9 years back, after the first edition of Startup Weekend Tirana and its amazing success, the startup culture began to rise in Albania as well as the investing trend.
Although the country is often discussed as a “late entry” in the startup scene, there are still many promising opportunities for businesses that are working on unique ideas.
Ready to know some of the top-ranked startup investment firms in the area?
Well, let’s wait no longer and start discussing the list of the top 7 startup investors in Albania.
Top 7 Startup Investors in Albania
Before pitching, it is advised to do proper research and understand the mentality of the specific investors to whom you’re pitching. Following is the list of some of the top ranked startup investors in Albania.
Fondi BESA
Website: Fondi BESA SH.A. – Fondi BESA SH.A.
Investor Type: Investment Group
Investment Interests: Tech
Investment Stage: Early
Founded in 1994, Fondi BESA is an investment network in Albania. Fondi BESA’s mission is to contribute to economic growth and poverty reduction in urban and semi-urban areas by promoting micro, small, and medium enterprises. They help startups through their private micro-financial Albanian fund.
Moreover, Fondi BESA is recognized as one of the top microfinance institutions globally, as per Forbes’ assessment. It consists of around 5 investors who invest in startups through online and physical screening tests.
Once a startup has been selected for investment, the investors ensure it receives the best assistance through their mentorship programs and have an experienced network of mentors. The investment range of Fondi BESA is around €100,000. Some of their portfolio companies are:
Besa Agro Project: Besa Agro Project likely focuses on agricultural or agribusiness initiatives.
Zana e Maleve: Zana e Maleve is a startup that provides great tourism services.
Postjer Group: Postjer Group operates in technology, software, manufacturing, and business development.
TECS Capital
Website: TECS Capital
Investor Type: Alternative Investment Fund
Investment Interests: Software, Food, Blockchain, and Emerging Tech
Investment Stage: Seed
TECS Capital was founded in 2020 and is an Alternative Investment Fund. They target new Industry 4.0 venture opportunities, aiming to create value by commercializing research.
Similarly, TECS Capital backs science and emerging technology ventures from their inception. The investors fund startups at the Seed stage, prioritize trust, and founders with deep insights into their focus areas. They also focus on Deep Tech and Transformative Tech, seeking strong data cycles and innovative business models.
Aside from investment activities, TECS Capital also has a team of experienced mentors and arranges startup events. They arrange at least 2 networking events each year and also conduct startup accelerators.
The investment range of TECS Capital isn't mentioned on their website. Some portfolio companies are:
Cyclopt: The company focuses on software quality assurance and AI solutions.
Oliveex: A startup in the food technology domain, using IoT for smart solutions.
Cometogeather: Involved in blockchain technology, related to NFTs.
Biochip: A cleantech company working on sustainable solutions for environmental challenges.
Rockaway Capital
Website: Home - Rockaway (rockawaycapital.com)
Investor Type: Venture Capital Firm
Investment Interests: Tech and Media
Investment Stage: Seed and Late
Rockaway Capital is a venture capital investment firm based in Prague and was founded in 2013. With branches in Albania, the firm focuses on investing in various sectors, including e-commerce, online grocery, last-mile logistics, comparison shopping, e-travel, fintech, and other digitally-enabled areas.
The team of investors prefers startups that have a solid base and already have a strong revenue generation model to prove their growth. Startup leaders have to first reach out through online applications and highlight their startup achievements. If the startup aligns with the investment interests of the investors, the leader is invited for a physical screening test.
The investment range of Rockaway Capital is between €5M to €10M, as they invest at the seed stage. Some of their portfolio companies are:
Euromedia Group: Euromedia is a publishing and media company.
Invia Group: Invia Group is the largest online travel services company in Europe, bringing together selected travel agencies in seven countries.
Rockaway Arts: Rockaway Arts focuses on arts and cultural projects. Their approach combines perseverance, hard skills, and empathy.
Bringmeister: Bringmeister is an e-supermarket.
Creation Investments Capital Management, LLC
Website: Creation Investments Capital Management, LLC
Investor Type: Investment Network
Investment Interests: Fintech
Investment Stage: Seed
Creation Investments Capital Management, LLC, founded in 2013, is a global impact investment manager based in Chicago, Illinois. The investors at Creation Investments focus on investing in next-generation financial services to maximize both financial and social returns.
Moreover, Creation Investments has more than 40 unique lifetime investments across emerging markets and the developing world. The network consists of around 8 experienced investors who invest in startups that are providing real-time solutions for the related sector.
The investment range of Creation Investments Capital Management can range up to €5M. Some of their portfolio companies are:
AVLA: AVLA is a global insurance group offering comprehensive solutions across surety, trade credit, SME credit, and mortgage credit products.
Oxyzo: Oxyzo is the lending arm of SoftBank-backed B2B commerce startup OfBusiness. Oxyzo’s digital platform focuses on SME financing, aiming to empower small businesses.
Techreo: Techreo is a fintech startup that focuses on easing the modes of digital transactions.
Oxa Capital
Website: Oxa Capital – Your investment partner in SE Europe!
Investor Type: Venture Capital Firm
Investment Interests: Real Estate
Investment Stage: Seed
Oxa Capital is a venture capital firm based in Pristina. The network was founded in 2020 by Ilir Morina and Dren Hoxha. It seeks to invest in the South-Eastern European market by partnering on private equity deals in real estate, venture capital, and social impact investment.
The team of investors focuses on startups that have a proven revenue generation model and can generate 4-5x ROI. Once a startup has been provided with the investment, Oxa Capital also guides it through different stages.
The leaders at Oxa Capital arrange events to connect experienced personalities from their portfolio companies with aspiring entrepreneurs. These events provide practical advice, best practices, and networking opportunities.
The investment range of Oxa Capital lies between €1M to €5M. Some of their portfolio companies are:
Gjilan Mall: Gjilan Mall is an upcoming outdoor shopping mall in Kosovo, located in the heart of Gjilan. It aims to be the largest and brightest shopping destination in the region.
The Village: The Village is a real estate development project in Kosovo. It aims to create a vibrant community by combining residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
Invera Partners
Website: Home - Invera EP
Investor Type: PE Fund
Investment Interests: Tech, Food, and Real Estate
Investment Stage: Seed
Invera Partners, a private equity fund, was founded in 2020 by Ilir Morina and Dren Hoxha. The network of investors focuses on startups that are related to the tech and retail sectors.
During the screening tests, investors prefer startups that are growing expeditiously and have a strong growth potential. Moreover, the network invests in companies with competitive products or services that can cater to wider markets, preferably throughout the EU.
The investment range of Invera Partners is between €500,000 to €2M. Some of their portfolio companies are:
Marles Hiše Maribor: Marles Hiše Maribor is a Slovenian company specializing in the construction of prefabricated wooden houses and buildings.
Tina Export: Tina Export is a Croatian food processing company. They likely engage in the production, packaging, and distribution of food products.
Hotel Jadran: Hotel Jadran caters to tourists seeking high-end accommodations, offering breathtaking views and top-notch services.
Bosnalijek: Bosnalijek is a Bosnian and Herzegovinian pharmaceutical company. They likely produce and distribute pharmaceuticals, contributing to public health.
Prosperus Invest Fund Management
Website: Prosperus Invest Fund Management (prosperus-invest.hr)
Investor Type: Investor Group
Investment Interests: Tourism and Fintech
Investment Stage: Seed
Prosperus Invest Fund Management is an investor group with over twenty years of experience as entrepreneurs, managers, financiers, and investors in the Adria region. It was founded in 2010 and has invested in many companies since then.
The investors at Prosperus Invest Fund Management focus on value creation and fund companies that are bringing positive change. Moreover, Prosperus believes in inclusive job creation and growth. Their portfolio companies demonstrate a pattern where growth adds value to job creation and vice versa.
The investment range of Prosperus Invest Fund Management can range up to €5 million and €20 million. Some of their portfolio companies are:
Club Adriatic: Club Adriatic is a Croatian tourist company operating in areas of Istria, Kvarner, and Dalmatia. They specialize in hotels, camping sites, and resorts.
Plat Hotels and Villas: Plat Hotels and Villas likely operate in the hospitality sector, offering accommodations such as hotels and villas. They contribute to Croatia’s tourism industry.
J & T Banka: J & T Banka is a Czech investment bank.
How to Pitch to Angel Investors?
Even when you have a dedicated list, it might sound difficult to pitch to angel investors, that too when it’s your first investor meeting. Here's a short list to help you master the art of pitching to angel investors and securing the capital your startup needs.
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Research Your Angel Investors Before You Meet
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Be Passionate and Authentic in Your Purpose
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Tell a Compelling Story
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Keep Your Pitch Straightforward
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Introduce Your Team
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Include Rich and Concise Data
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Personalize Your Pitch for Your Audience
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Be Prepared to Answer Questions
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Practice Often and Improve Your Public Speaking Skills
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Meet With the Intention of Building Relationships
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Learn From Your Mistakes
Wrap-Up
In conclusion, it is advised to prepare a strong portfolio and pitch to relevant investors. Do strong research and always keep your pitch deck concise by adding valuable but short data.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do Angel Investors Provide Mentorship Programs?
A: Yes, many angel investors provide mentorship programs and financial support. They leverage their experience to offer strategic insights, assist in critical decision-making, and facilitate introductions to their network connections. This mentorship is pivotal for startups, aiding them in overcoming obstacles and expediting their growth trajectory.
Q: What is the difference between Venture Capital Firms and Individual Angel Investors?
A: Venture capital firms are organized setups that aggregate capital from various investors and deploy it into startups at a larger scale, offering expertise and guidance.
In contrast, individual angel investors are private individuals who invest personal funds directly into startups, typically at an early stage, using a more personalized approach and hands-on involvement in the startup's growth.
Q: How to make your startup investable?
A: To make a startup investible, focus on a scalable business model, a strong team, a well-defined market opportunity, and evidence of market validation.
