ABOUT US

Who Stands Behind
50 best products from Bulgaria?

Advisory Board

Tenko Nikolov is an entrepreneur, investor, and philanthropist who provides daily support for the development of the Bulgarian education system and the technological ecosystem. He is part of the management team of SiteGround, a Bulgarian tech company that develops proprietary software products and services. These solutions help millions of customers worldwide launch and grow their online businesses quickly, easily, and successfully.

Under the leadership of Nikolov and the company’s founder, Ivo Tzenov, SiteGround has become the largest independent company and one of the most technologically advanced in its field globally over the last 20 years. The company has received over 100 awards for its commitment to numerous social projects and is recognized as one of the best employers in Bulgaria.

Tenko Nikolov and Ivo Tzenov are the founders of their own foundation, Lead by Example, whose primary mission is to support Bulgarian education, sports, and healthcare.

Maria Marinova serves as Executive Director of the Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) and sits on its Board of Directors.

With a decade of experience in private equity and venture capital, she has built her expertise across some of the field’s most influential institutions — including Invest Europe in Brussels, the continent’s leading private capital organization, and the Advisory Board of the Fund Manager of Financial Instruments in Bulgaria (FMFIB).

Irina Obushtarova is an entrepreneur and communication strategist with over 15 years of experience in marketing, media, and technology innovation. She supports startups and organizations in building a clear vision, brand, positioning, and strategic narratives for growth and transformation.

Irina is co-founder of The Recursive – the leading media platform for technology innovation in Central and Eastern Europe and a trusted regional voice for entrepreneurs, investors, and technology leaders across the region.

She holds a degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from the University of Vienna. She is co-author of the book Successful Innovation Systems (Springer, 2017) and has been recognized as “Woman Entrepreneur of the Year” by La French Tech and “Agent of Change” by the Social Future Foundation.

Pressian Karakostov is a technology entrepreneur, investor and active supporter of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. He is the founder and former CEO of PhoneArena-one of the world’s earliest digital publications dedicated to mobile technology, reaching more than 800 million readers worldwide.

He later founded PubGalaxy, which became Bulgaria’s fastest-growing IT company and ranked among the 50 fastest-growing businesses in Central and Eastern Europe before being acquired by the Dutch company Azerion. Today, he is an angel investor, a Limited Partner in several venture capital funds, and a board member of Endeavor Bulgaria, BESCO and Future Unicorns (BIH).

Irena Komitova is a  representative of The Economist Group for Bulgaria (economist.com), organizer of TEDxVitosha (tedxvitosha.com), publisher of PREMIUM Lifestyle magazine (premium.bg), and organizer of the Product of the Year Bulgaria competition (poybulgaria.com).

Her corporate career spans Oriflame, Allianz, and BMW. She specialized at Georgetown University and holds a Sloan Master’s degree from Stanford.

In 2000, the World Economic Forum in Davos named her one of 100 Global Leaders for Tomorrow. She currently serves on the Supervisory Board of Orgachim AD and on the Board of the Women’s Forum.

Darina Stoyanova is a respected business leader with more than 30 years of experience in developing international businesses and promoting responsible corporate practices in Bulgaria. She has played a key role in establishing several leading industry organizations, including the Food and Drink Association Bulgaria, the Council of Women in Business in Bulgaria, and the Bulgarian chapter of LEAD Network Europe, where she serves as Co-Chair.

She is the CEO of Prestige, one of Bulgaria’s leading food manufacturers, and formerly served as General Manager of Henkel Detergents for Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova, and Albania, and President of Henkel Bulgaria. In 2024, she received LEAD Network Europe’s Inspirational Change Agent Award.

Gergana Ivanova is co-owner and managing director of The Smarts agency, managing partner at IQMedia, Paragraph 42, and Shoot!, with 25 years in advertising. The group’s clients include UniCredit Bulbank, Electrolux, Nestlé, and Philips, with agency awards spanning EPICA, Effie Bulgaria, and BAPRA Bright Awards.

Gergana supports causes like Foster Care in Bulgaria and Prevention of Child Abandonment, and founded the “Art by the Sea” Foundation, known for the “Pomorie and Friends” art festival. She chairs the Bulgarian Public Relations Society (BDVO) and serves on the Council of Women in Business.

Boris Kolev is a visionary technology entrepreneur and creator of innovative projects with meaningful social impact. Over the years, he has helped build and develop companies and initiatives in digital technologies, software, AI, biotechnology, entrepreneurship, and sustainable solutions, including DigiMark, DigiMark Ventures, nPloy, NutriGen, JT Design, and Airate.

A key part of his work is his role in the global team of Junior Achievement Worldwide, one of the world’s largest educational organizations. There, he contributes to technology development, digital transformation, and AI-driven innovation that help make education, entrepreneurship, and financial literacy more accessible and inspiring for millions of young people around the world.

Kristiyan Mihaylov is a technology expert and business leader with over 10 years of experience in developing companies, industrial projects, and international partnerships. He is a co-founder and member of the Management Board of PARAi, as well as a member of the Board of Directors of Zekeng AD. His work focuses on robotics, automation, artificial intelligence, product innovation, attracting investment, and building partnerships between business, science, and public institutions.

Kristiyan is also actively involved in producing technology reports, business forums, and initiatives aimed at increasing the competitiveness and international visibility of Bulgarian industry.

Dr. Alexander Hristov is managing partner of PR agency Paragraph 42 and a lecturer in marketing and communications at UNWE and the Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication at Sofia University. The agency is Ketchum’s representative for Bulgaria, part of The Smarts Group family, and has delivered numerous strategic campaigns for international and local companies and organizations. He has served as chairman of BDVO (2011–2013) and BAPRA (2022–2024), and since 2019 has chaired the Center for Analysis and Crisis Communications.

He received the Leader of the Year award at the Leader of Influence Awards 2025. He is the author of five books and over 90 publications in Bulgarian and international media, and leads numerous PR courses and trainings. He is convinced that communication can be a driving force for major positive change in business and society.

Alexander Varov is Chief Executive Officer of Net Info, the digital media and technology company within Nova Broadcasting Group. He also leads a multinational team at United Media, part of United Group, the leading telecommunications and media group in Southeast Europe.

Widely recognized for his professionalism and principled leadership, Alexander Varov has played a pivotal role in the development of Bulgaria’s digital media and online advertising market for more than 25 years. Today, he is regarded as one of the country’s most prominent and influential figures in the digital industry.

This project wouldn’t be possible without
the kind contribution and support of

Brand Identity

Punkt Studio is an independent creative studio working in the fields of visual identity, typography, communication design, and brand strategy. punkt.studio is particularly recognized for its contribution to the evolving public image of Plovdiv through a series of interconnected city-scale projects – among them the visual communication for Plovdiv 2019 – European Capital of Culture, and the ongoing development of Plovdiv’s tourism and city brand.

The studio created the visual identity for the “50 Best Products from Bulgaria” platform.

Website

JT Design is a Bulgarian digital agency with more than twenty years of experience in web development, UX/UI design, and the creation of digital identities. The agency partners with organizations across a wide range of sectors, combining strategic thinking with technological excellence and execution.

JT Design developed the official digital platform for the50 Best Products from Bulgaria initiative, creating the online environment through which the project presents its vision, selection process, jury, and participating products to audiences in Bulgaria and abroad.

Marketing, Book and Coin

The Smarts is one of Bulgaria’s leading integrated communications agencies, with more than sixteen years of experience and a portfolio that includes clients such as UniCredit Bulbank, IKEA, Nestlé, Electrolux, and Philips. The agency delivers a full spectrum of services, ranging from strategic planning and creative communications to digital campaigns, content creation, and film production.

The Smarts developed the initiative’s marketing strategy and will lead the creative development, design, prepress preparation, and production of the official collector’s edition publication for50 Best Products from Bulgaria. The agency is also responsible for the concept development and production of the project’s limited-edition commemorative coin.

Public Relations

Paragraph 42  is a public relations agency founded in 2017 as part of The Smarts Group, specializing in strategic communications, communications effectiveness measurement, reputation management, and creative PR campaigns. The agency is the preferred partner of the global communications network Ketchum for Bulgaria and North Macedonia, combining international standards with strong local market expertise.

Paragraph 42 leads the project’s media relations and public communications strategy, managing engagement with national and international media, stakeholders, opinion leaders, and institutional partners to amplify the initiative’s visibility and impact for 50 Best Products from Bulgaria

Advisor At Large

Julian Daynov works as a creative director, fashion consultant, buyer, designer, and curator with an international career spanning Berlin, Athens, London, Zurich, Seoul, Copenhagen, and New York, and experience at companies such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods, Rolls-Royce, Gucci, and Prada.

As a supporter of the initiative, he backs “50 Best Products from Bulgaria” as part of the international jury, bringing his globally innovative perspective to products from his homeland, drawing on his experience with similar formats that he has curated in Germany, Denmark, and Italy.

Architect of the Pop-Up Exhibition

Architect Petar Tornyov is a Bulgarian architect whose portfolio includes projects realized both in Bulgaria and internationally, several of which have received professional awards and been featured in leading architectural print and online publications. As curator of the second edition of Sofia Architecture Week, he combines a contemporary architectural vision with a deep understanding of Bulgaria’s cultural, urban, and social context.

Architect Tornyov designed the initiative’s signature pop-up pavilion for 50 Best Products from Bulgaria – a dedicated exhibition space that will showcase the selected products and bring them closer to the public through a contemporary, immersive, and distinctly Bulgarian architectural experience.

Sound Identity

Kan Wakan is the creative name of Georgi Linev, a Bulgarian-born composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist raised in the United States and based between Los Angeles and the United Kingdom. Released through Universal / Verve Music Group and featured on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, Linev is recognized for his distinctive musical language that bridges trip-hop, electronic music, orchestral composition, and cinematic storytelling.

His work is characterized by expansive soundscapes and ambitious orchestral productions, including collaborations with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, earning him international recognition for a sound that is both contemporary and deeply evocative. Kan Wakan is creating the original sonic identity, composing the signature musical theme for 50 Best Products from Bulgaria

Strategic partners

The Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association (BVCA) is a focal point of private investors, venture capital funds and the entrepreneurial community in Bulgaria. The association works alongside its members to improve the business environment and to drive innovation and growth in the country and the CEE region. BVCA is committed to popularising the role of private investment as a reliable and sustainable source of funding for growing and established companies.

Endeavor is the leading global network of, by, and for high-impact entrepreneurs innovating Elsewhere. They select, support, and invest in founders to help them scale faster and reinvest their success in the next generation.

That’s how they created a Multiplier Effect – the force behind thriving entrepreneurial ecosystems. Founded in 1997, Endeavor now spans 50+ countries and supports 3,100+ founders – including the leaders behind 100+ billion-dollar companies.

BlackPeak Capital is a venture capital fund that invests in ambitious entrepreneurs and companies in Southeast and Central Europe with the potential to become regional and global leaders.

Through its capital, expertise, and partnership-driven approach, the fund contributes to economic and social development by fostering innovation, job creation, and sustainable growth. With every investment, BlackPeak Capital strives to make a positive impact on the environment and the communities it is part of.

LAUNCHub is an early-stage VC for CEE founders – wherever in the world they’re building. They’re a generalist fund with conviction in enterprise software moving from SaaS to AI, deep tech, robotics and industrial tech. Run by ex-founders, operators and investors based in Sofia, Zagreb and Cluj, they lead pre-seed and seed rounds with first checks from €300K to €3M.

Eleven is one of the leading early-stage VCs in Europe, investing in startups since 2012. With 180+ collective investments over 13 years, Eleven’s team has been instrumental in catalyzing the regional startup ecosystem.

Eleven supports tech companies in Fintech, Healthcare, Future of Work & AI, Climate & Sustainability, and Critical Infrastructure. Some of the startups Eleven has backed include the first Bulgarian unicorn Payhawk, Dronamics, SMSBump (acquired by Yotpo), NitroPack (acquired by WP Engine), and Native Teams.

PARAi is an association that brings together over 90 technology companies working in areas such as robotics, software development, artificial intelligence solutions, autonomous systems, warehouse automation, cybersecurity, industrial and consumer electronics, manufacturing of metal-cutting and industrial machinery, component supply, drones and aviation solutions, as well as training organizations.

The Bulgarian Public Relations Society (BPRS) is the first national organization in the field of Public Relations (PR), bringing together PR practitioners, academics, and students across Bulgaria. As a non-governmental organization founded and operating on democratic principles, BPRS is a non-profit professional association dedicated to promoting ethical standards in the PR profession and safeguarding the professional rights and interests of its members.

Social impact through innovation and collaboration. They support the innovation process by introducing new engagement practices, producing research and educational content, developing solutions for the sustainable development of individuals and society, and facilitating knowledge transfer from leading international organizations.

Ladies Forum brings together accomplished women leaders, entrepreneurs, and professionals committed to sharing knowledge, experience, and best practices while supporting one another.

The Forum fosters a strong network of women across business and public life, promoting leadership, entrepreneurship, professional development, and innovation. Through events, expert discussions, professional programmes, networking initiatives, and its “Circle of Success” mentoring programme, it creates opportunities for growth, collaboration, and new professional perspectives.

Waterproof Ideas Producers

Dora Strezova-Nikolova is a senior FMCG executive with over 25 years of experience, including General Manager roles at The Coca-Cola Company and Coca-Cola Hellenic across Bulgaria, Croatia, Slovenia, and Bosnia & Herzegovina, and has a 18 years career as General Manager of Bulgaria, Greece and Cyprus, Marketing Director in Russia, Romania, and Bulgaria. In the last years co-founder of FemTech Bulgaria Association and board member of Womeno – a women’s health and innovation platform.

In the “50 Best Products from Bulgaria” initiative, Dora brings deep expertise in brand building, commercial strategy, and consumer insight – with the conviction that Bulgarian products deserve their place on the world map.

Kameliya Ignatova is a senior HR professional, mentor, facilitator, and coach with over 15 years of international experience across Europe, Asia, Australia, and the United States. She has worked with multinational organizations – Cargill Geneva, AES Maritza Iztok, Darigold and dynamic small and medium-sized enterprises, guiding them through transformation, organizational change, and leadership capacity building. She specializes in designing learning and development programs, assessment and development centres, and talent management strategies.

Today, her practice unfolds under the brand Key Transitions – a space for conscious professional and personal growth.

Magdalena Isionova is an artist, entrepreneur, and creator of sustainable projects that connect aesthetics, tradition, and contemporary ways of living. She holds a degree from the Kyiv Academy of Arts.

She is the founder of “Hvarchilo” – a retreat centre and guesthouse in the Rhodope Mountains that has become a benchmark for high-quality, authentic, and sustainable tourism. Her years of encounters with Bulgarian producers, craftspeople, and small family businesses inspired the creation of 50 Best Products from Bulgaria – a project dedicated to discovering and promoting the finest Bulgarian products.

Through her work, Magdalena Isionova consistently builds a bridge between tradition and modernity, championing the visibility of Bulgarian quality, craftsmanship, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Julian Daynov

Advisor At Large

Julian Daynov works as a creative director, fashion consultant, buyer, designer, and curator with an international career spanning Berlin, Athens, London, Zurich, Seoul, Copenhagen, and New York, and experience at companies such as Saks Fifth Avenue, Harrods, Rolls-Royce, Gucci, and Prada.

As a supporter of the initiative, he backs “50 Best Products from Bulgaria” as part of the international jury, bringing his globally innovative perspective to products from his homeland, drawing on his experience with similar formats that he has curated in Germany, Denmark, and Italy.

Petar Tarnyov

Architect of the Pop-Up Exhibition

Architect Petar Tarnyov is a Bulgarian architect whose portfolio includes projects realized both in Bulgaria and internationally, several of which have received professional awards and been featured in leading architectural print and online publications. As curator of the second edition of Sofia Architecture Week, he combines a contemporary architectural vision with a deep understanding of Bulgaria’s cultural, urban, and social context.

Architect Tarnyov designed the initiative’s signature pop-up pavilion for 50 Best Products from Bulgaria – a dedicated exhibition space that will showcase the selected products and bring them closer to the public through a contemporary, immersive, and distinctly Bulgarian architectural experience.

Kan Wakan

Sound Identity

Kan Wakan is the creative name of Georgi Linev, a Bulgarian-born composer, producer, and multi-instrumentalist raised in the United States and based between Los Angeles and the United Kingdom. Released through Universal / Verve Music Group and featured on the Billboard Heatseekers Albums chart, Linev is recognized for his distinctive musical language that bridges trip-hop, electronic music, orchestral composition, and cinematic storytelling.

His work is characterized by expansive soundscapes and ambitious orchestral productions, including collaborations with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra, earning him international recognition for a sound that is both contemporary and deeply evocative. Kan Wakan is creating the original sonic identity, composing the signature musical theme for 50 Best Products from Bulgaria

Punkt Studio

Brand Identity

Punkt Studio is an independent creative studio working in the fields of visual identity, typography, communication design, and brand strategy. punkt.studio is particularly recognized for its contribution to the evolving public image of Plovdiv through a series of interconnected city-scale projects – among them the visual communication for Plovdiv 2019 – European Capital of Culture, and the ongoing development of Plovdiv’s tourism and city brand.

The studio created the visual identity for the “50 Best Products from Bulgaria” platform.

JT Design

Website

JT Design is a Bulgarian digital agency with more than twenty years of experience in web development, UX/UI design, and the creation of digital identities. The agency partners with organizations across a wide range of sectors, combining strategic thinking with technological excellence and execution.

JT Design developed the official digital platform for the50 Best Products from Bulgaria initiative, creating the online environment through which the project presents its vision, selection process, jury, and participating products to audiences in Bulgaria and abroad.

The Smarts

Marketing, Book and Coin

The Smarts is one of Bulgaria’s leading integrated communications agencies, with more than sixteen years of experience and a portfolio that includes clients such as UniCredit Bulbank, IKEA, Nestlé, Electrolux, and Philips. The agency delivers a full spectrum of services, ranging from strategic planning and creative communications to digital campaigns, content creation, and film production.

The Smarts developed the initiative’s marketing strategy and will lead the creative development, design, prepress preparation, and production of the official collector’s edition publication for50 Best Products from Bulgaria. The agency is also responsible for the concept development and production of the project’s limited-edition commemorative coin.

Paragraph 42

Public Relations

Paragraph 42  is a public relations agency founded in 2017 as part of The Smarts Group, specializing in strategic communications, communications effectiveness measurement, reputation management, and creative PR campaigns. The agency is the preferred partner of the global communications network Ketchum for Bulgaria and North Macedonia, combining international standards with strong local market expertise.

Paragraph 42 leads the project’s media relations and public communications strategy, managing engagement with national and international media, stakeholders, opinion leaders, and institutional partners to amplify the initiative’s visibility and impact for 50 Best Products from Bulgaria

BlackPeak Capital

BlackPeak Capital‘s mission is to deliver long-term capital appreciation and diversification for its investors by investing in and supporting the region’s outstanding entrepreneurs in building world-class companies.

The firm’s efforts and capital foster economic and social development by providing a model for innovation, job creation, and growth. BlackPeak Capital aims to achieve its goals in a sustainable way, in harmony with the environment, and with an unwavering commitment to the highest integrity and ethical standards.

Petar Tarnyov

Architect of the Pop-Up Exhibition

Architect Petar Tarnyov is a Bulgarian architect whose portfolio includes projects realized both in Bulgaria and internationally, several of which have received professional awards and been featured in leading architectural print and online publications. As curator of the second edition of Sofia Architecture Week, he combines a contemporary architectural vision with a deep understanding of Bulgaria’s cultural, urban, and social context.

Architect Tarnyov designed the initiative’s signature pop-up pavilion for 50 Best Products from Bulgaria – a dedicated exhibition space that will showcase the selected products and bring them closer to the public through a contemporary, immersive, and distinctly Bulgarian architectural experience.