The Fund of Funds and its fund managers, strategic partners of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, marked the fifth anniversary of the beamUp lab program. The first of four meetings for this edition was held on January 16, introducing funding opportunities available to Bulgarian businesses through European Union instruments.

Mr. Biser Petkov, Executive Director of the Fund of Funds, discussed new priorities and financial instruments available in the current programming period. The event provided representatives from 19 companies insights into financing mechanisms for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), legislative frameworks for EU support, and the role of the Fund in this new period.

"We are convinced that companies will once again gain valuable practical information from this fifth edition, which they can apply in their business development strategies. We are pleased that over these five years, nearly 100 companies have participated in the program and considered the capital market an opportunity for financing and growth," stated Assoc. Prof. Manyu Moravenov, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange.

Five companies presented investor pitches during the event. Avtoikonom's CEO Emil Stavrev showcased a platform connecting corporate vehicle fleets with service providers. Re:Benefit’s CEO Petya Dinolova and founder Milen Manev introduced a cloud-based solution to enhance employee engagement remotely. Hristo Chernev presented Taxi Me's advanced taxi booking platform. Fabrico's CEO Blagovesta Pugyova highlighted tools for factory maintenance digitization. Konstantin Haralampiev presented Agrovar CC’s focus on regenerative agriculture.

Feedback was provided by Vitosha Venture, Eleven, and Innovation Capital representatives. Eneya Georgieva moderated the session.