Why I'm visiting Our Newest City Partner in Belgrade, Serbia

originally posted on https://springu.is/visiting-newest-city-partner-belgrade-serbia/

At Spring, we believe in working with people who see the power of impact entrepreneurship in their community and at the world at large. People who see the value of bringing core pieces of programming and making it available to their community who see the power of connecting like-minded entrepreneurs across cities, regions, countries, continents, and creating lasting impact. When I met Nenad and Gaia from Impact Hub Belgrade, I found people who had the same vision as Spring. It was about what they stand for and how they act in their community as role models, leaders, and innovators — that’s what we look for in our City Partners.

For the first time this December, I’ll be traveling abroad to visit Spring’s newest City Partner, Impact Hub Belgrade in the capital and largest city of Serbia. Over a total of five cities in twelve days, I’ll be putting ourselves in front of entrepreneurs and the communities around the world making sure we’re delivering value and supporting them.

The number one thing I’m most excited about this trip is the people. Meeting the entrepreneurs, hearing their stories, what’s working, what’s not, and figuring out how Spring can support their growth. I want to understand what the marketplace needs that is unique and what the marketplace needs that is a universal truth.

Here are a few highlights of what I’ll be doing in Belgrade:

• Coach our City Partner’s cohort companies who will pitch for funding at the Belgrade Venture Forum (BVF), the largest venture capital and private equity investment forum in Serbia.Keep an eye out for Koba Yagi Toys who create quality toys that promote DIY culture, eco-design, and the basic idea that the toy is a process, not a finished product. Also Sunthetic, who create solar-powered case covers for smartphones and tablets.
• Lead a workshop at BVF on Lessons for Startups — Emerging Entrepreneurs and Changemakers.
• Deliver a talk at BVF on Social Entrepreneurs — Changing The World For the Better. The goal is for people to understand that social entrepreneurship is no longer defined by hard boxes — “I must start a charity,” or “I must be in a specific industry like urban composting to create change.” I want to let them know that all entrepreneurs and all businesses have the power to create positive impact.
• Work with the management team at Impact Hub Belgrade to explore impact investment opportunities.
• Visit Belgrade’s neighbouring city, Novi Sad, to discuss social banking and work with the Novi Sad Incubator on their pre-incubation program.

That’s all for my first week in Belgrade and I’m just getting starting. This trip wouldn’t have been possible if it wasn’t for Impact Hub Belgrade and Swiss Contact and I sincerely thank them for their generosity and time.

Stay tuned for my second week, I’ll be traveling to Bosnia, where I’ll be visiting local social incubators, accelerators, and angel investment groups.