The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is currently scouting for the next wave of high-potential businesses through its Star Venture program.
The initiative is designed to support the transition of emerging companies into successful market leaders across diverse regions.
Selected startups will have the unique opportunity to showcase their innovations to an international panel of experts and investors.
This final selection round serves as a gateway for founders to secure strategic visibility and professional feedback within the global investment community.
Funding and benefits
Participants gain access to the EBRD’s three decades of regional knowledge and deep financial expertise.
The program offers tailored support for startups and small-to-medium enterprises to help them navigate complex market challenges and scale effectively.
Beyond direct advisory, the program aligns with the bank’s broader goals of fostering digitalization and environmental sustainability.
By joining the cohort, businesses become part of a systemic effort to drive economic growth and pluralism in transitioning economies.
Application requirements and eligibility
The Star Venture program remains sector-agnostic, though it excludes businesses involved in military services, gambling, or tobacco.
It specifically targets startups led by technical founders with strong, capable teams at the helm.
To be eligible, a company must be at the pre-Series A stage with a proven product-market fit and early commercial traction.
Additionally, applicants must operate within EBRD regions or have a substantial portion of their engineering and development operations located there.
Deadline
Time is of the essence for startups in West Africa, as the application deadline for Côte d’Ivoire, Senegal, and Benin is set for June 11th, 2026.
Founders in Croatia have a slightly longer window to prepare their materials, with applications remaining open until June 30th, 2026.
The bank has streamlined the digital process, noting that the online application takes no more than 30 minutes to complete.
Interested entrepreneurs are encouraged to review the target startup profiles and submit their forms promptly to join this competitive international network.
To apply, visit EBRD call page. Visit our global opportunity page for more.
Summary not available at this time.
