Nikola Stojanow
Partner at Vitosha Venture Partners
Bulgaria
Overview
Work Experience
Mentor
2023 - Current
Providing hands-on mentorship to early-stage startups in the Techstars '23 Program, focusing on venture building, fundraising, and strategic growth. - Advised two high-potential startups, helping refine their go-to-market strategies and business models. - Shared expertise in Web3, blockchain, and scaling technology startups. - Worked closely with founders to navigate fundraising, partnerships, and product positioning. - Part of a global network supporting top-tier early-stage companies in AI, Space Tech, Quantum, and beyond.
Techstars is an accelerator that provides pre-seed investment and mentoring for various early stage startups.
Raised $108,919,999.00 from SVB Financial Group and Foundry Group.
Partner
2020
Partner at Vitosha Venture Partners, a €26M fund investing in high-potential startups across multiple industries. - Backed 107+ startups, focusing on Web3, AI, Fintech, Deep Tech, and emerging technologies. - Drive investments, fundraising strategies, and global market expansion. - Hands-on support for founders in scaling, partnerships, and strategic growth. - Leverage deep expertise in blockchain and venture building to identify high-impact opportunities.
Blockchain Implementation Advisor to the Republic of Bulgaria.
2018
Description: Advising the Republic of Bulgaria on blockchain strategy and implementation, positioning the country as a key player in European blockchain policy and innovation. - Represented Bulgaria within the European Commission, driving its role in EU tech policy. - Developed and advocated for cutting-edge blockchain strategies across EU member states. - Led the implementation of innovative blockchain use cases, showcasing EU leadership in digital transformation. - Shaped regulatory discussions, ensuring Bulgaria remains at the forefront of blockchain adoption.
Strategy Advisor
2017
Providing strategic guidance to LockChain.co, focusing on growth, fundraising, and technical execution to drive innovation in decentralized travel and booking solutions. - Secured global partnerships to fuel fundraising and market expansion. - Advised on technical strategy, ensuring seamless implementation of blockchain innovations. - Advised on scaling operations, enhancing project execution and long-term vision.
Advisor
2017
Providing strategic guidance to AdEx Network, focusing on fundraising, global expansion, and blockchain innovation in the decentralized advertising space. - Led global fundraising efforts, elevating AdEx’s international presence. - Advised on strategic growth, fostering partnerships and ecosystem expansion. - Provided technical insights, driving blockchain-based advertising innovations.
Foundation Chairman
2019
As Chairman of the Aeternity Foundation, I led a full-scale transformation of the organization, turning it into a lean, execution-driven entity at the forefront of blockchain innovation. I restructured funding, infrastructure, community engagement, and ecosystem development, bringing Aeternity back into the spotlight and launching its most ambitious project yet—Hyperchains. - Redesigned and improved the entire grant application process, ensuring transparency and efficiency. - Rebuilt critical infrastructure and ecosystem, filling key gaps that hindered adoption. - Revived community engagement, reigniting developer interest and increasing participation. - Re-established Aeternity’s presence in the blockchain space, driving renewed awareness and credibility. - Streamlined foundation operations, consolidating documentation and creating an agile, impact-driven organization. - Spearheaded the launch of Hyperchains, marking a major milestone after years of R&D.
Co-Founder & Chief Growth Officer
2016 - 2020
Co-founded Aeternity Blockchain, leading its growth from inception to a $1.25 billion blockchain unicorn. Drove funding, partnerships, and global expansion, establishing Aeternity as a key player in the industry. - Secured $28M in funding (2017), setting the foundation for rapid growth. - Scaled Aeternity’s valuation to $1.25B, making it Liechtenstein’s first blockchain unicorn. - Led global expansion efforts, launching a worldwide ambassador network. - Forged high-impact partnerships, enhancing adoption and ecosystem growth. - Drove strategic initiatives, ensuring long-term scalability and technological leadership.
CEO
2017 - 2020
Founded and led Aeternity Ventures, driving investment and innovation in the blockchain space. Established one of the first global blockchain accelerators, Aeternity Starfleet, and positioned the firm as a key player in blockchain funding and startup acceleration. - Launched Aeternity Ventures, an investment firm dedicated to advancing blockchain innovation. - Built and led a team of 14, fostering a high-performance culture. - Created Aeternity Starfleet, one of the first global blockchain accelerators, mentoring and funding Web3 startups. - Invested over $2M in 16 startups within 18 months, fueling early-stage blockchain innovation. - Developed a global network of strategic partnerships, supporting startup growth and ecosystem development. - Strengthened the Balkan blockchain community, driving adoption and awareness in the region. - Positioned Aeternity Ventures as a leader in blockchain investment and acceleration.
Head of Business Development
2016 - 2016
In Germany, I led the charge in revolutionizing healthcare through strategic partnerships and innovative solutions, blending online and offline care. My leadership drove significant business growth, optimizing our market presence. Collaborating closely with the CEO, I steered our business development, expanding our reach through regional branches and refining our customer acquisition strategy. Leveraging media effectively, I enhanced our visibility and solidified our brand in the healthcare sector.
Business Development
2013 - 2016
As the Regional Business Development Director for Asia-Pacific, I led a team of over 60, revolutionizing marketing and sales processes and significantly improving product pipelines and information flow, resulting in a 65% increase in new registrations and a 57% reduction in variations. I spearheaded expansions into Indonesia and China and successfully established STADA’s Biosimilar Unit in Asia. Key Achievements: Spearheaded team of 60+ in Asia-Pacific, enhancing regional marketing and sales. Achieved a 65% increase in new registrations; decreased existing variations by 57%. Opened new businesses in Indonesia and China; established STADA’s Biosimilar Unit in Asia.
Education
Master of Science (MSc)
2012 - 2013
Law
2009 - 2010
Bachelor’s Degree
2010 - 2012
Minor
2007 - 2009