Now

Every cohort, Growpreneur selects only the most promising (and most hard-working) startups to take on this journey. If you’re serious about scaling, if you’re looking for the right investors, if you want to take your startup beyond Albania, this is the program for you.

Applications are officially open!

🔗 Apply now and take your startup to the next level!

#GrowpreneurAccelerator #StartupGrowth #ScalingUp #InvestmentReady #Entrepreneurship #ApplyNow

Introducing the Start-Ups of Growpreneur’s Cohort

A Bold Step Toward Innovation

Growpreneur Accelerator Program proudly presents its first batch of dynamic start-ups, selected for their innovative ideas, passion for impact, and commitment to solving real-world challenges.

These start-ups are divided into two tracks: Intensive Acceleration and Flexible Acceleration, each tailored to meet the unique needs of their growth journeys. Let’s meet the teams shaping the future!

Start-ups in the Intensive Acceleration Track

These start-ups are diving deep into a structured acceleration process, working intensively to scale their ideas and impact.

Avenirs

Avenirs is revolutionizing career guidance with its AI-driven platform, offering personalized educational and career recommendations. Focused on students and families in Albania and the Western Balkans, Avenirs bridges outdated advising methods with data-driven insights to make informed decisions accessible to all.

Almanart

Almanart centralizes Albania’s cultural events into one digital hub, making it easy for locals and tourists to discover and engage with cultural activities. With plans to expand regionally, Almanart is promoting a sustainable cultural ecosystem through innovative digital solutions.

Stampisti

Stampisti combines fashion and sustainability, offering eco-friendly, customizable apparel for conscious consumers and businesses. By merging sustainable practices with innovative design, Stampisti is redefining what it means to shop responsibly.

Komuniteti

Streamlining building administration in Albania, Komuniteti provides tools for transparent, efficient, and eco-friendly property management. By modernizing a traditionally inefficient sector, Komuniteti is transforming how communities manage their spaces.

BeachMaster

BeachMaster is taking beach tourism to the next level with its SaaS platform. From booking sun loungers to ordering food and drinks, this app is revolutionizing how travelers experience the beach while supporting businesses with innovative management solutions.

BuildIQ Solutions

BuildIQ integrates computational engineering, automation, and AI to optimize operations in construction and infrastructure sectors. By reducing costs and improving efficiency, BuildIQ is shaping the future of sustainable project management.

Living App

Living App gamifies local exploration, connecting businesses with customers through interactive, location-based games and rewards. This unique platform encourages users to discover their surroundings while supporting local businesses.

Pronar.al

Pronar.al transforms property transactions in Albania with virtual tours, allowing buyers to explore properties remotely. By eliminating intermediaries, Pronar.al is making real estate more efficient, cost-effective, and accessible.

Bonsai Agency

Bonsai is a digital marketing agency helping businesses grow their online presence through personalized, data-driven strategies. From small enterprises to international brands, Bonsai is bridging the gap between businesses and their audiences.

DuArt

DuArt celebrates Albanian artisans by connecting them with global consumers. Through e-commerce, storytelling, and sustainable practices, DuArt is preserving Albania’s cultural heritage while empowering its artisans.

Open Balkan Market

Open Balkan Market connects businesses across the Balkans, facilitating secure and transparent B2B transactions. By promoting cross-border collaboration, this marketplace is driving innovation and efficiency in regional trade.

Batica

Batica is setting a new standard in laundry and dry-cleaning services with eco-friendly practices and digital solutions. By focusing on sustainability, convenience, and customer satisfaction, Batica is leading the charge in transforming traditional services.

Zamu Art Studio

Zamu Art Studio blends craftsmanship with modern design, offering personalized, handmade string art. By connecting global customers with unique, locally-made decor, Zamu is promoting Albanian artistry on an international stage.

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Mamir.al

Mamir.al is on a mission to become the largest provider of Albanian-language online courses. With a focus on accessibility and quality, this platform is creating new opportunities for learners across Albania and beyond, filling a critical gap in the education market.

Tails of Joys

Tails of Joys is simplifying pet care by connecting pet owners with trusted service providers. From boarding to grooming, this platform supports both pet owners and businesses, making pet care easier and more reliable.

Start-ups in the Flexible Acceleration Track

These teams are taking a customized approach, balancing program resources with their specific needs to scale effectively.

suneasy

SunEasy

Making beach reservations seamless, SunEasy offers a digital platform for real-time sunbed bookings, enhancing convenience for tourists and operational efficiency for businesses.

TattooGigs

This platform connects tattoo artists and shops with job listings, portfolios, and recruitment tools, streamlining hiring in the tattoo industry worldwide.

Vytal Albania

Championing sustainability, Vytal Albania offers reusable packaging solutions for the food industry, reducing single-use waste while providing convenience for businesses and consumers.

Bliss

A culturally-tailored online therapy platform for Albanian-speaking users worldwide, Bliss bridges the gap in accessible mental health support for diaspora communities.

Switch Technologies

Combining programming and graphic design courses with global web development services, Switch Technologies equips young professionals with real-world skills for digital careers.

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The3fts

Albania’s first peer-to-peer resale platform for second-hand goods, The3fts promotes sustainable shopping while offering a secure, user-friendly marketplace.

Therefrom

A gamified cultural exploration app, Therefrom connects travelers with hyperlocal stories and experiences through interactive scavenger hunts, promoting responsible tourism.

These start-ups represent the best of Albania’s entrepreneurial spirit, addressing challenges across industries with innovative solutions and ambitious visions. As they embark on their Growpreneur journey, powered by EU4Innovation and implemented by Yunus Social Business Balkans in partnership with Deep Ecosystems, they’re taking bold steps toward shaping the future.

Stay tuned as we share updates on their progress, milestones, and successes in the coming months!