Client Overview

‍Techstars Startup Weekend is a globally recognized program designed to support early-stage startup creation through immersive, community-driven events. It’s a 54-hour sprint where developers, designers, marketers, and startup enthusiasts come together to pitch ideas, form teams, and build real prototypes. Solveo has proudly served as the community leader and organizer of Startup Weekend in Macedonia since 2018.

The Challenge

‍Solveo’s mission has always been to spark entrepreneurial momentum in Macedonia. After two consecutive online editions, this one marked a return to in-person collaboration — the challenge was to deliver a high-energy, community-led startup event that gave young innovators the space and support to turn bold ideas into real ventures, all in one weekend.

With support from international facilitators and local mentors, our aim was to take the event beyond just “pitch practice” and help participants build something they could take forward.

Our Approach‍

Held at InnoFEIT from May 6–8, 2022, the event kicked off with an opening from Techstars facilitator Cosmin Privu (Romania), followed by a keynote from special guest Vanja Josifovski, former CTO of Pinterest and Airbnb. His message set the tone: think globally, but build locally.

Fifty participants formed teams around the most compelling ideas pitched on Friday night. Throughout the weekend, they were supported by 15 experienced mentors who guided them through validation, design, prototyping, and business modeling.

Solveo facilitated the full 3-day program, managing logistics, team formation, expert matchmaking, and final pitches in front of a jury composed of design, tech, and innovation experts. Teams worked day and night to transform raw ideas into well-structured startup concepts.

Outcomes

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🥇 First Place: Enroll – A platform that helps companies build stronger teams by matching employees with similar interests for shared activities.

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🥈 Second Place: Second Chance – An app that enables users to sell or donate second-hand clothing, promoting circular fashion and social impact.

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🥉 Third Place: US+ – A platform that connects daily commuters to share transportation, encouraging cost savings and environmental benefits.

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💡 Honorable Mentions: Doggy Tinder and Bridge IT

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The winning teams were awarded prizes to help them continue developing their solutions. The event wrapped up with a community charity party at Sreḱa Bar — hosted by Ways2Help, a successful startup born at a previous Startup Weekend.

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