Who we are
Overview: about the EBRDWho we are
Overview: about the EBRD
Learn about the EBRD's journey to investing more than €210 billion in over 7,400 projects.
What we do
Overview: how the EBRD operatesWhat we do
Overview: how the EBRD operates
Through projects, business services and involvement in high-level policy reform, we're doing more than ever before.
Work with us
Overview: how you can work with the EBRDWork with us
Overview: how you can work with the EBRD
We draw on three decades of regional knowledge and financial expertise to tailor our products and approaches to each client's needs.
Eng
Jane Doe
Eng
Empowering start-ups and accelerators to drive innovation across EBRD markets
The EBRD’s Star Venture programme provides high-potential start-ups and accelerators with the tools and expertise needed to succeed, and collaborates with governments, corporations and VC funds to build innovative entrepreneurial ecosystems across the EBRD’s regions.
350+
Portfolio start-ups
$550M+
Capital raised
26
Markets
36
Partner accelerators
We offer bespoke workshops, world-class mentoring, and hands-on advisory support.
Accelerators can access a wide range of advisory services to enhance their capacity in helping start-ups create and sustain value.
The Star Venture programme helps early-stage enterprises to develop and thrive with the help of its mentors.
Where we work
To date, Star Venture has directly supported over 350 early-stage companies in 26 markets, spanning the Southern and Eastern Mediterranean, the Western Balkans, Central Asia, Eastern Europe, the Caucasus, and Türkiye.
Submit your application above
3-4 weeks after the deadline, pitch your idea to experienced investors and EBRD staff
2-4 weeks after the pitching event, you'll find out if you were successful in joining the EBRD Star Venture community
1-2 weeks after the kick-off meeting, you'll start your first business diagnostics and advisory projects
Our impact
Since 2019, Star Venture has been at the forefront of the EBRD’s efforts to support early-stage start-ups with high growth potential in emerging markets. What started with a pilot in three countries, has now expanded to 26 markets, empowering over 350 selected start-ups and 36 local accelerators with the tools and resources needed to succeed. Our portfolio start-ups have collectively raised over EUR 573 million in funding and seen their average revenue grow sixfold, with more than three quarters experiencing positive revenue growth. A recent impact evaluation from the EBRD’s Office of the Chief Economist provides clear evidence of how our tailored advisory support and mentorship boost funding, team expansion, and market reach for start-ups in EBRD regions.
51%
are youth-led
34%
are women-led
43%
are green
$3.6B
Portfolio valuation
$2.9M
Average funding
26
Markets
$157M
Investment in 13 start-ups by EBRD investee VC funds
69%
of start-ups raised funding
76%
of start-ups grew revenue
$573M
total funding raised
starventure@ebrd.com
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