VentureGarden Athens: Empowering 25 new entrepreneurs in Its 22nd round

VentureGarden Athens, proudly celebrated the completion of its 22nd round. In the program’s 11th year, 25 passionate individuals embarked on an entrepreneurial journey, presenting 22 unique ideas—each a spark of potential growth and innovation. This round's participants ranged from already active new entrepreneurs eager to elevate their businesses to aspiring future entrepreneurs with fresh ideas. Existing businesses sought to refine and expand their reach, while new participants brought different business concepts such as opening a pension, creating an app, launching a platform, establishing a clothing shop, and even creating a vibrant music scene. This diversity underscores VentureGarden Athens’ ability to support a broad spectrum of entrepreneurial ambitions.

Throughout the program, the 25 aspiring entrepreneurs collaborated closely with the VentureGarden Athens team and with one another, creating an invaluable support network. This collaborative environment not only allowed participants to refine their own ideas but also encouraged them to learn from diverse perspectives and strengths within the group. Reflecting on this transformative journey, VentureGardener Niki Katsaraki, co-founder of Papertrail shared: “My participation in VentureGarden helped me develop my idea and create a more complete and solid business plan, taking it one step further. Most valuable, however, was that it brought me into contact with different people and inspiring ideas, helping me create a strong community and a safe space of support. I highly recommend it to anyone entering the entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

VentureGarden provided participants with a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills, essential for navigating the entrepreneurial landscape. By the end of the program, each member had transformed their initial ideas into fully developed concepts, ready for the next stage of their business journey.

Final Presentations: A Showcase of Innovation and Talent

The program culminated in final presentations that highlighted the creativity, dedication, and growth of this round's participants. Covering a wide range of sectors, the presentations reflected the diversity of entrepreneurial ideas emerging in Greece. From tech startups solving real-world challenges to sustainable solutions aimed at environmental impact, the pitches showcased the depth of talent within the cohort.

Lefteris Sdoukopoulos, a participant in this round, remarked: “VentureGarden gave me the perfect starting point to really grow my business idea. Talking with other entrepreneurs and getting their input was a huge help in figuring out exactly what I wanted to do.”

Similarly, Lina Christodoulou noted about her experience: “My participation in the 22nd round of VentureGarden was an inspiring and evolving experience. I gained new skills, broadened my thinking, met great people, and had the opportunity to promote my eco-friendly business idea. Thank you to the team for the support and guidance!”

VentureGarden Athens is more than a program; it’s a community. Participants form strong connections with other individuals, creating networks and friendships that extend far beyond the program’s duration. As the program concluded its 22nd round, it stands ready to welcome new individuals, fresh ideas, and the enduring spirit of innovation. To this round's VentureGardeners: congratulations on completing this transformative journey. Your dedication, resilience, and passion inspire us all. We eagerly look forward to seeing where your entrepreneurial paths will lead. Here’s to your continued success and to the exciting future of Greek entrepreneurship!

VentureGarden kicks off with a focused training phase, featuring 8 classes based on the Value Proposition Canvas, delving into market research and understanding customer/user needs (Idea-solution Fit). Post-training, participants receive hands-on support from experienced mentors, with a 2-month implementation phase upon successful completion. Beyond the program, completing your VentureGarden journey ensures entry into a dynamic alumni community, offering continuous support through regular strategy meetings, networking opportunities, and specially designed masterclasses.

VentureGarden is implemented in Athens by AHEAD - Alba Hub for Entrepreneurship and Development.The program, offered in Greek, is entirely free of charge, thanks to the generous support of National Donor Alpha Bank, Founding Donor The Hellenic Initiative, and the Grow with Google initiative and EMA as the Local Supporters for Athens.

If you want to learn more about the program you can visit the official website here