To encourage innovation and creativity, BALFIN Group supported the launch of Tirana Slush’D, a major startup conference in Albania, held for the first time at the Pyramid of Tirana. The event was backed by Happy, the most innovative customer rewards program in Albania, as well as by Tirana Business University (TBU), which connects youth with the business community’s need for expertise.

Edlira Muka, Chief Executive Officer of BALFIN Group, was on the jury panel to help find and support promising startups. President of BALFIN Group, Samir Mane, also attended and shared his success tips with the young audience, which have helped the Group become one of the largest investment firms in Albania and the Western Balkans, operating in 11 countries in Europe and North America for 30 years.

Tirana Slush’D brought together government officials, business leaders, and innovators to celebrate new startups from the capital and discuss how innovation is shaping Albania’s business environment. The jury featured notable figures like Peter Vesterbacka, founder of Slush’D and developer of “Angry Birds”; Edlira Muka, CEO of BALFIN Group; Grant Van Cleeve, President of the American Chamber of Commerce; Ardian Hoxha, President of the KFSEE Chapter; Sokol Duma, Deputy Minister of Culture, Economy, and Innovation; and Michal Csonga, general partner at “Zero One Hundred VC.”

Ten startups were showcased, each providing solutions to social challenges and changing different sectors. Before announcing the winners, Samir Mane answered questions from the event moderators, sharing his experiences and vision in areas like real estate, tourism, and banking. He stressed that innovation is crucial for entrepreneurs and requires the courage to take calculated risks.

“In my early days, I saw potential in the retail industry and thought about building shopping centers. Back then, no one believed it was a good idea—not even my father. Many warned me I would lose money, and 99% of people were against it. But I was the only one who thought it could work. I asked myself, ‘Why not?’ So I invested all my money and opened QTU,” he shared, highlighting the challenges he faced.

Mane emphasized that innovation shouldn’t be held back by barriers but should be driven by perseverance and the ability to spot new opportunities. The success that followed QTU—like starting the first supermarket chain and building TEG, the largest shopping center in the country—supports this belief. He also mentioned that while the future of entrepreneurship looks bright, it must keep up with the pace of innovation.

Among the ten impressive startups, “Bliss” was the standout winner.

“Bliss” will be the first online therapy platform in Albania, making mental health support accessible and affordable for everyone. Its creators won a trip to Finland to present “Bliss” to foreign investors, thanks to the Finnish Embassy and BALFIN Group.