On November 14 and 15, 2013, Crimson co-organized the fourth Balkan Venture Forum (BkVF), which took place in Tirana, Albania. BkVF is a two day, bi-annual conference that brings together prestigious international investors and top entrepreneurs/startups from the Balkans. The goal of the BkVF is to develop a platform to support innovation, entrepreneurship and investment throughout the region, and provide opportunities for entrepreneurs to network and connect with investors and strategic partners.

The objective of the 4th BkVF in Tirana, Albania, was to kick-start the local entrepreneurial, innovation and investment ecosystem, and integrate Albania into the global investment and innovation network. The two day event attracted more than 250 visitors, including entrepreneurs, business representatives, investors, mentors, government officials, donors, and students. The BkVF Tirana, Albania, was organized in partnership with the USAID Rritje Albania/Competitive Enterprise Development Project, and was inaugurated by H.E. Mr. Niko Peleshi, Deputy Prime Minister of Albania.

In addition, the BkVF Tirana hosted a pitching competition, where 29 entrepreneurs/startups from the Balkans were selected to present/pitch their business to an investor jury. As part of the pitching competition, seven entrepreneurs/startups were selected as winners, and were invited to take part in the European Venture Contest 2013, in Germany.

Crimson and the BkVF team is already preparing the next event; to keep informed, please visit us at: www.balkanventureforum.org or follow us on: www.facebook.com/BalkanVentureForum.