{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/65186883d257620011056f47/67516548443d3a9d8cd68555?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Ep11 - Diana Stefanova - BrightCap Ventures","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/65186883d257620011056f47/1733387036699-ee6c5e92-1473-4991-b7cb-f6d45193650e.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p>In this episode, we dive into the world of venture capital with <strong>Diana Stefanova</strong>, Managing Partner at <strong>BrightCap Ventures</strong>, an early-stage VC firm investing in the CEE region with a special focus on Bulgaria and Romania. Diana shares her journey from working with startups in Silicon Valley to scaling VMware’s Bulgarian operations and transitioning to BrightCap, first as a Venture Partner and now as a Managing Partner.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>🔍 Episode Highlights:</strong></p><ul><li><strong>💼 Navigating the World of VC</strong>: Diana explains the differences between being a Venture Partner and a Managing Partner and how these roles shape investment strategies.</li><li><strong>💰 Building a $60M Fund</strong>: Insights into the challenges and triumphs of raising BrightCap’s second fund and how portfolio exits influenced the process.</li><li><strong>🌍 Gender Equality in VC</strong>: BrightCap sets itself apart with two out of three Managing Partners being women. Diana shares her perspective on gender diversity in the CEE venture ecosystem.</li><li><strong>🔮 Future of Work Startups</strong>: Exploring BrightCap’s investment focus on the future of work, including AI-driven innovations and HR tech.</li><li><strong>📈 Bulgaria's Startup Boom</strong>: A discussion on Sofia's rise as a top CEE startup hub and the impact of success stories like Payhawk on the local ecosystem.</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Don’t miss this insightful episode packed with valuable lessons for founders, investors, and anyone interested in the evolving venture capital landscape in the CEE region. 🎧</p>","author_name":"Adrian Kondrat"}