SEW26 – DAY 1 - Survival & Growth Day
SEW26 May 28, 2026 | Sofia
Startup Europe Week (SEW) is one of Europe’s largest regional entrepreneurship initiatives, connecting startups, investors, and ecosystem leaders across 300+ cities in more than 50 countries. Sofia has been part of the SEW network for nearly a decade, supporting innovation, entrepreneurship, and collaboration within the local and international startup ecosystem.
This year marks the 10-year anniversary edition of SEW Sofia, bringing together founders, investors, ecosystem leaders, and innovators for two days dedicated to growth, technology, AI, deep tech, cybersecurity, and the future of entrepreneurship.
📍 NETWORKING Premium Coworking & Event Spaces – Gurko Panorama Rooftop
🎟️ Free entry with registration
🌍 All sessions in English
17:00 – 17:30 Welcome & SEW Opening – Survival & Growth Day
17:30 – 18:30 Pitching Workshop, organized by Mila Stoyanova – DEA
18:30 – 19:30 Panel: The New Fundraising Reality
Speakers: Kristina Boseva (IMPETUS), Stoyan Nedin (Vitosha Venture Partners), Mariya Nenkova (Automotive & Mobility EDIH Bulgaria), Kostadin Mihaylov (BuddyGuard), BVCA, Moderator: Emil Shekerdzhiiski
19:30 – 19:45 The Emotional Cost of Building a Startup: What Breaks Founders by Bilyana Lesidrenska-Dimitrova from Botanic Lab
20:00 – 21:00 Panel: Sales as Survival – The Hidden Advantage
Speakers: Ivaylo Ivanov (Founder Institute), Borislav Borislavov, TBC, Moderator: Elena Peneva
21:00 – 21:30 Startup Arena: Finals
Jury: Irena Komitova, Ivaylo Ivanov, Krasimir Kehaiov, Gergana Stoichkova
Cocktail & Networking from 21:30
Networking, food, drinks, and conversations with founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders.
Drinks are complimentary thanks to SEW26 very special partners Devin, Heineken, and Bratanov Wines.
SPECIAL THANKS TO
Host of SEW26 Sofia:
NETWORKING Premium Coworking
Sponsors:
Devin, Heineken, Bratanov Wines, AnetFoto, Flag Flag, Omai.tv
Partners:
CyberCLUB, United Drone Community Association, DEA, Bright Mojo, Founder Institute CEE, IMPETUS, Vitosha Venture Partners, BVCA, Automotive & Mobility EDIH Bulgaria, BuddyGuard, Botanic Lab, shift^, Kingo, Ethermind, Infinitus Ltd, SentIRX, ATN Defence
Media Partner:
The Recursive