• 24 Jul

The MatchIN Summit 2023, hosted by Startup Macedonia and regional partners, was a resounding success. Held at Hotel Metropol in Ohrid, North Macedonia, on June 19-20, the summit brought together investors, corporates, and startups from the Western Balkans to celebrate and advance the region’s tech ecosystem.

Event Highlights
Day 1: June 19, 2023

Participants: Corporates/Partners

The summit kicked off with an exclusive dinner for investors, corporates, and partners, setting the stage for networking and collaboration. The evening continued with the optional Founders Nights Networking event at Hotel Metropol, complete with a DJ performance, allowing for informal and engaging interactions among attendees.

Day 2: June 20, 2023

Participants: All Attendees

The second day began with registration and an expo, where innovative startups and tech companies showcased their products and services. The conference opened with a keynote address, setting a positive and forward-looking tone for the event.

The highlight of the morning was the panel discussion, “The Land of Future Unicorns,” featuring potential unicorns from the Western Balkans such as Gjirafa, Cognism, and Payhawk. This session also included a reverse investor pitch, where investors pitched their value to startups, and a discussion on infrastructure for startups led by representatives from Microsoft for Startups and AWS for Startups. Filip Dimevski, CTO of Inplayer/JW Player, shared his insights on acquisitions from a CTO’s perspective.

Throughout the day, the expo and networking sessions provided ample opportunities for attendees to connect and explore potential collaborations. The event also featured masterclasses and workshops, offering hands-on learning experiences and valuable knowledge.

The summit concluded with a closing ceremony, highlighting the event’s achievements and future directions. The celebration continued into the evening with a lively party, capping off a successful and productive gathering.

Impact and Future Prospects
MatchIN Summit 2023 not only celebrated the successes of startups in the Western Balkans but also fostered meaningful connections between investors, corporates, and tech companies. The event underscored the importance of access to capital and markets for startups, with attendees leaving inspired and ready to drive the region’s tech ecosystem forward.

As the summit wraps up, there is optimism that it will continue to grow and become a key annual event, further strengthening the startup community in the Western Balkans.