21.02.2024 BDB presented its possibilities to support startups and innovative projects under beamUp lab 4

On February 15th, the second strategic meeting under the beamUp lab 4 accelerator programme was held, at which the latest products and initiatives of BDB’s Group in support of startups and small and medium-sized companies were presented.

The programme for growth of small and medium-sized companies “BeamUp lab” was created at the initiative of the Bulgarian Stock Exchange and is implemented under the auspices of the Ministry of Finance, in partnership with the Bulgarian Development Bank, the Fund of Funds, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, the Bulgarian Association of Licensed Investment Intermediaries and the Bulgarian Startup Association - BESCO.

In its fourth edition, 20 companies from various sectors of the economy participated.

The main highlight of the event were innovations in microfinancing and strategies for sustainable development, implemented with the support of BDB Microfinancing, as well as the opportunities for equity financing from the Capital Investment Fund (CIF). Entrepreneurs also had the opportunity to hear presentations by companies supported by BDB, who shared their stories of success and gave inspiring examples of their business development.

Iliya Karanikolov, Executive Director of BDB, presented all the companies of the bank’s group and outlined its mission to support the Bulgarian business, emphasizing the commitment to promote innovative and sustainable entrepreneurial initiatives.

Ivana Tsaneva, Executive Director of BDB Microfinancing, introduced the participants in beamUp lab 4 to the company’s latest initiatives in support of startups and small companies. She focused on a loan with guarantee coverage under the InvestEU Programme and announced the successful story of Kazva.bg platform, which received financing from BDB Microfinancing.

Kristian Begazhev, an investment partner from the Capital Investment Fund, analyzed the ecosystem of equity and venture funding and shared how the fund supports companies with growth potential. An example of successful cooperation with the fund is the company Evrotrust, whose Executive Director Konstantin Bezuhanov shared his experience in working with the Capital Investment Fund and the fund’s contribution to the development of the successful Bulgarian business.