KOSOVO – 2016 was the year of international breakthrough for the startup sector in Pristina. The capital of the young republic of Kosovo showed the world several examples of their strength.
Since a couple of years, the IT startup sector (or tech sector) of Kosovo is becoming more professional. One of the thriving factors is the Innovation Centre Kosovo (ICK).
ICK executive director Uranik Begu sees some positive signs in terms of improving overall general condition on starting up and doing business in Kosovo. “We have begun creating our stories. Some puzzle pieces could contribute to an overall positive image of Kosovo. The successes in 2016 came as a result of that very important link that the Kosovo startup scene has with Kosovars abroad and students that have studied abroad. Now these people see an opportunity to come back to Kosovo and start a business here.”
But Begu has also a number of concerns: “Startups in Kosovo still face many difficulties in terms of absence of direct support and access to finance.”
Desktop 3d printer made in Kosovo
One of the ICK incubators surprised this year friend and foe with a desktop 3d printer.
Another relatively new company (and former ICK incubator) from Pristina became international news after a 2 million dollar venture capital investment. This investment might be the biggest in the whole region for an IT startup.
Gjirafa.com is a digital platform for Albanian speaking users in Kosovo, Albania and Macedonia.
When we interviewed him in February, he came with the promise that he would launch an ‘Albanian Amazon.com’. And we have to say: he did. From now on it’s possible to order popular electronic articles online, and receive them within three days.
Kickstarter superstar
Another great achievement is the role of Solaborate. This company, founded by an American from Kosovo, came with ‘Hello’.
The company Solaborate is both based in the United States and in Kosovo. In the capital of the young Balkan state, Pristina, are dozens of employees.
For two hundred dollars, everyone can purchase a sophisticated video device that makes video conference easier. Personally, we are looking forward to use the Hello in our own house. While working at the office, we are in the possibility to see the kids playing at home.
‘These companies will attract investors from abroad’
ICK director Begu expects more successes in the near future, but sees a lot of things that need to be changed in his country.
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