Supporting local ecosystems: how we strengthen entrepreneurial potential

The main challenge of this project was to strengthen innovation ecosystem organizations in regions covered by the EBRD STAR VENTURE programme. The client aimed to improve local support for early-stage startups, helping them scale, create economic value, and drive economic transformation. Our work focused on equipping accelerators with entrepreneurial skills—especially in business growth and investor readiness—through mentoring, training, and strategic guidance. While the overall goal was consistent, each location had unique needs. The project is ongoing until November 2026, and so far, we have achieved the following:

• In Tajikistan, we assessed the local startup ecosystem, interviewing 8 key ecosystem contributors, including startup founders. We identified key gaps, and equipped the local organization Accelerate Prosperity with tools and knowledge to improve investment readiness and financing support. We recommended introducing venture capital legislation, fostering a venture culture, expanding mentorship for startups, and evolving Accelerate Prosperity into a full venture structure to better support the ecosystem.
• In the West Bank and Gaza, we worked on catalyzing the entrepreneurship culture by helping create a pre-incubation program and training the team at the Intersect Innovation Center to run it. As a result, the center launched a new program for aspiring entrepreneurs, improved how it manages mentorship — from onboarding to session planning — and developed a better understanding of key success metrics and working with venture investors. These improvements helped Intersect provide stronger mentorship and more focused support to its startups.
• In Mongolia, we helped MStars Hub strengthen its acceleration program and expand its understanding of how mature startup ecosystems operate. We set up 10 problem-solving- and 2 capacity-building training sessions. Based on our recommendations, the team began refining their program by applying a more targeted approach, exploring international scaling opportunities, and connecting with European ecosystem representatives through an experience exchange visit. 
• In Kosovo, we conducted 13 interviews with stakeholders and developed a comprehensive 5-year strategy for the Innovation Center of Kosovo (ICK). It will help to strengthen ICK capacity in entrepreneurship, fundraising, and long-term sustainability. 
• In Moldova, we worked to strengthen the startup support system by sharing international expertise, improving local accelerator practices, and enhancing access to finance. We supported ecosystem players — including Startup Moldova, YEP! Moldova, XY Partners, Mozaic, DreamUps, CNED, and INOTEK — by building connections with international experts and investors, and delivering fundraising consultations and training. Additionally, we helped Startup Moldova design a new funding scheme and develop a practical guide for implementing the SAFE model to improve early-stage capital access for startups.
• In Türkiye and Armenia, we analyzed the startup ecosystem to identify key challenges and areas where support is most needed. In particular, our team conducted over 60 interviews with ecosystem players in Türkiye and more than 30 in Armenia. Notably, due to the lack of a centralized startup database in Armenia, we mapped all active startups enhancing data quality and ecosystem visibility. Our work in Armenia is still ongoing. These efforts helped EBRD and other stakeholders develop more targeted, impactful support strategies. In Türkiye specifically, we found that startups struggle with access to funding, legal barriers, and expanding internationally. Our recommendations addressed four levels: improving investment readiness for startups; encouraging accelerators to specialize and maintain alumni support; enhancing coordination and legal frameworks for government and the private sector; and aligning international investment and global positioning efforts from development partners.

Diana Pluta, Dreamups: The program was very engaging and provided valuable insights into how to support startups effectively.

Reham Di’bas, Intersect: The sessions were extremely insightful, and I walked away with plenty of tips, some I will start applying soon, others I will act on during the next cohort. I believe IIH will be building a great mentors’ network real soon!

Davaajamts Choindon, MStars: The sessions have provided valuable insights into aligning the overall program objectives and vision with the needs of our target audience. I’m also more aware of the specific changes required to better address current challenges and enhance the impact of our program.