Investors Business Conference
Join the most edgy investment conference where we cultivate knowledge, foster connections and praise great investments.
The Investors Edge is part of the SLOVENIAN STARTUP FORUM, uniting key stakeholders and government leaders to advance the Slovenian Startup Strategy 2030. Exploring bold goals, such as doubling the number of startups and significantly boosting venture capital, while showcasing international best practices and solutions to position Slovenia among Europe’s top startup ecosystems.
ABOUT THE INVESTORS EDGE CONFERENCE
The idea of an investment edge is quite simple. It means that there are some features of an investment behaviour that increase the chances of better outcomes. Although the concept is simple, finding these advantages and creating an environment that favours them is a major challenge.
Edge is a fairly simple concept and refers to something that gives you an advantage over other investors. The investor’s edge is what allows you to succeed as an investor. Edge is also relevant if you have chosen a managed fund, actively managed to outperform the return of an index.
There are three main things that give investors an edge – informational advantages, analytical advantages and behavioural advantages.
Join us at the edgiest investment conference where we value knowledge, foster connections and praise great investment.
When?
28-29 January 2025
Where?
Bled Rose Hotel
When?
28-29 January 2025
Where?
As of the 9th of June, the conference is fully booked, therefore you can only join the online version.
WHY ATTEND?
Would you like to know why the conference will definitely be worthwhile?
FOR INVESTORS
Finding the right addition to your investment portfolio has never been easier. Slovenia is increasingly becoming a springboard for successful investors. With companies like Outfit 7, Bird Buddy, Hooray Heroes, Salesquezze, Grashka and many more. What’s next? Gain the right knowledge to do better, bolder and faster Exits.
Come and see for yourself!
The Investors Edge brings together practical knowledge, investment opportunities and the region’s brightest minds in one place – The Investors Edge Conference.
Reserve your spot ASAP, seats are limited!
FOR STARTUPS
The investors Edge is the hotspot for you and your business. Listen, observe and discuss in various parts of event, designed to skyrocket your startup. It is THE event for your life-changing connections with investors, partners, and new valuable customers.
Reserve your spot asap, number is limited!
The Investors Edge is the hotspot for you and your business. Listen, watch and discuss the various parts of the event designed to skyrocket your startup. It’s THE event for your life-changing connections with investors, partners and new valuable customers.
Reserve your spot ASAP, seats are limited!
“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.”
– James Cash Penney.
PROGRAM
Look through what we have in store for you. Parts of the program are not yet fully finalised and are still being added.
Tuesday, 28 January
14:00
REGISTRATION
15:00 – 15:15
Shaping the Future: Slovenia at the Crossroads of Opportunity
15:15 – 16:00
Why public money kicks ass?
16:05 – 17:05
From LOI to ROI: The Future of VC
CAFFEINATED CAPITAL PAUSE
17:20 – 17:50
Money Talks, But ESG Sings: Investing with a Conscience
18:00-19:00 SHOWROOM
JOIN THE COMMUNITY DRIVING THE GROWTH OF STARTUPS AND SCALEUPS
Slovenian startup and Scaleup Association meet-up
Powered by Connect2Scale
1. Matevž Frangež, Secretary-General at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism, and Sports, presenting summaries from the Slovenian Startup Forum and comment on current developments in the political arena.
2. A roundtable with Matevž Frangež, representatives from the Slovenian Enterprise Fund and SPIRIT.
19:00
EAT, DRINK, BOND, REPEAT!
Welcome to the only dinner party where gourmet cuisine takes a backseat to shenanigans! Picture this: a battle in a ring, investors armed with forks, knives, and wildly questionable investment advice. We’ll dive into a buffet of flavors so delicious, they’ll overshadow your most embarrassing stories (and let’s face it, we all have those).
Dress code: Unicorns only! 
Wednesday, 29 January
8:00
REGISTRATION
9:00 – 9:30
The Unicorn Factory: What Makes Startup Ecosystems Thrive
Alex Kovbasko
9:35 – 10:20
From Lab Coats to Lambos: Investing in the Future of Deep Tech
10:25 – 10:55
Money + Purpose = Magic: Making Money While Changing the World
10:25–11:30 MASTER’S ROOM
VESNA DEEP TECH VENTURE FUND, ADVISORY PANEL
10:55 – 11:30
INVESTOR ESPRESSO EXCHANGE
11:30 – 12:30
The Investor's Edge: Get Your Hands Dirty, Negotiate Hard, Win Big
12:45 – 13:30
Collaboration Over Competition: Why Angels and VCs Make the Ultimate Power Duo
Jacopo Losso (moderator), Jesper Jarlbæk, Rok Habinc, Michal Csonga, Nina Dremelj, Paul G. Putz
13:30
BREAK BREAD, BUILD BONDS
15:00 – 18:00
EXPLORE PROGRAMS
TBD
SPEAKERS
FRANCESCO CRACOLICI
Nomadic Minds
Francesco Cracolici is the CEO of Nomadic Minds, an organization that bridges Silicon Valley with global ecosystems through mentorship, investment, and innovation. With extensive experience in connecting startups to global investors and corporate partners, Francesco is a key player in fostering international startup growth, especially in the Mediterranean region. “Palermitano” and nominated Best Investor UNDER 30 in 2023, in his career he invested, as a private or syndicate lead, in 30+ startups, managed +30 accelerator cohorts, and established 4 angel clubs in 4 different countries.
FRANCESCO CRACOLICI
Nomadic Minds
Francesco Cracolici is the CEO of Nomadic Minds, an organization that bridges Silicon Valley with global ecosystems through mentorship, investment, and innovation. With extensive experience in connecting startups to global investors and corporate partners, Francesco is a key player in fostering international startup growth, especially in the Mediterranean region. “Palermitano” and nominated Best Investor UNDER 30 in 2023, in his career he invested, as a private or syndicate lead, in 30+ startups, managed +30 accelerator cohorts, and established 4 angel clubs in 4 different countries.
VUK LAU
Silicon Garden Funds
SaaS veteran with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Built multiple high-performance global teams. Currently a Partner @ Silicon Gardens Fund and Board President of the Startup and Scaleup Association at the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce. Experienced investor, startup advisor, and mentor specialized in early-stage strategy and business development. Avid gamer. Passionate scuba diver
VUK LAU
Silicon Garden Funds
SaaS veteran with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Built multiple high-performance global teams. Currently a Partner @ Silicon Gardens Fund and Board President of the Startup and Scaleup Association at the Slovenian Chamber of Commerce. Experienced investor, startup advisor, and mentor specialized in early-stage strategy and business development. Avid gamer. Passionate scuba diver
JEFFERY POTVIN
Open People Network
Jeffery Potvin is an investor in ESG, climate, and green tech, with close to 100 companies in his portfolio and nearly 10 successful exits, including Flow (public), Enthusiast Gaming (public), and Rover (sold). He’s a property investor and has traveled to 100 countries.
As a 3x founder of Hardboot, Open People Network, and general partner of the Supporters Fund, Jeffery is set out to raise a $50 million third fund focused on the regenerative and circular economy. He has hosted 171 podcasts, connecting with investors worldwide.
JEFFERY POTVIN
Open People Network
Jeffery Potvin is an investor in ESG, climate, and green tech, with close to 100 companies in his portfolio and nearly 10 successful exits, including Flow (public), Enthusiast Gaming (public), and Rover (sold). He’s a property investor and has traveled to 100 countries.
As a 3x founder of Hardboot, Open People Network, and general partner of the Supporters Fund, Jeffery is set out to raise a $50 million third fund focused on the regenerative and circular economy. He has hosted 171 podcasts, connecting with investors worldwide.
MOHAMED SHEHAB ELDIN
RESOLVE Consulting
Shehab ElDin is an international speaker, storyteller, and leadership advisor with 24 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, startups, public sectors, and academia. He specializes in conflict resolution, negotiation, and corporate communication.
Shehab is the CEO of RESOLVE Consulting, co-founder of TechneSummit.com and Alex Angels, and an investor in renewable energy and trade sectors. He also co-founded Nahdet ElMahrousa, Egypt’s leading social enterprise incubator, and served as the Founding Curator of the Cairo Hub for the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community.
MOHAMED SHEHAB ELDIN
RESOLVE Consulting
Shehab ElDin is an international speaker, storyteller, and leadership advisor with 24 years of experience working with Fortune 500 companies, startups, public sectors, and academia. He specializes in conflict resolution, negotiation, and corporate communication.
Shehab is the CEO of RESOLVE Consulting, co-founder of TechneSummit.com and Alex Angels, and an investor in renewable energy and trade sectors. He also co-founded Nahdet ElMahrousa, Egypt’s leading social enterprise incubator, and served as the Founding Curator of the Cairo Hub for the World Economic Forum’s Global Shapers Community.
MAGDY SHEHATA
Söderhub
Magdy Shehata is a serial entrepreneur, board member, and angel investor. He founded Söderhub, a Swedish consultancy connecting Nordic companies with MENA opportunities, and co-founded FunRock, a mobile gaming company, and Fragbite Group, a publicly traded gaming and e-sports M&A firm.
An active investor and mentor, Magdy serves on boards such as Recoma, a pioneer in circular construction, and advises startups and VC funds across Europe and MENA. He is part of the Swedish Institute Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL) and Alexandria Angels Network.
Magdy is pursuing a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management at KTH in Stockholm and holds an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management from KTH and a BSc in Computer Engineering from Pharos University.
MAGDY SHEHATA
Söderhub
Magdy Shehata is a serial entrepreneur, board member, and angel investor. He founded Söderhub, a Swedish consultancy connecting Nordic companies with MENA opportunities, and co-founded FunRock, a mobile gaming company, and Fragbite Group, a publicly traded gaming and e-sports M&A firm.
An active investor and mentor, Magdy serves on boards such as Recoma, a pioneer in circular construction, and advises startups and VC funds across Europe and MENA. He is part of the Swedish Institute Network for Future Global Leaders (NFGL) and Alexandria Angels Network.
Magdy is pursuing a Ph.D. in Entrepreneurship and Strategic Management at KTH in Stockholm and holds an MSc in Entrepreneurship and Innovation Management from KTH and a BSc in Computer Engineering from Pharos University.
ROK HABINC
Pan-Adria Ventures
Pan-Adria Ventures is raising a sector-agnostic €70M Venture fund with focus on early growth companies primarily located in Slovenia. Prior to starting Pan-Adria Ventures, Rok was a founding partner at STH Ventures venture fund and an active business angel, Board member at Business Angels of Slovenia. His previous experience includes being a CEO and owner of a machine-building factory, executive positions in general management and fund management companies, and involvement in M&A projects in the financial services, packaging, telecommunications, and IT sectors.
Rok holds a B.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Ljubljana, an MBA from Emory University and is a CFA® charterholder.
ROK HABINC
Pan-Adria Ventures
Pan-Adria Ventures is raising a sector-agnostic €70M Venture fund with focus on early growth companies primarily located in Slovenia. Prior to starting Pan-Adria Ventures, Rok was a founding partner at STH Ventures venture fund and an active business angel, Board member at Business Angels of Slovenia. His previous experience includes being a CEO and owner of a machine-building factory, executive positions in general management and fund management companies, and involvement in M&A projects in the financial services, packaging, telecommunications, and IT sectors.
Rok holds a B.Sc. degree in electrical engineering from the University of Ljubljana, an MBA from Emory University and is a CFA® charterholder.
NINA URBANIČ
SLOVENE ENTERPRISE FUND
Nina is adviser for equity investment monitoring and reporting at Slovene Enterprise Fund, working with seed capital investments of the Fund. Prior to this she was equity trader and financial analyst at Probanka Fund Management company and Zlata Moneta d.d., as well as stockbroker and settlement officer at Cogito bis B. H. Ltd. brokerage.
NINA URBANIČ
SLOVENE ENTERPRISE FUND
Nina is adviser for equity investment monitoring and reporting at Slovene Enterprise Fund, working with seed capital investments of the Fund. Prior to this she was equity trader and financial analyst at Probanka Fund Management company and Zlata Moneta d.d., as well as stockbroker and settlement officer at Cogito bis B. H. Ltd. brokerage.
NEDELJKO MILOSAVLJEVIĆ
Dr. Knight Ltd
Dr. Nedeljko Milosavljević is an entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. He led the University of Belgrade’s Center for Technology Transfer for 12 years, building a leading tech transfer ecosystem in the Western Balkans.
As a business angel and co-founder of ventures like Dr. Knight Ltd, he supports startups and mentors founders through programs like Founder Institute Serbia and Labena Ventures. A recognized expert for the European Commission and WIPO, he advises on innovation, intellectual property, and funding, driving impactful innovations globally.
NEDELJKO MILOSAVLJEVIĆ
Dr. Knight Ltd
Dr. Nedeljko Milosavljević is an entrepreneur, investor, and innovation leader with a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering. He led the University of Belgrade’s Center for Technology Transfer for 12 years, building a leading tech transfer ecosystem in the Western Balkans.
As a business angel and co-founder of ventures like Dr. Knight Ltd, he supports startups and mentors founders through programs like Founder Institute Serbia and Labena Ventures. A recognized expert for the European Commission and WIPO, he advises on innovation, intellectual property, and funding, driving impactful innovations globally.
DALIBOR MARIJANOVIĆ
Managing Partner of Invento Capital Partners, RIS Urban Mobility Specialist
Experienced executive with more than 20 years of business development. Last 18 years invested in building innovation ecosystem trough financing innovative companies, making connections between people, skills and capital.
Expert in fostering innovation and driving efficiency by challenging existing processes and creating new ones. Specializes in managing people, processes, and funds with deep expertise in the innovation ecosystem and a strong understanding of government and EU administration
DALIBOR MARIJANOVIĆ
Managing Partner of Invento Capital Partners, RIS Urban Mobility Specialist
Experienced executive with more than 20 years of business development. Last 18 years invested in building innovation ecosystem trough financing innovative companies, making connections between people, skills and capital.
Expert in fostering innovation and driving efficiency by challenging existing processes and creating new ones. Specializes in managing people, processes, and funds with deep expertise in the innovation ecosystem and a strong understanding of government and EU administration
MICHAL CSONGA
Zero One Hundred
Michal brings a 360-degree view of the global tech market, having led teams at Sony, operated tech companies, spearheaded educational NGO initiatives, and made investment bets on early-stage ventures. Now back in Eastern Europe, his work is focused on bridging innovation ecosystems and accelerate venture capital activity in often-overlooked tech talent hubs. As General Partner at Zero One Hundred, Michal backs exceptional founders across Europe and the Middle East.
MICHAL CSONGA
Zero One Hundred
ILKAY DEMIRDAG
She is a Board Member at Aksa Energy, Strategic Board Member at Avenea Asset Management, CMO at Isbank AI CVC, and Venture Partner at Sente Ventures. As Head of Global Events at Top Tier Impact, she promotes sustainability and impact ecosystems.
An Istanbul Technical University and UCL graduate, Ilkay founded the award-winning Equality Movement to empower women and is one of Turkey’s “48 Inspiring Women.”
ILKAY DEMIRDAG
She is a Board Member at Aksa Energy, Strategic Board Member at Avenea Asset Management, CMO at Isbank AI CVC, and Venture Partner at Sente Ventures. As Head of Global Events at Top Tier Impact, she promotes sustainability and impact ecosystems.
An Istanbul Technical University and UCL graduate, Ilkay founded the award-winning Equality Movement to empower women and is one of Turkey’s “48 Inspiring Women.”
ULLI FISCHER
Founder of a tech investment firm and co-owner of multiple ventures, he has built successful startups in technology-matching and workflow management. Ulli serves on advisory boards for startups and investment funds and is active in organizations like Lions International and Boston University Alumni Association.
ULLI FISCHER
Founder of a tech investment firm and co-owner of multiple ventures, he has built successful startups in technology-matching and workflow management. Ulli serves on advisory boards for startups and investment funds and is active in organizations like Lions International and Boston University Alumni Association.
JESPER JARLBÆK
Danish Business Angels
Previously, Jesper held senior roles at Arthur Andersen, including managing partner for Denmark and Nordic managing partner – assurance and business advisory, before serving as managing partner of advisory services at Deloitte until 2006. He lectures and mentors at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) and is a member of the Danish Committee for Good Corporate Governance.
JESPER JARLBÆK
Danish Business Angels
Previously, Jesper held senior roles at Arthur Andersen, including managing partner for Denmark and Nordic managing partner – assurance and business advisory, before serving as managing partner of advisory services at Deloitte until 2006. He lectures and mentors at Copenhagen Business School (CBS) and is a member of the Danish Committee for Good Corporate Governance.
LISA COWEY
EPRD
Lisa Cowey began her career at Oxford Instruments, commercializing her PhD research in physics. She later joined a U.S. start-up, commercializing research from MIT and Birmingham University, and helped lead a successful trade sale in Germany. Back in the UK, she managed the Alchemists Business Angel Network for 8 universities and helped launch Ready for Equity!™ training for new Business Angels.
Since 2007, Lisa has supported research commercialization across SEE countries, including Croatia, Bulgaria, the Western Balkans, and Turkey. She has consulted for the Serbian Innovation Fund, evaluated proposals for the European Commission, and led the IPA-funded ‘Proof of Concept for the Western Balkans.’ She continues to advise early-stage ventures in Serbia, Macedonia, and Albania.
LISA COWEY
EPRD
Since 2007, Lisa has supported research commercialization across SEE countries, including Croatia, Bulgaria, the Western Balkans, and Turkey. She has consulted for the Serbian Innovation Fund, evaluated proposals for the European Commission, and led the IPA-funded ‘Proof of Concept for the Western Balkans.’ She continues to advise early-stage ventures in Serbia, Macedonia, and Albania.
MIRNA MAROVIĆ
VentureXchange
She is the founder of VentureXchange Ltd., a boutique consultancy providing ESG advisory, restructuring, private equity strategies, and market research for IFIs in SEE. She also co-founded TMA Croatia and the Croatian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (CVCA) and has lectured at the Zagreb School of Economics.
MIRNA MAROVIĆ
VentureXchange
She is the founder of VentureXchange Ltd., a boutique consultancy providing ESG advisory, restructuring, private equity strategies, and market research for IFIs in SEE. She also co-founded TMA Croatia and the Croatian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (CVCA) and has lectured at the Zagreb School of Economics.
PAUL G. PUTZ
Danube Angels
Paul G. Putz is managing partner at Danube Angels, with over 30 years of experience in corporate finance across Central Europe and Russia. He holds an Executive MBA from California State University, Hayward, and is the Founder and Managing Partner of Paul Putz & Partner Management Consultants GmbH (since 2002). Previously, he served as Director of Business Development at NEWEX AG – CEE Stock Exchange and held senior roles in investment banking and private equity in Prague. A serial entrepreneur, Paul has also held multiple board and supervisory board positions throughout his career.
PAUL G. PUTZ
Danube Angels
Paul G. Putz is managing partner at Danube Angels, with over 30 years of experience in corporate finance across Central Europe and Russia. He holds an Executive MBA from California State University, Hayward, and is the Founder and Managing Partner of Paul Putz & Partner Management Consultants GmbH (since 2002). Previously, he served as Director of Business Development at NEWEX AG – CEE Stock Exchange and held senior roles in investment banking and private equity in Prague. A serial entrepreneur, Paul has also held multiple board and supervisory board positions throughout his career.
JACOPO LOSSO
EBAN
Jacopo holds a Bachelor’s and a Master degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Thanks to his education and his strong academic background both in marketing and in financial management, Jacopo has a successful track record with international work experiences.
JACOPO LOSSO
Jacopo holds a Bachelor’s and a Master degree in Business Administration from Bocconi University in Milan, Italy. Thanks to his education and his strong academic background both in marketing and in financial management, Jacopo has a successful track record with international work experiences.
KEITH WALLACE
Hivos Impact Investments
He founded and chaired DeInvesteerdersClub, an active network of younger investors, for a decade and now serves as Honorary President. There, he organized intervision sessions, trained over 1,000 entrepreneurs in investment readiness (with 20% successfully pitching to the collective), and facilitated funding for more than 40 startups in the past decade.
Currently, he is Managing Director of Hivos Impact Investments, focusing on a food fund targeting Africa, and serves as Chairman of BAN Netherlands, the Dutch national business angel umbrella. Keith also speaks, coaches, and advises globally, including through Get In The Ring, an entrepreneurial contest spanning 150 cities worldwide.
KEITH WALLACE
Hivos Impact Investments
He founded and chaired DeInvesteerdersClub, an active network of younger investors, for a decade and now serves as Honorary President. There, he organized intervision sessions, trained over 1,000 entrepreneurs in investment readiness (with 20% successfully pitching to the collective), and facilitated funding for more than 40 startups in the past decade.
Currently, he is Managing Director of Hivos Impact Investments, focusing on a food fund targeting Africa, and serves as Chairman of BAN Netherlands, the Dutch national business angel umbrella. Keith also speaks, coaches, and advises globally, including through Get In The Ring, an entrepreneurial contest spanning 150 cities worldwide.
MATEVŽ FRANGEŽ
The Government of the Republic of Slovenia
MATEVŽ FRANGEŽ
The Government of the Republic of Slovenia
Frangež, born 30 March 1978 in Maribor, holds a university degree in law. Active in youth and student organising from a young age, he was a member of the City Council of the Municipality of Maribor from 2002 to 2010. He was elected a deputy of the National Assembly of the Republic of Slovenia for the 2008–2011 and 2011–2014 terms and then worked for a short period as a State Secretary in the Prime Minister’s Office. In 2015, Frangež set out as an entrepreneur. He then took over the strategic communication in the Social Democratic Party in 2019 and was an assistant of the party’s deputy group in the National Assembly. The Government of the Republic of Slovenia appointed him State Secretary at the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology on 1 June 2022. On 24 January 2023 The Government of the Republic of Slovenia appointed him State Secretary at the Ministry of the Economy, Tourism and Sport.
RENE ŠRUMPF
SID Bank
RENE ŠRUMPF
SID Bank
ALICJA HLIBOWICKA
Institutional Mandate Relationships Manager, European Investment Fund
With a career spanning international financial institutions, Alicja combines a deep understanding of capital markets with a passion for fostering innovation. Actively engaged in the European artistic community, she also draws on her creative background to bring fresh perspectives to her work. She is a strong advocate for collaborative solutions to funding challenges and is dedicated to shaping the future of venture capital through knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships.
ALICJA HLIBOWICKA
Institutional Mandate Relationships Manager, European Investment Fund
With a career spanning international financial institutions, Alicja combines a deep understanding of capital markets with a passion for fostering innovation. Actively engaged in the European artistic community, she also draws on her creative background to bring fresh perspectives to her work. She is a strong advocate for collaborative solutions to funding challenges and is dedicated to shaping the future of venture capital through knowledge sharing and strategic partnerships.
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