Small Hub, Global Ambition: The Ecosystem on the Rise @TechBBQ
TechBBQ Side Event | Hosted by Scale-Up Lab Western Balkans
How do high-potential startups scale internationally from smaller tech hubs? Join us during TechBBQ for an exclusive side event exploring cross-border expansion, venture capital, and global enterprise growth.
The best startups are thinking globally from day one. Building to solve a global problem from the start creates real scalability, while investors are increasingly looking beyond traditional major markets. As more high-potential startups emerge from smaller ecosystems, building a team and company in a smaller market can become an opportunity in itself.
Our panel brings together investors and founders to explore what this shift means, where they see the opportunities today, and how emerging hubs can compete on a global stage.
Scale-Up Lab Western Balkans is funded by SECO (Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs) and delivered by IFC (International Finance Corporation) in partnership with Plug and Play.
This event is co-hosted by Plug and Play and Digital Serbia Initiative.
Register to the event by clicking HERE!
Where
Event Room 4 · Hall C
What to Expect
11:45 Doors Open
12:00–12:15 Welcome & Introduction by Uranik Begu, Director @ Plug and Play
12:15–12:45 Panel: Matthieu Vallin, Partner @ Breega; Tobias Bengtsdahl, Partner @ Antler; and Miloš Đurđević, Co-founder & Co-CEO @ heyData, moderated by Tanja Kuzman, CEO @ Digital Serbia Initiative
12:45–13:10 Fireside Chat with Antigoni Kourou, CEO @ NEKOD, and Uranik Begu, Director CEE Region @ Plug and Play, moderated by Geoffrey Rolin Jaquemyns, Senior Associate @ Plug and Play
13:10–13:20 Q&A
13:20–14:30 Networking Lunch + Speed Dating with Startups
About Plug and Play
Plug and Play is a global innovation platform connecting startups, corporations, investors, and public institutions to accelerate innovation. With a presence across 60+ locations worldwide, it supports startups through accelerator programs, corporate innovation, investment, and ecosystem development. Its mission is to create meaningful connections that drive technological and economic progress.
About Digital Serbia Initiative
Digital Serbia Initiative (DSI) is a non-profit organization focused on developing a strong, globally competitive digital economy in Serbia. It brings together 30+ organizations from technology, finance, telecommunications, and education to foster innovation and strengthen the startup ecosystem. DSI also works to improve the regulatory environment and promote digital entrepreneurship.
Scale-Up Lab Western Balkans Startups Participating
Blaind: A technology startup developing AI-powered assistive devices that enable blind and visually impaired individuals to independently sign documents.
Country: Serbia
Bliss: A culturally attuned therapy platform tailored to diaspora communities and diverse global workforces, using AI digital companions and clinical guardrails to amplify human therapists.
Country: Finland / Albania
CompensationX: An AI-powered compensation platform that helps HR and Total Rewards teams benchmark salaries and benefits using real-time market data.
Country: Serbia
Easypay: An inclusive digital payments platform enabling domestic and cross-border payments, e-wallet services, and agent-based financial access.
Country: Albania
NEKOD: A quality assurance solution for vibe coding, designed to help solo builders and enterprise teams ship code with greater confidence and less friction.
Country: Netherlands / Albania
Swinto: A licensed digital finance company offering wallets, transfers, IBAN accounts, cards, SEPA payments, and digital loans through a single mobile app.
Country: Kosovo
For more info
Hannah Boomgaarden, Open Innovation Director at Plug and Play (hannah@pnptc.com)
Important Note: Space is limited and approval is required. Please note that a valid TechBBQ ticket is required to enter the venue and join this side event.