Stefan Doykin, Member of the Supervisory Board of the Fund of Funds, delivered a lecture to third-year students majoring in Entrepreneurship at the Business Faculty of the University of National and World Economy (UNWE) on the topic “Financing Digital Start-up Businesses”. The event was held at the invitation of Assoc. Prof. Nikolay Vankov, PhD, Vice Dean for Research Activities, and provided future entrepreneurs with first-hand insight into the practical mechanisms for business support available in Bulgaria.
During the meeting, Stefan Doykin presented the role of the Fund of Funds as a structure managing resources under programmes co-financed by the European funds, with a focus on improving access to financing, building national capacity and mobilising additional private resources. Particular attention was also paid to the main types of financial instruments – loans, equity and quasi-equity investments, and guarantees.
The students showed strong interest in the specific financing opportunities available to start-up companies established by students and PhD candidates. The conditions under the instruments, financed through the Programme Education 2021–2027, were presented, targeting companies in which students and/or PhD candidates hold at least 50% of the capital and participate directly in the management of the business. It was explained that the funding may be used for investments in tangible and intangible assets, working capital, as well as for training and development of entrepreneurial skills.
Among the most practical highlights were the micro-loans of up to EUR 50,000, with the possibility of a grace period of up to 24 months, no annual servicing fee and no requirement for own financial contribution, as well as the fund for start-ups established by students and PhD candidates, offering investments ranging from EUR 25,000 to EUR 150,000.
The lecture also presented the broader opportunities for supporting innovative, digital and technology-oriented businesses, as well as initiatives aimed at promoting youth entrepreneurship, including the “Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria” competition. The students were also introduced to successful examples of projects and start-ups supported by the Fund of Funds, which added an even stronger practical and motivational dimension to the meeting.
The lecture was followed by a discussion on topics related to financing opportunities and the strengthening of entrepreneurial ideas.
The signed Memorandum and the partnership with UNWE represent another step towards building a closer connection between academia and real financing opportunities, with a focus on supporting young people and fostering the development of innovative ideas and business initiatives.
