The end of May marks the successful conclusion of the V4-Ukraine Talent Fusion Program, a pivotal initiative designed to empower and integrate tech talent across the Visegrad region organised by Obuda Uni Venture Capital (HU), Accelpoint (PL), Rivne IT Cluster (UA), and Insane Business Ideas (CZ). Funded by the International Visegrad Fund, the program has significantly helped startups get visibility and fostered innovation.
The program kicked off in March with the Tech Talent Superstars Events organised in Budapest, Prague, and Warsaw where the goal was to inspire the community. Together the events draw around 250 interested startup enthusiasts from all over the V4 region for some inspiring conversions about topics of minority and female inclusion as well as access to capital for young entrepreneurs.
The second pillar of the programme was the Go & Grow Masterclasses Series, in which 12 online sessions disseminated practical knowledge to the ecosystem. During these classes, more than 300 people registered to be part of the learning experience. From these amazing lectures on the program’s website, there is a Knowledge Hub where anyone can watch back all the webinars!
The last part of the project was the #IamPitching @CEEcosystem Summit Competition which started with an online round that invited startups from the V4 and Ukraine to apply with a two-minute video pitch. The videos are featured on the program’s website and YouTube channel, where the startups had to gather votes to win special prizes. The most popular teams were SUPPtrail, Zonifero, and DEPO who could bring home thousands of euros in prizes offered by Tőkeportál, Infobip, MBH Fintechlab, Startup Online, StartupBlink, ROI Joy Agency, Global Startup Awards, CIB Bank, the Budapest Stock Exchange and Spizmüller Bence Law Firm.
After the online round, the whole program culminated in Budapest, with a dedicated pitching event in front of a competent jury, consisting of fundraising experts and investors: Péter Oszkó the founder and managing partner of OXO Holdings, Imre Hild the CEO of Obuda Uni Venture Captial, Mary Alcantara investment partner of Interactive Venture Partners and Baiba Rozenberga the Head of Startups at MBH Fintechlab. 6 teams represented Poland, 3 teams the Checz Republic, 3 Hungray and 1 Ukraine, who we managed to connect online to the event to pitch in front of the investors. The provision for accommodation for two nights was covered for the participants and the project partners so they could spend a lovely time in the Hungarian capital.
The organisers extend their deepest gratitude to all the participants, partners, mentors, and supporters of the V4-Ukraine Talent Fusion Program. Each participant brought unique insights and innovations that have significantly contributed to strengthening the regional tech ecosystems. The partners provided invaluable support and resources that made it possible to offer a rich, impactful experience. It is very inspiring to see what was achieved during this program and look forward to continuing the journey towards fostering innovation and growth within the Visegrad region and beyond.