Impact Hub Tbilisi is a startup accelerator that will be starting soon
The Impact Hub Tbilisi accelerator launched it to help local technology startups grow and improve their ability to attract investors. Around 80 startups took part in the selection competition. Based on applications and interviews, the 22 teams selected will work on developing their own startup over the next three months.
Participants will gain knowledge on product development, validation, customer segmentation and value proposition. Trainings will also be provided in marketing, branding, advertising, sales, growth marketing, market entrance strategy, technical product creation, business model, finance and finding sources of funding. Teams will actively work to build a Pitch Deck, and develop presentation skills.
The accelerator will be primarily physical, last 12 weeks, and consist of several major components: local and foreign bootcamps; thematic sessions; individual meetings with a mentoring, networking events; use of the Impact Hub shared workspace and a demonstration day, when startups will present their businesses to investors and invited guest.
The Google for Startups campus in Madrid will host the international bootcamp. The selected startups will be taken to Madrid for a study trip to learn more about the European startup ecosystem, and to receive additional training.
Selected Startups
* Ally is a networking app that allows users to use the contacts of each other to solve professional issues.
* Aloha is a platform that helps businesses in the HoReCa industry to increase customer loyalty.
* Altera-Tax Compliance: The platform provides small and medium business with tax and accounting data processing using an algorithm.
* ArtOa.io: The platform connects customers with wall artists and creates wall art using AI/AR in minutes.
* Bit Solutions’ web platform allows businesses to make data-driven decisions and optimize costs and resources.
* Calendo, a service booking portal that is integrated with the ERP system of a company.
* Certify hub: E-Legal Solutions, customized e-legal services for individuals and businesses. A commerce platform to simplify the procurement of bureaucratic service.
* DAILOGY- Messenger-chat application detects dysfunctional text and generates functional, positive communication. This facilitates communication between two subjects.
* Doer – The platform connects budding techno enthusiasts around a common idea.
* DocHub is a platform that automates all processes related to contract creation, execution, and management.
* Hiera is a web-based platform that simplifies interior design studios’ work processes, project management and the ability to share and receive feedback.
* INSTASHOP.WORLD is a search engine that uses artificial intelligence to facilitate trading in social networks.
* Quissly is a natural-language speaking ecommerce companion. Commerce stores can increase sales by providing their customers with the desired offers.
* Ringovet is a mobile app that provides on-site emergency veterinary treatment, while raising awareness of homeless animals.
* SHARA – Coach Agile Teams is a digital tool/web-application for managing Agile practices and approaches, which helps organizations implement/develop Agile approaches and transformations.
* Skippit is a SaaS-based application for agencies and consulting firms that integrates data and operational processes into a single platform. This allows the management team to manage projects and businesses effectively based on data.
* Skratchville: Marketing Gamification for D2C & B2B
* Strive is a marketplace for video game coaching that allows experienced gamers to monetize the skills they have acquired.
* Tripcamp is a mobile app for nature lovers that allows travelers to plan their entire vacation in one place. They can find and book accommodations, or get information on local experiences, tours, or planned events.
* uCraft.io – Marketing automation platform that allows for the creation, publication, and analysis of marketing content across multiple platforms.
* Webook is an online booking platform designed for the personal care sector.
World Tourist is a travel app which allows travelers to discover local experiences and enjoy special discounts. World Tourist offers personalized recommendations for your trip, whether you’re searching for hidden gems or popular tourist attractions.
This startup accelerator was founded in 2021 by Impact Hub Tbilisi after its members had completed specialized training at a leading international program. They created a local acceleration program based on the insights and experiences gained.
Since its creation, the accelerator has supported 81 startups in four streams. These startups received grants and investments totaling nearly 2 million euros.
For more information, visit: [preacceleration.com](https://preacceleration.com).
The accelerator is supported both by the EFSE Entrepreneurship Academy as well as TBC’s Startuper Program.
TBC and USAID Partner for Technology Education: Empowering 800 Graduates and Expanding Opportunity
The “TBC x USAID for Technology Education”, a project aimed at strengthening Georgia’s technological ecosystem, is continuing to grow and develop. In the latest phase of the project, 400 additional students have joined the program in the fall, eager to enhance their skills or transform their careers.
Over 15,000 people have enrolled in eight technology-focused classes since the program was launched. Nearly 800 of these individuals have completed fully-funded interns, launching them into careers in technology. The initiative focuses on empowering women and regional participants. 40% of the participants are women, and 35% come from different regions of Georgia.
The training programs are run by professionals with international experience and education, including technologists. They focus on practical, hands-on training in a real world environment. The curriculum includes collaborative project, retrospective meetings and pair programming. Students also benefit from masterclasses, workshops and other activities hosted by industry experts. There are more activities planned to enhance learning.
Each program culminates with a “Demo Day” where students present their final project to potential employers. They receive valuable feedback and career opportunities. Approximately 100 graduates have been hired by TBC Group and other technology partners through this project.
TechXplore is a unique series designed to foster collaboration in multifunctional environments. Around 150 participants, including agile coaches and tech leaders, worked together to develop tech solutions that were applied to real-world projects. The winners received shares worth 15,000 GEL from international tech companies.
“TBC x USAID for Technology Education provides eight specialized courses in technology led by industry experts. Our mission is support individuals who are passionate about technology, by providing the skills they need for success. The courses are free and participants from across Georgia can join.
TBC Tech School welcomes 600 high school students to begin technology studies
TBC Tech School is an educational initiative of TBC that offers high school students in Georgia the opportunity to explore various technological careers. TBC funds this initiative fully.
In the fourth semester, 1123 students applied and 600 were chosen through a competitive selection process. These students will receive free education in technology over the next three month.
TBC Tech School (also known as Texkola) was launched last year in partnership GeoLab and has already attracted over 2,000 participants across Georgia. More than 18% have taken multiple courses to explore different branches of technology.
TBC is committed to supporting the next generation of workers through educational programs. The initiative aims at equipping young people with the necessary skills for future professions by introducing them to modern technology and providing practical experience. It encourages students to explore new opportunities, unlock potential, and make their innovative ideas a reality.
* Upcoming performances at “Sakhelosno 42 Theater” with the Support TBC Concept
Levan Tsuladze founded the independent theater space “Sakhelosno42” to promote independent theatrical art in Tbilisi. The theater’s goal is to create a platform for creative industries through performances, dramaturgy and co-productions. This will contribute to the cultural, social and economic development of Tbilisi.
TBC Concept and Visa are the theater’s main sponsors. TBC Concept Visa cardholders can get a 15% discount on tickets in the fourth row.
Here is the schedule for October and November:
October 27, November 2, 10, 14 | “Tootsie”
This play, which is based on the film of the exact same name, focuses on the passions and sacrifices that actors make. It explores many thoughts, struggles and emotions, as well as the overarching mission, that define an actor’s dedication to his profession and daily life.
“Don Juan”
This play explores the spiritual crisis of the main character. A man who is searching for love, but also losing himself. It explores themes such as passion, mistakes, punishments, adventure, and the quest for truth and love within a turbulent world.
“Othello”
“Othello: Love After War”, a play about the aftermath of war, both internal and external, is a reflection on this. The play explores the psychological scars that soldiers carry home. Love, hope, suspicion and revenge are interwoven in a dramatic story of passion.
November 1 | “Froken Julie”
“Froken Julie”, one of the most intense plays in the theatre’s repertoire, examines the dynamics of people from different social classes caught in a web based on desire and manipulation.
“1921-1924”
This play, set during the last days of Georgian Independence and the Bolshevik Repression that followed, portrays the tragic state Georgia found itself in following the Sovietization. The future, dreams and even life itself was taken away.
“Conductor”
In 1946, Wilhelm Furtwangler is tried in Nuremberg as the chief conductor of Berlin State Orchestra. This gripping play explores if art can be separated with politics as different ideologies collide in the courtroom. Can music free the soul from a pact made with the devil after the pact? Ronald Harwood’s haunting drama raises these questions and others, but there are no easy answers.
Enjoy these captivating performances at “Sakhelosno 44.”
* “Nikora Trade”, with the support of TBC Capital and ‘Produce in Georgia’ Agency, issues 60 million GEL bonds
Nikora
JSC “Nikora Trade”, a subsidiary of JSC “Nikora Trade”, has successfully issued a first tranche of 120 million GEL bonds (60 million GEL in five-year bonds) under the capital market assistance program of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development’s “Produce in Georgia”. The bonds will be listed at the Georgian Stock Exchange.
The majority of funds raised will go towards the construction of a new logistic center. This is expected to improve the operational efficiency, availability of products, and supply chain management for the company. This will also create new jobs and opportunities for local entrepreneurs. The project also focuses on digitizing operations and reducing emission, aligning itself with the company’s commitment towards sustainable growth.
This is the fourth bond issue by the company on the local capital markets. The investors are primarily Georgian banks and institutions. The investor base is diverse, with no one investor holding more than 30 percent of the bonds.
Since its first public bond issuance in 2016, “Nikora Trade”, has been a participant in the capital markets. The company has issued more than 130 million GEL worth of bonds to date, and the volume continues to increase with each new issue.
“We are delighted with the success of our latest bond issue. This is Nikora Trade’s fourth issue in the Georgian capital markets and our third collaboration. The increasing volume of bond issues is a sign that investors are gaining confidence in our business. The capital raised will allow us to build the largest logistics center of its kind in Georgia, a state-ofthe-art facility. We are committed to reducing our environmental impact, and to supporting green energy development. This project will benefit the FMCG industry by reducing retail losses and improving product availability. These are challenges that are faced worldwide. This initiative will benefit both our company and our clients, making it more valuable”, said Temur Alexandra, CEO of Nikora Trade.
Mari Chachanidze added: “We are pleased that ‘Nikora Trade,’ once again issued bonds on Georgian securities markets with our support. This is our third consecutive bond issue together, which contributes to the development of local capital markets. We must help a major player in the FMCG industry secure alternative financing for such a large project as the construction of the logistics center. The funds will improve the company’s operations, increase product accessibility to customers and promote environmental sustainability. The increasing volume of Nikora Trade bonds shows the market’s confidence and the expanding opportunities in Georgia’s capital markets.”
Irakli Gabriadze is Deputy Director at the “Enterprise Georgia ” agency and he stated that “Nikora Trade” is the sixth beneficiary since the program’s launch in April 2024. The program is a great success, and plans are in place to continue it next year. 13 applications were received and securities worth 210 million GEL were placed.”
JSC “Nikora Trade”, which operates under the brands “Nikora and “Libre”, has around 600 retail outlets.
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