Over the past two days, we once again confirmed that mentors are among the Raising Starts program’s strongest links and driving forces. Connect Days 2024, a mentoring gathering, further strengthened the connections between mentors and startups from the program’s fourth cycle.

This year’s special X-factor involved relocating the event to a natural setting, which fostered even more intensive collaboration between startups and mentors, who have been tirelessly working over the past six months. Adding to the significance and inspiration of the event was the exchange of insights about different ecosystems, with mentors joining from across the globe—from the US, London, and all over Europe!

The mentors’ visit was also an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of the four completed cycles of the Raising Starts program with supported startups, mentors and partners from the ecosystem. Over the past four years, the program has received more than 770 applications, providing professional and financial support to 75 startups. Through direct grants and mentorship, the program has invested over €1.5 million into startups, while the supported companies have attracted nearly €6 million in new investments during and after participating in the program. These figures underscore the program’s immeasurable impact in helping new startups secure additional funding and grow.

Notably, 25% of supported startups received additional grants and professional assistance for intellectual property protection, while 40% of supported teams are led by women founders, highlighting the diversity and strength of the community.

We were especially honored to welcome the Swiss Ambassador to Serbia, H.E. Anne Lugon-Moulin, and Vladimir Radovanović, Assistant Minister from the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation.

Connect Days 2024 was organized as part of the project “Technopark Serbia 2—Boosting Exports Through Technoparks,” implemented by STP Belgrade with the support of the Swiss Government.