Is Belgrade a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Belgrade has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Belgrade gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Belgrade

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Belgrade offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Belgrade's early-stage startup funding scene is dynamic but presents challenges. While the ecosystem is growing, with over 3,980 startups in Serbia, securing external financing at the early stage remains difficult for many, with over 50% being self-funded. The average investment size is significantly lower than the global average. Despite this, there are notable players supporting local founders. VC firms like South Central Ventures and ZAKA Ventures are active, with the latter focusing on pre-seed and seed investments. TS Ventures, the first corporate venture fund in the region, also invests in early-stage companies. Government support comes through initiatives like the Innovation Fund's Mini-Grants Programme and the Raising Starts program by Science Technology Park Belgrade, which offers funding and mentorship. The Digital Serbia Initiative's Business Angels Network is also a key angel investor, having invested significantly in local startups. Challenges include a lack of startups with global ambitions, over-reliance on grants hindering later investment, and a notable drop in overall funding activity in 2024 compared to 2021.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Belgrade has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Belgrade has a thriving startup and innovation ecosystem, ranking as Serbia's best and 17th in Eastern Europe. The city is a hub for entrepreneurial activity, particularly in IT, software development, and creative industries. The ecosystem is well-supported by numerous coworking spaces, offering flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. There is a vibrant scene of tech events, conferences, and workshops throughout the year. Belgrade actively supports both early-stage and more mature startups. Initiatives like the Science Technology Park Belgrade and accelerators such as Katapult and the NINJA Accelerator Program provide tailored support, mentorship, funding opportunities, and access to networks for companies at different development phases. Programs like "Raising Starts" specifically target pre-seed and early-stage teams with professional and financial support. The ecosystem emphasizes personalized support alongside structured programs.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Belgrade can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Belgrade, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Belgrade is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Belgrade offers a strong talent pool for startups, significantly driven by its educational institutions. The University of Belgrade, among others, produces skilled engineers and IT specialists, serving as a vital talent pipeline. Serbia is recognized for its engineering talent, particularly in technical and IT disciplines, with a growing workforce of over 109,500 in the ICT sector by 2024. Key industry skills available include software engineering, AI, blockchain, gaming, medtech, biotech, and healthtech. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a vibrant ecosystem, bolstered by government initiatives, science and technology parks, incubators, and accelerators that provide mentorship, funding access, and networking opportunities. While challenges like sales talent scarcity exist, the overall environment fosters innovation and provides startups with access to a capable workforce.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Belgrade can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Belgrade boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Belgrade's startup ecosystem is supported by a growing infrastructure including science and technology parks, incubators, and accelerators like Science Technology Park Belgrade and Impact Hub Belgrade. These hubs offer coworking spaces, mentorship, training, and networking opportunities to help startups develop and scale. Government initiatives, such as the Strategy for the Development of the Startup Ecosystem and programs through the Innovation Fund, provide crucial support. These include grants, co-financing for innovative projects, and tax incentives for R&D and startup investments. This combined infrastructure and government backing foster innovation and economic growth in Belgrade.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Belgrade. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Belgrade Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Belgrade provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Belgrade face several hurdles. Competition is increasing as the ecosystem grows, making customer acquisition and market penetration more challenging. While the cost of living is relatively low compared to Western Europe, securing early-stage funding remains a significant issue, with many startups relying on founders' own funds. Regulatory aspects can also be complex; although the government is working to improve the environment with initiatives like tax incentives and simplified registration, navigating the legal and administrative landscape requires careful attention. Additionally, a lack of experienced personnel in areas like global sales can hinder growth.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Belgrade or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Belgrade offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash