Dare2Scale provided us with invaluable exposure to investors and mentorship opportunities. Through one-on-one and group sessions, we gained insights on redefining our niche, building sales channels, and enhancing recruitment strategies. This program empowered us to scale our team, think bigger, and
expandour capabilities.
- Daniel Shopov, Barin Sports Demo Day Jury Award Winner 2023Endeavor was founded in 1997, and for the past 27 years is the leading global community of, by, and for High-Impact Entrepreneurs - those who dream bigger, scale faster, and pay it forward.
Driven by our belief that High-Impact Entrepreneurs transform economies, Endeavor is on a mission to build thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems in emerging and underserved markets around the world.
Endeavor Bulgaria started in 2015 with the vision to nurture a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem that is a catalyst of upward economic growth. Since then, we have welcomed 130+ entrepreneurs, leading 70+ companies in three programs - Endeavor’s Global Program, Regional Support Program and Dare2Scale Growth Program. The network we have built plays a crucial part on local and global level guiding our entrepreneurs in scaling their bold ideas to flourishing businesses.
27
Years of operation
42 Markets
500+ Employees
2,500+
Endeavor Entrepreneurs selected globally
4.1M
Jobs created by Endeavor companies globally
$50B
Revenues generated globally by Endeavor companies per anum
“Endeavor doesn’t create entrepreneurship; it already exists in every country. We enhance the conditions under which it can thrive.”
Linda Rottenberg Co-founder & CEO, EndeavorMade to empower the growth of Bulgaria’s most promising late-stage startups, Dare2Scale is a non-dilutive accelerator program, transcending industry boundaries, and fostering connections between innovative founders and seasoned entrepreneurs, executive leaders, and industry experts.
This 4-month accelerator equips entrepreneurs, from diverse sectors, with tailored workshops and personalized mentoring from Endeavor’s network members and PwC’s senior consultants, empowering them to scale their already profitable ventures.
With a focus on nurturing Bulgarian late-stage startups, Dare2Scale propels these businesses towards global competitiveness, fostering growth-oriented and resilient enterprises.
55 companies represented by 100+ entrepreneurs participated in 5 editions to date
EUR 10m+ average combined revenue of selected participants per cohort
91% overall workshop satisfaction throughout the last 5 editions
80+ network members, all established business leaders, donated 620+ hours of mentorship in the past 5 cohorts
Named twice the Best Accelerator Program in Bulgaria by CESA
Demo Day
December
Program Launch
September
Cohort Аnnouncement
June
Interviews
May
Open Call
April
Six to eight tailored workshops with the possibility of adding electives based on the needs of the cohort.
Industry introductions to top level executives, successful founders, and local VCs.
Four networking events for the cohort and other players in the ecosystem.
Endeavor Bulgaria network members and PwC senior consultants advise the entrepreneurs throughout the program.
The program culminates with a pitching Demo Day competition in front of a significant audience of prominent jury members, VCs, Endeavor mentors, media representatives, and some of the most successful Bulgarian entrepreneurs.
12 companies joined our fifth cohort across 9 industries
6 group workshops and 3 elective group sessions
85 mentorship sessions and intro’s to partners & investors facilitated
46 Endeavor network members involved
140+ hours donated by Bulgarian business leaders in 1:1 mentor sessions and group workshops
Diana
Yasena
Veselin
September 12, 2023
The Kick-Off event was a blend of orientation and networking, setting the stage for an exhilarating journey ahead. As the new cohort delved deep into the program’s offerings and gleaned insider insights from a D2S alumnus, the room buzzed with excitement. With approximately 100 attendees, the networking segment ignited connections with Endeavor’s dynamic network of board members, Entrepreneurs, alumni, investors, media, partners, and friends. Networking opportunities like these are the heartbeat of the program, fueling collaboration and forging lasting relationships.
Kalin Radev, CEO, Software Group
20 September, 2023
One of the highest-rated workshops in the program, Kalin Radev’s Recruitment and Retention workshop focuses on empowering champions to embrace purposedriven leadership. The session emphasized understanding client needs, leveraging ecosystem partnerships for market expansion, and creating enticing propositions for sales professionals. Kalin advocated for effective team management strategies, highlighting the critical role of direct managers in motivating employees and promoting internal training programs for retention.
“All the advice around employees, development and scaling from an esteemed expert like Kalin, was extremely valuable to us.”
- Alexander Barakov, Alpha VPS
“The sales team needs to know exactly what the benefit of their product is for the client.”
- Kalin Radev, Software Group
28 September, 2023
Vince, Endeavor Entrepreneur and founder of Alcatraz AI, shared his extensive know-how and experience following his successful $25M Series A round.
The workshop provided valuable insights on fundraising strategies, emphasizing the importance of adequate preparation and timing. Participants were encouraged to approach fundraising with a strategic mindset, considering factors like runway length and funding adequacy. Key themes included the importance of thorough planning, effective communication, and strategic networking in navigating the fundraising process successfully.
“It was interesting, thoughtprovoking and packed with a lot of practical take-aways.”
- Martin Popov, ViaBank
“Investors want to see industry shakers - try to build an interesting story!”
- Vince Gaydarzhiev
Peter Mitev,
CEO & Founder, Chaos Group12 October, 2023
Peter Mitev, with over 26 years of experience running and scaling Chaos Group, delved into various aspects of leadership, urging our founders to consider the multifaceted nature of leadership dynamics. He emphasized the significance of context and adaptability, encouraging the founders to experiment with different approaches outside their comfort zones. His session underscored the power of storytelling in leadership and the importance of continuous self-reflection. Afterwards, everyone gathered for a networking event where they got to discuss topics of interest more closely with Peter.
“Probably one of the most insightful talks for me!”
- Boryana Gerasimova, Re:Gena
“Adapt everything that surrounds you to your inner self.”
- Peter Mitev
Filip Popov, Head of Small Business Banking Division, Postbank
Pavel Lisev & Victoria Hristova, MMB, FMFIB
Diana Aladzhova, Partner, Silverline Capital
26 October, 2023
This workshop can be viewed as an addition to the workshop Vince led during which he shared what financing looked like through the eyes of a founder.
Filip Popov walked the entrepreneurs through what options Postbank, one of the largest Bulgarian banks, offers to companies in their state of growth, discussed the overall state of the market, and gave some expert predictions.
Pavel and Victoria, Members of the Management Board of FMFIB, talked about what tools they have in their portfolio.
To close the content-packed workshop, Diana shared what Silverline Capital looks for when meeting a founder, and some insider tips and tricks.
“Having the chance to critically assess the options of raising equity and debt capital gave us a confident knowledge that helps us plan ahead.“
- Mihail Durchev, Cohones Grandes
Svetozar Georgiev, Co-Founder, Telerik, Telerik Academy, Campus X
9 November, 2023
Svetozar has co-founded multiple successful businesses, giving his workshop great real-world examples.
The workshop was all about learning together as a group, and sharing ideas openly. It covered the early stages of product development, stressing the importance of testing and adapting quickly. The founders learned to understand customer needs and market dynamics, tailoring strategies accordingly. Throughout, the focus was on staying disciplined, accountable, and customer-focused. The founders gained practical insights for navigating the ups and downs of product development and market entry.
“Very good mix of theory, real-world examples for the different concepts, and Zarko’s personal experiences.”
- Dimitar Ivanov, Abraxa
“Learn to test your product, fast and cheap!”
- Svetozar Georgiev21 November, 2023
The workshop emphasized the need for a clear sales process and understanding the dynamics of decision-making. It delved into the symmetrical nature of sales and the importance of early engagement with potential clients. Participants learned about the various roles influencing purchasing decisions within organizations and the significance of recognizing red flags early on. Discussions also covered customer indifference and overconfidence, highlighting the necessity for a structured process, especially in high-stakes deals. Throughout, the focus was on effectively engaging with clients at each stage of the decision-making process and adapting strategies accordingly.
“A content-heavy workshop that provided multiple real-life examples. Ivaylo’s first interaction with the Dare2Scale entrepreneurs can easily turn into a longer, multi-session training.”
- Ivo Atanassov, Dare2Scale Program Manager
The first workshop was contentpacked, and three hours proved insufficient. The founders requested a second part, and Kalin kindly agreed.
All founders looking for insights into marketing, attended Etien’s workshop, our first such elective.
Angel, SEE Manager at Seedblink, has over 17 years of experience in M&A and Capital Raising. He gave the founders valuable 1:1 advice on how to improve their pitch decks prior to Demo Day.
December 12, 2023
Demo Day is the culmination of the four-month accelerator program. It is a chance for the companies to pitch their businesses in front of a 5-member expert jury of industry leaders and a network of their peers, investors, government representatives, media, and other Endeavor friends and partners.
Mrs. Milena Stoycheva, Minister of Innovation and Growth, awarded the Jury Award for Demo Day.
The fifth edition of Dare2Scale saw five companies be awarded across four categories for their contributions to the program. These awards are given alongside the Jury Award that is specific to Demo Day. This year they were awarded to entrepreneurs for collaboration within the program, outstanding dedication, and showing the most Endeavor spirit.
With over 100 people attending the Christmas Networking Cocktail following the award ceremony, we sent off the year by celebrating what the companies had achieved during Dare2Scale.
A big thank you goes out to all PwC mentors who donated over 100 hours across 60+ sessions with the Dare2Scale companies
Bojidar Neytchev
Bulgaria Managing Partner
Deals Leader SEE
Jock Nunan Managing Partner
South East Europe
Albena Markova Partner
Advisory Service
Boryana Dimova Partner
Assurance Services
Petko Petkov Partner
SEE Risk Assurance Leader and CEE Digital Identity Leader
Orlin Hadjiiski Partner
Tax and Legal Services
Nikolay Ilchev Partner
Tax Services
Vanya Assenova Director
Advisory Services
Savin Dyankov Director
SEE Capital Markets and Accounting Advisory Services
Julian Mihov Director
Client Development Leader SEE
Vladimir Tsekov Director
Value Creation in Deals
Milena Radeva
Senior Manager
Deals and Transactions
Zhivka Petkova
Senior Manager
Management Consulting
Endeavor mentors and network donated over 40 hours in mentor sessions, workshops, and company introductions.
Diana Aladzhova Partner
Silverline Capital
Vince Gaydarzhiev Founder, CPO Alcatraz AI
Svetozar Georgiev
Co-Founder, General Partner
Telerik, Telerik Academy, CAMPUS X, Eleven VC
Sabina Gyosheva Founder, CEO BY FAR
Angel Hadjiev Managing Director, SEE Seedblink
Hristo Hristov CEO
Darik Radio
Victoria Hristova
Member of the Management Board
Fund Manager of Financial Instrumentsin Bulgaria
Peter Ivanov Executive Director AmCham
Pressian Karakostov Founder PubGalaxy
Ivaylo Kunev Partner In Your Hands
Pavel Lisev
Member of the Management Board
Fund Manager of Financial Instrumentsin Bulgaria
Georgi Malchev Founder XPLORA BG
Peter Mitev Board Member and Founder Big Orange Foundation, Chaos Group
Endeavor mentors and network donated over 40 hours in mentor sessions, workshops, and company introductions.
Alexander Popov Engineer, Investor, Advisor Ex-UBER
Filip Popov Head of Small Business Banking Division Postbank
Kalin Radev CEO Software Group
Atanas Raykov VP of Global Marketing and Growth Viber
Petar Rizov CEO Bulsatcom
Boyko Takov Executive Director
Bulgarian SME Promotion Agency
Eva Vuchva Co-Founder & CEO
IMPAKT_ID & CONTENTO.TECH
Asen Yagodin
Member of the Management Board and Executive Director Postbank
Daneta Zheleva CEO
Industrial Holding Bulgaria
“Year after year, the Dare2Scale program continues to evolve, adjusting to the ever-changing dynamics of the ecosystem. It’s truly exciting to witness first-hand the variety of strong businesses eager to make the most of the program and accelerate their growth. We at Endeavor believe that through Dare2Scale and thanks to our supportive partners, we are not only enhancing the Bulgarian ecosystem but also forging lasting relationships built on mutual trust and collaboration.”
- Ivo Atanassov Dare2Scale Program ManagerMAIN PARTNER
CAPITAL PARTNER POWERED BY
MEDIA PARTNERS