Western Georgian city of Zugdidi to host Startup Investment Forum

The western Georgian city of Zugdidi will host its first Startup Investment Forum, organised by the country’s Innovation and Technology Agency and Axel, a Georgian Business Angel Network, next month, the GITA said on Tuesday.

Scheduled for December 6-8, the event aims to strengthen the startup ecosystem in the Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti region, foster private sector involvement, and support local innovative projects, the body added.

Over the course of three days, the Forum will convene key players from both the capital city of Tbilisi and the western region, including angel investors - private investors focused on financing small business ventures in exchange for equity - as well as founders of technology startups from the Axel portfolio, emerging entrepreneurs, and stakeholders from the public and private sectors.

The highlight of the Forum will host participants at the Dadiani Palace in Zugdidi on December 7 for experience-sharing sessions led by Axel members and invited guests, informative pitches from local startups, panel discussions, and presentations from various partners.

In addition to the main activities, Axel has planned an excursion to a local canyon and a special dinner, providing an opportunity for angel investors and startup founders to network in an informal environment.

The Forum is supported by Technopark Zugdidi, City Hall of Zugdidi, Socar Georgia, GEC Consulting, Kudos Georgia, Arci, and others.