
Startup support
During our 24-month programme, selected startups will gain access to an exclusive network of mentors, investors, corporate partners, advisers and all the tools needed to grow their ventures.
Who we are
Overview: about the EBRDWho we are
Overview: about the EBRDLearn 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 operatesThrough 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 EBRDWe draw on three decades of regional knowledge and financial expertise to tailor our products and approaches to each client's needs.
Empowering startups and accelerators to drive innovation across EBRD markets
The EBRD’s Star Venture programme provides high-potential startups and accelerators with the tools and expertise needed to succeed, and collaborates with governments, corporations and venture capital (VC) funds to build innovative entrepreneurial ecosystems across the EBRD’s regions.
350+
Portfolio startups
US$ 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 startups 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
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 and the Caucasus, and Türkiye.
Submit your application above
Three to four weeks after the deadline, you'll pitch your idea to experienced investors and EBRD staff
Two to four weeks after the pitching event, you'll find out if you were successful in joining the EBRD Star Venture community
One to two 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 startups 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 startups and 36 local accelerators with the tools and resources needed to succeed. Our portfolio startups have collectively raised over €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 startups in EBRD regions.
51%
are youth-led
34%
are women-led
43%
are green
US$ 3.6bn
Portfolio valuation
US$ 2.9m
Average funding
26
Markets
US$ 157m
Investment in 13 startups by EBRD investee VC funds
69%
of startups raised funding
76%
of startups grew revenue
US$ 573m
total funding raised
starventure@ebrd.com
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