The Western Balkans are proving to be fertile ground for the young and ambitious innovators, with the region also slowly emerging on the investor map in recent years. From AI to e-commerce to various marketplaces for digital tools and services, we present our selection of the six best startups in the Western Balkans.
Name: Brand Solution, based in North Macedonia
Based in North Macedonia Branded solution is a digital marketing agency and educational center for marginalized groups in society. Its main product is called “Best Online Assistant” – a marketplace where people with disabilities can learn digital skills and knowledge in the areas of digital marketing and start a well-paying job.
The development of the “Best Online Assistant” lasted two years and the social enterprise now also strives to work on the inclusion of vulnerable categories of citizens in the world of work in North Macedonia. walk. Brand Solution is currently one of the most exciting startups originating from the Western Balkans and its CEO, Elizabeta Jovanovska, is also involved in the country’s strategy for hiring and employing people with disabilities.
Name: Erudera, based in Kosovo
Based in Kosovo Erudera is an AI-powered education search platform, aiming to change the way students research their college and degree program options using technology. The platform aims to help students make decisions based on detailed data and insights.
Using AI and machine learning, Erudera students can search for the ideal university and study program recommended to them based on their personality, academic performance, career prospects and of their personal preferences.
Name: Opti.Space, based in Slovenia
Opti.Space is a Slovenia-based SaaS productivity platform that helps hybrid workplaces achieve higher engagement and more employee interactions by rewarding desired behavior through gamification.
Founded in 2019, the Slovenian startup’s app called Culturate has four main features: water cooler, congratulations, location calendar, and individual or group invitations. The platform allows easy access to all team members and attempts to replace the benefits of an office full of people eager to help, communicate and cooperate.
Name: CodeWell AI, based in North Macedonia
CodeWell AI is a platform that enables businesses to create AI-powered digital assistants, facilitating streaming operations and improving customer experience. The Macedonian company’s product stands out from other chatbots available on the market with its integrated functionalities such as human-level communication, sales process and consulting.
As a company, CodeWell has been in the market since 2011, delivering innovations to entrepreneurs and businesses around the world. The main focus of the CodeWell AI spin-off is the banking market and the company offers the chatbot as a SaaS model.
Name: Orea Bazaar, based in Bosnia and Herzegovina
Orea Bazaar is an online marketplace that supports the cottage industry by helping local makers connect with consumers around the world. The Bosnia-based platform focuses on an individual approach and the high quality of the products offered in order to achieve visibility of suppliers and the right matches for users. and customers.
Until now, Orea Bazaar works with more than 150 active stores and offers more than 5,000 products, making it the largest market for buying and selling handicraft products in Southeast Europe.
Name: Konceptiva, based in North Macedonia
Conceptual is a promising startup from North Macedonia working at the intersection of education and technology that implements a gamified HRTech platform for effective training called Coach.
Coach makes it easy to create reinforcement training and delivers it as a hands-on, content-based game that employees can play on their phones. By using the digital tool, employees can enrich their knowledge and the employer obtains detailed information in real time on the progress made.