Croatia is situated in Eastern Europe, near Italy and Austria. Famous for its passionate football team, beautiful beaches and many tv shows that were recorded here such as Game of Thrones or the movie Mamma Mia. But when it is about business networking events and startup pitching competition - the community is still quite conservative. Founders Live event played a key part in creating a startup ecosystem in the Balkans with global vibes.

Barbara Maheshwari, CEO of Remote Bob, business consultant, and the proud city leader of Founders Live Zagreb, recaps the event:

I'm thrilled to share with you the exhilarating journey of our latest event, where innovation, collaboration, and dreams came alive. So, grab a cup of coffee and join me as I take you through the highlights, the moments of inspiration, and the connections that made Founders Live Zagreb an event to remember.

As the lights dimmed and the stage lit up, the anticipation in the air was palpable. Founders Live Zagreb was not just another event; it was a celebration of the incredible entrepreneurial spirit that thrives within our city. Months of planning, late nights fueled by passion, and the collective effort of an amazing team culminated in an atmosphere buzzing with excitement and limitless possibilities.

One by one, the courageous founders stepped onto the stage, ready to present their visions to a captivated audience. It was a moment of vulnerability and brilliance, as their carefully crafted pitches showcased groundbreaking ideas, disruptive technologies, and social impact initiatives. The passion and determination in their voices echoed through the room, igniting inspiration in everyone present.

1. Gruntek - Web platform for renting real garden - by Tino Prosenik

2. Clastr - Connecting gamers to gaming PCs - by Petar Starčević

3. SeaCras - Earth observation AI company for water quality monitoring - by Mario Špadina

4. Zuluhood - Digital platform for residential security services - by Maja Krejci

5. Peekator - All-in-one solution for quantitative research- by Mario Mucalo Marin Mrša 

Other than these fantastic startups, popular speaker and pitching coach, Peter Hopwood, co-facilitated the night. 

Founders Live Zagreb is more than just an event; it's a vibrant community that believes in the power of collaboration and support. As the organizer, seeing founders, investors, and industry experts come together under one roof was truly remarkable. The connections formed, the conversations sparked, and the knowledge shared were invaluable. It's within this community that dreams find nurturing soil to grow and thrive.

The biggest coworking in Croatia - Wespa Spaces - sponsored and supported the event, together with pottery art studio, Art Lab, and sustainable, handmade bag designer, Luda Baba. We would like to thank our sponsors once again for making this happen!

During the event, we took a moment to recognize and celebrate the incredible success stories that have emerged from our vibrant startup ecosystem. From humble beginnings to remarkable achievements, these founders have faced challenges head-on, overcome obstacles, and emerged as shining examples of what can be accomplished with passion, resilience, and determination. Their stories inspired us all to reach for the stars.

As the night came to a close, a sense of excitement and anticipation filled the air. Founders Live Zagreb has become a catalyst for change, propelling our startup community forward. But this is just the beginning. We are committed to expanding our support, providing more resources, mentorship opportunities, and fostering an ecosystem where startups can thrive. The journey continues, and the future holds endless possibilities.

Our guest speakers were inspiring mentors, Natasa and Marina, from Mentoring Byte, a social impact network for free mentorship in IT, who offer support to founders and other professionals in Croatia. Many people from the audience decided to take advantage of these valuable opportunities for personal and business growth.

Going solo to business networking events in Croatia used to be awkward and unusual. Founders Live brand is bringing the global taste of the business community to Croatia. Every individual was welcomed to the event and introduced to at least 3 people. Many of them left with new jobs, partners, investors or even - friends.

Founders Live Zagreb is not just an event; it's a movement that unites dreamers, innovators, and changemakers. As the organizer, I am immensely proud to witness the energy, creativity, and determination that permeate our entrepreneurial ecosystem. Together, we are shaping the future of Zagreb's startup landscape, and I am honored to be a part of this incredible journey.

Let's continue to ignite the spark, push boundaries, and inspire the next generation of trailblazers!