Balkan Business Brief

Collabwriting: Revolutionizing collaboration for content marketers and researchers

It is commonly acknowledged that the most exceptional business ideas emerge when the founders personally encounter an irritating problem that requires a solution. The story of the startup Collabwriting , established in Belgrade, Serbia by Sandra Idjoski and Ivan Ralic , came about in this way. Sandra, who was working in content marketing, with her team was often faced with the challenge of managing information from multiple sources. She firmly believed that there had to be a simpler and more efficient way to collaborate on the crucial insights that were deemed the most important. This everyday problem that was bothering Sandra made her start talking about it with her co-founder Ivan and made both wonder whether something like Collabwiting could be made - a simple tool to highlight important information that are found online with additional comments on why it is important.

Collabwriting is an easy-to-use tool that consists of a browser extension for creating highlights anywhere online and a dashboard that syncs it all up. Since recently, users can also upload their own pdfs and synchronize their Kindle notes to bring together all the needed information in one place. This way, users can integrate their own insights, their team's feedback and all the information they find relevant on different sources in one place. All saved highlights can be located with a single click and all the information that is saved with Collabwriting is saved as-is, no matter what happens to the source. This tool is not just ideal for those working in the field of content marketing, it is also beneficial for individuals engaged in academic research, consulting, and R&D teams. The key benefits this tool offers are that users' research becomes traceable, collaborative and easily accessible.

When it comes to the biggest challenge, this enthusiastic team emphasizes that running a startup presents daily challenges, but they also recognize the beauty inherent in overcoming them. For Sandra and Ivan, sometimes it is keeping up with user growth, sometimes figuring out a technical challenge, but in the end, to them it all means that things are moving forward and that they are continually learning. The founders highlighted some of their achievements such as their participation in various programs such as the Katapult and the Smart Start program, both led by the Innovation Fund, as well as the Raising Startup program, led by the Science-technology Park Belgrade. The team is also proud that they were featured for several months as Editors pick on the Edge Addons Store, holding several top positions when launching on Product Hunt and currently being a part of the AppSumo select offer. In the upcoming months, they plan to fundraise and release the team version of Collabwriting. Additionally, they would like to conduct further testing on their app. Therefore, any team of content marketers, researchers, or consultants willing to test their app is more than welcome to get in touch with them.

The first golf course in Montenegro. Discover what makes it unique!

Montenegro, a captivating tourist destination, is set to offer a new experience with its upcoming 18-hole golf course in the Lustica Bay complex. Designed by renowned architect Gary Player, the course embodies a commitment to preserving natural beauty. Alongside the golf course, there are plans to construct a collection of properties called Botanika, comprising 7 villas, 12 townhouses, and 39 apartments, designed by Block 722 and NRA Atelier. These developments are part of the ambitious Master Plan, worth 400 million euros, which includes 130 villas, 520 apartments, a golf hotel, and a golf club. The golf course's exceptional location provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea and the UNESCO World Heritage Bay of Kotor. Montenegro, an evolving premier destination, seamlessly combines natural wonders with enticing attractions.

ProCredit Holding driving green loans and sustainability in Southeastern Europe

The German-based company, ProCredit Holding, has a strategic focus on expanding its portfolio of green loans, particularly in key markets like Southeastern Europe. In the previous year, green loans accounted for 20.2% of their total portfolio, and this year, they aim to increase that percentage to 25%. With 90% of their portfolio concentrated in Southeastern Europe, this region holds significant importance for ProCredit Holding. In addition to striving for a sustainable and profitable business model, ProCredit Holding aims to have a positive impact on their clients, the economy, and the environment. They have already implemented notable projects in Kosovo, including a 2.5 million euro solar park. However, the company acknowledges that the regulatory framework for renewable energy sources in Kosovo is not yet at an ideal level, which may pose challenges to investments. Nonetheless, ProCredit Holding remains optimistic about achieving an ecological transition in Kosovo, despite these regulatory barriers.

Which Southeastern European country will achieve the highest GDP growth?

According to forecasts from the Vienna Institute for International Economic Studies (WiiW), Montenegro is expected to lead the region with a gross domestic product (GDP) growth of 3.5 percent in 2023. Kosovo follows closely with a projected GDP growth of 3.4 percent, followed by Albania at 3.1 percent, Croatia at 2.5 percent, North Macedonia at 1.6 percent, Bosnia and Herzegovina at 1.5 percent, and Serbia at 1.3 percent. The Vienna Institute's report covers 23 countries in Central, Eastern, and Southeastern Europe, providing a comprehensive analysis of macroeconomic indicators. Furthermore, the institute's analysis predicts that Hungary will experience a decline in GDP by -0.5 percent. Additionally, the report indicates an average growth slowdown of 1.2 percent for members of the EU region.