Agenda

12 May 2025
Stream

Registration and Start-up Showcase

Engage with leading Star Venture start-ups and accelerators as they showcase cutting-edge innovations.

A unique opportunity to network, discover emerging trends, and meet founders.

Stream

Welcome Remarks

Jürgen Rigterink
First Vice President,
EBRD
Zsuzsanna Hargitai
Managing Director, SME Finance & Development ,
EBRD

An introduction to the Star Venture Programme—its impact to date and vision for the future.

Stream

Keynote speech

Alain El Hajj
Co-founder & COO,
Paymob

Highlight challenges faced by startups in emerging markets and importance of programs like Star Venture.



Stream

Inside the Venture Journey – Insights from founders and VCs

Youssef Mamou
Founder & co-CEO,
YolaFresh
Altin Kadareja
CEO,
CardoAI
Ervin Luga
Director, Head of VCIP,
EBRD
Michael Parry
Associate Director, Regional Head, Equity Funds,
EBRD
Moderator
Alisee de Tonnac
Co-founder and Co-CEO,
Seedstars

Live interviews with 2 Star Venture successful startup founders and EBRD VCs and fund of fund VCs. Discuss the opportunities in EBRD’s region and fundraising challenges.

Stream

Fireside Chat: The Future of Start-up Acceleration

Miloš Matić
Partner,
ICT Hub Venture
Alim Khamitov
CEO,
MOST Ventures
Kutay Ak
Senior Principal,
Mastercard
Moderator
Jurga Mečinskienė
Associate partner,
CIVITTA

A candid discussion with leading accelerators on what’s shaping the future of start-up ecosystems.

Explore trends, challenges, and what makes support programmes effective.

Stream

VC Insights Panel: Navigating investment opportunities in SSA

Kevin Simmons
General Partner,
LoftyInc Capital Management
Dare Odumade
Founder and CEO,
Chekkit Technologies
Moderator
Paolo Monaco
Director, Financial Products SME F&D,
EBRD

Leading VCs and founders discuss the opportunities, challenges, and key sectors driving start-up success in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Networking Drinks

Join us for an exclusive evening of networking with industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs over drinks and canapés at Madison Rooftop Bar, with breathtaking views of St. Paul’s Cathedral.

Stream

Registration and Start-up Showcase

Engage with leading Star Venture start-ups and accelerators as they showcase cutting-edge innovations.

A unique opportunity to network, discover emerging trends, and meet founders.

Stream

Welcome Remarks

Jürgen Rigterink
First Vice President,
EBRD
Zsuzsanna Hargitai
Managing Director, SME Finance & Development ,
EBRD

An introduction to the Star Venture Programme—its impact to date and vision for the future.

Stream

Keynote speech

Alain El Hajj
Co-founder & COO,
Paymob

Highlight challenges faced by startups in emerging markets and importance of programs like Star Venture.



Stream

Inside the Venture Journey – Insights from founders and VCs

Youssef Mamou
Founder & co-CEO,
YolaFresh
Altin Kadareja
CEO,
CardoAI
Ervin Luga
Director, Head of VCIP,
EBRD
Michael Parry
Associate Director, Regional Head, Equity Funds,
EBRD
Moderator
Alisee de Tonnac
Co-founder and Co-CEO,
Seedstars

Live interviews with 2 Star Venture successful startup founders and EBRD VCs and fund of fund VCs. Discuss the opportunities in EBRD’s region and fundraising challenges.

Stream

Fireside Chat: The Future of Start-up Acceleration

Miloš Matić
Partner,
ICT Hub Venture
Alim Khamitov
CEO,
MOST Ventures
Kutay Ak
Senior Principal,
Mastercard
Moderator
Jurga Mečinskienė
Associate partner,
CIVITTA

A candid discussion with leading accelerators on what’s shaping the future of start-up ecosystems.

Explore trends, challenges, and what makes support programmes effective.

Stream

VC Insights Panel: Navigating investment opportunities in SSA

Kevin Simmons
General Partner,
LoftyInc Capital Management
Dare Odumade
Founder and CEO,
Chekkit Technologies
Moderator
Paolo Monaco
Director, Financial Products SME F&D,
EBRD

Leading VCs and founders discuss the opportunities, challenges, and key sectors driving start-up success in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Networking Drinks

Join us for an exclusive evening of networking with industry leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs over drinks and canapés at Madison Rooftop Bar, with breathtaking views of St. Paul’s Cathedral.