Catalyzing Albania's emerging startup ecosystem through cross-border innovation

Shkëlzen Marku (Growpreneur) & Ermelinda Hajdari (ALBAN Global)

In a landmark event for Albania's emerging startup landscape, ALBAN Global proudly participated in a panel discussion hosted by Growpreneur on March 12, 2025. This gathering marked a significant milestone with the launching of our partnership with Growpreneur, in our mission to connect cross-border innovation, make lasting impact, and bridge ambitious Albanian talent with vital capital resources.

Forging powerful partnerships

At the heart of this event was the signing of three crucial cooperation agreements between Growpreneur and key players in the startup ecosystem: Keiretsu Forum SEE, Germin, and ALBAN Global. This partnership with the dynamic accelerator Growpreneur, aligns perfectly with our vision to leverage extensive networks in support of Albanian startups, both within the country and across the diaspora.

Shkëlzen Marku from Growpreneur stated: "We're excited to have ALBAN Global as an important strategic partner. Their global network and expertise in cross-border investment will provide invaluable opportunities for Albanian startups to access international markets and capital. We chose to partner with ALBAN Global because their values are aligned with ours; especially their deep commitment to making a difference for the startups and the ecosystem."

Insights from the panel discussion

The recipe for successful investments

The panel, featuring a diverse group of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and seasoned investors, delved into the critical factors that make startups attractive for investment. As ALBAN Global, we emphasized the importance of innovative ideas that solve real-world problems and have the potential for global scalability.

Ardian Hoxha, president of Keiretsu Forum SEE, said that: "I believe the startup ecosystem in Albania is on the right track. We see positive developments daily, and as Angel Investors, we are very pleased."

Enhancing inter-institutional collaboration

A key focus of our discussion was the necessity of improved collaboration between various stakeholders in the ecosystem. Ermelinda Hajdari, representing ALBAN Global, highlighted the diversity of perspectives present:

"Several different viewpoints converged, not only regarding ecosystem challenges and startup hurdles but also injecting new ideas and opportunities, with a strong emphasis on collaboration."

This aligns perfectly with our mission to create synergies that propel Albanian startups onto the global stage.

Ledi Imeraj, General Director of the Agency of Innovation and Excellence in Albania, shared that: "By continuously adopting a growth- and value-driven mindset, the Albanian startup ecosystem can effectively leverage available support and resources, positioning itself as a beacon of innovation and economic growth in the region while showcasing the talent and ambition of its entrepreneurs."

Practical guidance for startups

As part of our commitment to nurturing talent, we shared practical advice for aspiring entrepreneurs, including:

• Developing robust, scalable business models

• Building diverse, skilled teams

• Crafting compelling pitches that resonate with international investors

• Navigating the regulatory landscape in Albania and beyond

Creating value and driving impact

At ALBAN Global, we strongly believe in the power of startups to create meaningful change. During the panel, we emphasized the importance of focusing on real value creation and positive societal impact. We encouraged startups to look beyond profit margins and consider how their innovations can contribute to solving pressing global challenges.

Patrik Fetaj, EU4Innovation: "Many investors, myself included in the past, have overlooked companies that later became unicorns. We must remember that game-changing ideas often come from unexpected places. While past performance is important, it's crucial to recognize the untapped potential within the Albanian startup scene. With their inherent resilience and determination, Albanian entrepreneurs deserve our belief and support, as they are more than capable of developing groundbreaking innovations for the country and beyond."

Harnessing diaspora potential

A crucial aspect of our mission is engaging the Albanian diaspora in the startup ecosystem. We fully support Lirim Krasniqi from Germin's statement:

"It's crucial to create relationships of trust, as the diaspora has the willingness to invest and contribute to Albania."

ALBAN Global is committed to building these bridges, connecting talented Albanian entrepreneurs worldwide with the resources and networks they need to succeed.

Lirim Krasniqi from Germin underscored the potential of engaging the Albanian diaspora in the startup ecosystem: "Through Germin, I have continuously worked on bringing the diaspora closer to their country of origin. In this regard, it is crucial to create relationships of trust, as the diaspora has the willingness to invest and contribute to Albania."

Looking to the future

The event concluded with the launch of Growpreneur's third call for applications, opening new avenues for ambitious founders seeking to accelerate their growth. As ALBAN Global, we're excited to support this initiative, offering our expertise and network to help innovative Albanian entrepreneurs develop their ideas and expand into new markets.

Our ongoing commitment

At ALBAN Global, we remain dedicated to fostering a robust startup ecosystem in Albania. By facilitating cross-border connections, attracting international investment, and nurturing local talent, we're working tirelessly to position Albania as an emerging hub for innovation in the region.

Our participation in events like this, and the resulting partnerships, are just the beginning. We're committed to continuing our efforts to connect resilient and ambitious Albanian talent—both within the country and in the diaspora—with the capital and resources needed to thrive on the global stage.

As we move forward, ALBAN Global invites all stakeholders in the Albanian startup ecosystem to join us in this exciting journey. Together, we can unlock the full potential of Albanian innovation, drive economic growth, and make a lasting impact on the global stage.