Chapter 1: Introduction to North Macedonia's Startup Scene

Discover the dynamic entrepreneurial landscape in North Macedonia, where curiosity drives innovation and growth. If you're eager to explore business opportunities or simply interested in the startup culture of this emerging market, this guide will walk you through various enterprises and initiatives.

The goal is to inspire you to develop your own Curiosity A-Z for your business or the entrepreneurial community you are part of.

A — AirCare

AirCare exemplifies social entrepreneurship by beginning as a movement aimed at cleaner air in Macedonia. It has since evolved into a global network committed to addressing environmental issues. To delve deeper into their journey and mission, check out Goran Jovanovski's TEDx Talk, where he discusses AirCare's impact and its vision beyond local borders.

B — BAU (Business Accelerator UKIM)

BAU stands out as a premier accelerator linked to the University of Cyril and Methodius, supported by the Fund for Innovation and Technology Development (FITD). They focus on identifying promising startups in North Macedonia and providing essential resources for growth, including funding, mentoring, and access to international markets.

C — Codewell

Since its inception in 2011, Codewell has been instrumental in helping businesses optimize their tech teams. Their approach simplifies the complexities of digital transformation by identifying core issues, exploring effective solutions, and ensuring a sound product development process.

D — Digital Nomad Visa

Have you ever imagined what it would be like to run your business from North Macedonia? The government is introducing a digital nomad visa, enabling entrepreneurs to work remotely while experiencing the culture and opportunities within this beautiful country.

E — EmbedSocial

EmbedSocial is dedicated to simplifying the marketing process for businesses by providing innovative social media tools. Not only do they enhance user experiences, but they also contribute to job creation and customer satisfaction, showcasing the power of niche markets in driving success.

F — Final Frontier Games

This startup specializes in board games and is making waves in the industry. With five successful Kickstarter campaigns under their belt, Final Frontier Games illustrates that you can thrive in non-tech entrepreneurship while maintaining a creative edge.

G — GrabIT

Based in Prilep, GrabIT is a tech startup that harnesses passion and curiosity to deliver IT solutions. Their success story is particularly inspiring as it highlights the entrepreneurial spirit flourishing outside the capital city.

H — Howitzer

Howitzer is a standout startup that excels at generating customer leads through platforms like Reddit, achieving impressive conversion rates. Their founders, who are university students, recently secured €400K in funding, showcasing the potential of young entrepreneurs in the region.

I — Impact Foundation

The Impact Foundation plays a pivotal role in nurturing the freelancer economy in North Macedonia, focusing on broader objectives such as promoting sustainable development in green economies and social impact initiatives.

J — Jugoslavia

The legacy of Yugoslavia continues to influence entrepreneurship in North Macedonia. Understanding this history can provide deeper insights into the region's entrepreneurial spirit and cultural dynamics.

K — Kajak.mk

As a travel platform, Kajak.mk connects locals with unique accommodations while promoting the beauty of North Macedonia through engaging social media content.

L — Luck

While North Macedonia may not be perceived as a land of luck, the resilience and determination of its entrepreneurs tell a different story. Their journeys inspire others to carve their own paths despite challenges.

M — M6 Learning Centre

The M6 Learning Centre is emerging as a hub for startups, offering training, resources, and strategic partnerships to enhance the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

N — Natasha Velkovska

A true serial entrepreneur, Natasha operates multiple businesses while educating others on entrepreneurship through her role as a lecturer at the Certified Digital Marketing Academy.

O — Olga Rajcic

Olga is the co-founder of Challenger, a mobile app that incentivizes green transportation. Her involvement in the Young Transatlantic Innovation Leaders Initiative reflects her commitment to fostering sustainable entrepreneurship.

P — Pixyle

Pixyle utilizes AI to revolutionize online shopping by enhancing the customer experience through advanced image recognition technology.

Q — Q Language School

Founded by Marija Dzonova, Q Language School exemplifies entrepreneurship by providing valuable language skills to the community, offering both purpose and income.

R — Razgovar

Razgovar facilitates affordable online access to mental health professionals, addressing a critical need in underserved regions of North Macedonia.

S — Startup Macedonia

Startup Macedonia serves as an umbrella organization, fostering collaboration and innovation within the local startup community.

T — T-Shirts

Sheezick na Reezick merges art and storytelling in its apparel, showcasing the rich cultural history of Skopje through unique designs.

U — Universities

Institutions like Saints Cyril and Methodius University play a vital role in nurturing entrepreneurial talent and fostering innovation in the region.

V — Vision Dynamix

This company has developed the Dynamix Mapper, a cutting-edge software for 3D mapping, utilizing drone technology for precision and efficiency.

W — Wonder

North Macedonia's unique charm, coupled with its entrepreneurial grit, creates a vibrant ecosystem ripe for innovation and growth.

X — X Factor

Macedonians often grow up immersed in entrepreneurial activities, from bazaars to informal markets, providing them with a natural foundation for business endeavors.

Y — YES Incubator

The Youth Entrepreneurial Service (YES) Incubator equips aspiring entrepreneurs with mentorship and resources, ensuring the future of North Macedonia's entrepreneurial landscape remains bright.

Z — Zebra Startups

The concept of "zebra startups" emphasizes sustainable business practices over the pursuit of rare unicorns. This approach aligns with the values of many Macedonian entrepreneurs who prioritize steady growth and community impact.

Bonus: Notable Mentions

While not featured in the A-Z list, FIXIGO represents another inspiring Macedonian startup worth exploring. Stay tuned for more insights and stories from the Balkans and North Macedonia as we continue to embrace curiosity-driven entrepreneurship.