The sixth edition of the beamUp lab program, which focuses on supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), launched with its first meeting hosted by the Fund of Funds. The event took place on January 22 and introduced new financing opportunities for Bulgarian businesses through instruments backed by the European Union.
During the meeting, Biser Petkov, Executive Director of the Fund of Funds, presented various financing options and partner fund managers to participants. Representatives from 20 companies attended to learn about available funding mechanisms for SMEs as well as relevant legislative and regulatory frameworks tied to EU support.
Assoc. Prof. Dr Manyu Moravenov, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, commented on the role of beamUp lab in SME development: “BeamUp lab provides small and medium-sized enterprises with concrete tools and guidance on how to choose the right type of financing and how to prepare for it. The fact that over the past five years more than 100 companies have joined the program demonstrates sustained interest and an increasingly mature discussion of the capital market as a source of growth.”
Five companies delivered investor pitches during a dedicated session at the event. These included Krik.bg, specializing in used auto parts logistics across Europe; OpsHero, focused on cloud platform management and DevOps automation; VSG, a software developer for financial institutions primarily in regulated industries; Vanilla Kitchen, a Sofia-based boutique pastry shop known for award-winning desserts; and Brain Foods, a producer of plant-based snacks recognized at international industry forums.
The Bulgarian Stock Exchange serves as Bulgaria’s main venue for trading equities, bonds, and other securities. It operates under official licensing since October 9, 1997 according to its website. The exchange’s mission is to maintain an organized capital market with equitable access for all participants while supporting sustainable economic growth as outlined online. Leadership includes CEO Manyu Moravenov and Chairman Asen Yagodin according to public records.
The beamUp lab initiative continues its annual cycle with three more meetings planned this year focusing on different aspects of business financing alternatives.
