Empowering the Next Generation of Global Founders with EGC Mentorship

Connect with young entrepreneurs across the Western Balkans through EGC mentorship program.

Who Are Our Mentors

EGC mentors are experienced professionals from diverse fields who are committed to supporting founders in emerging ecosystems. They bring valuable expertise and insights to help early-stage entrepreneurs overcome challenges, grow their businesses, and make a lasting impact.

Key Attributes of Mentors:

Experienced entrepreneurs, industry and subject matter experts, and thought leaders.

Professionals with deep industry knowledge across various sectors.

Leaders who are passionate about social impact and sustainable development.

Meet The Mentors

Meet The Mentors

Natalie Neptune
Natalie Neptune
Connecting brands with IRL experiences | Top LinkedIn Voice for Next Gen | Founder of GenZtea | Gen Z Private Markets Expert & Speaker
Stefan Karadzic
Stefan Karadzic
Director, Solution Architecture @ Microsoft Viva
JC Jung
JC Jung
Impact Entrepreneur | Advisor | Investor
Rahoul Mehendale
Rahoul Mehendale
Interim CEO at Stealth Startup
Patrick McGinnis
Patrick McGinnis
board director, executive coach/advisor, author/podcaster, and investor
Matthew Sawyer
Matthew Sawyer
Adj. Professor at NYU & Columbia University, Business Founder, Book Author
Beth Ferreria
Beth Ferreria
Investor | Board Director | Experienced Operations Executive

Why Become a Mentor?

Networking

Networking opportunities with global entrepreneurs and other mentors.

Personal & professional growth

Personal and professional growth through teaching and learning experiences.

Giving back

The chance to give back by empowering underserved communities.

Read about Uros’ success

Fintech
Kragujevac

My startup, Nutsss, is a mobile app that uses gamification to make financial management engaging. The name is inspired by how squirrels store nuts, similar to how people should save money. My goal was to learn how to position my product in the market and deliver more value to users. EGC provided invaluable insights and strategies that have greatly contributed to our growth. Nutsss has grown to over 5,000 users, with more than 500 daily active users at its peak. Our next challenge is adopting Open Banking and pioneering PSD2 regulations in Serbia.

5.000+
Acquired app users
Uroš Stojanović
Nutsss App
Uroš Stojanović - Founder of Fintech Nutsss App

My startup, Nutsss, is a mobile app that uses gamification to make financial management engaging. The name is inspired by how squirrels store nuts, similar to how people should save money. My goal was to learn how to position my product in the market and deliver more value to users. EGC provided invaluable insights and strategies that have greatly contributed to our growth. Nutsss has grown to over 5,000 users, with more than 500 daily active users at its peak. Our next challenge is adopting Open Banking and pioneering PSD2 regulations in Serbia.

Read about Nikola’s success

Tech/Health
Serbia

"Pametan Zalogaj" is an app that connects schools, children, parents, and local restaurants to provide daily healthy meals tailored to children's needs. It promotes healthy eating habits and offers parents an easy way to monitor and pay for their children’s meals. 
My goal was to learn and build a strong network in America. I successfully made many connections thanks to the welcoming environment. The EGC and BOLD program continues to provide me with support and encouragement, which I hope to pass on to future generations. 
We are in the development phase of our app, aiming to launch by the end of the year, with our first users—happy children with healthy meals—by February.

$50.000
in raised funds
Nikola Krsmanovic
Pametan Zalogaj
Nikola Krsmanovic

"Pametan Zalogaj" is an app that connects schools, children, parents, and local restaurants to provide daily healthy meals tailored to children's needs. It promotes healthy eating habits and offers parents an easy way to monitor and pay for their children’s meals. 
My goal was to learn and build a strong network in America. I successfully made many connections thanks to the welcoming environment. The EGC and BOLD program continues to provide me with support and encouragement, which I hope to pass on to future generations. 
We are in the development phase of our app, aiming to launch by the end of the year, with our first users—happy children with healthy meals—by February.

Read about Tamara’s success

greentech
subotica/novi sad
BOLD

Solarise is a SaaS platform that automates the process of issuing initial quotes for the installation of solar panels. Tamara completed Founders Institute Accelerator program and is currently participating in the Smart Start Program. Solarise received funding for SmartStart program and a spot in their accelerator program. Tamara’s achievement is becoming the first place on regional GAEA Challenge, competing with European startups.

1st place
on regional GAEA Challenge
Tamara Ilić
Founder of Solarise
Tamara Ilić - Founder of Solarise

Solarise is a SaaS platform that automates the process of issuing initial quotes for the installation of solar panels. Tamara completed Founders Institute Accelerator program and is currently participating in the Smart Start Program. Solarise received funding for SmartStart program and a spot in their accelerator program. Tamara’s achievement is becoming the first place on regional GAEA Challenge, competing with European startups.

Read about Nedim’s success

Health/Fitness
SARAJEVO/VASTERAS

WheelFit is an exercise application for people with disability and as a first of its kind application in Western Balkans region, aims to revolutionise access to fitness and exercise programmes to people with disability.

$14,620
received as BOLD Small Grant
2000+
New users since November, 2023
Nedim Karavdić
Founder of WheelFit
Nedim Karavdić, Founder of WheelFit

WheelFit is an exercise application for people with disability and as a first of its kind application in Western Balkans region, aims to revolutionise access to fitness and exercise programmes to people with disability.

Join Our Mentor Community

Click the button below and fill out the application form to become a mentor. If you have any questions, email us at info@egcnyc.org.

Frequently asked questions

How and when can I apply for the BOLD Fellowship?

The call for applications opens in mid-October every year and you can apply via our website by completing a short application form.

What happens after I submit my application for the Fellowship program?

If selected, the second stage is a short video pitch you have to submit related to your idea and market understanding. The final stage is an interview with one of our review committee members. After that we review all the candidates to identify the best Fellowship cohort.

What is the first stage of the application process and what do I need to submit as part of the application form?

The application form is the first stage of the overall process that includes a set of brief personal questions, short essay questions, and a letter of recommendation that you have to attach to the form.

Who is an ideal candidate?

If you are committed to your tech solution, passionate about entrepreneurship, have a good understanding of your target market, and ready to be BOLD, this is the right program for you!

What expenses are covered if I am accepted to the program?

The entire incubator program including visa to the U.S., travelling to the U.S., accommodation, meals, activities, access to unique startup events, and programmatic activities are included. You only need to be able to cover your own “I love NYC” t-shirt!

How long is the program?

The incubator program consists of three components. The virtual program takes place once a week with a 2-hour commitment. The in-person program in NY state is a full-time 4-week long program. Once you return to your country of origin, we have flexible programmatic activities over 4 months, including demo day’s and pitch events.

If rejected to the program, can I apply next year?

Absolutely; being the entrepreneur you will be persistent and come back even stronger and more focused on becoming a BOLD Fellow.