• Impact Hub Tbilisi startup accelerator is starting

It was launched by the Impact Hub Tbilisi startup accelerator, which aims to develop local technology startups and increase their ability to attract investment. About 80 startups participated in the selection competition, and based on applications and interviews, 22 teams were selected, which will work on the development of their own startup for the next 3 months.

Participating startups will deepen their knowledge in the direction of product development and validation, work on customer segmentation, form a value proposition, trainings will be devoted to marketing, branding, advertising and sales, as well as growth marketing, market entry strategy, technical product creation (MVP), business model and finance, as well as Finding sources of funding. Teams will actively work on building a Pitch Deck and developing presentation skills.

The accelerator will be held mainly in a physical format, will last 12 weeks and will consist of several main components: local and international bootcamps, thematic sessions, individual meetings with a mentor, networking events, use of the Impact Hub common workspace and a demo day, where startups will present their companies to investors and invited guests.

It should be noted that this year the Impact Hub Tbilisi accelerator became friends with Google for Startups and the international bootcamp in Madrid will be hosted by the Google for Startups campus. At the last stage of acceleration, the selected startups will go on a study visit to Madrid, get to know the European startup ecosystem and undergo additional training.

Selected startups:

• Ally – a networking application that allows users to use each other’s contacts to solve professional problems.
• Aloha – the platform helps businesses involved in the HoReCa sector to increase customer loyalty.
• Altera-Tax Compliance – the platform offers processing of tax and accounting information to small and medium businesses using an algorithm.
• ArtOa.io – The platform connects wall artists with customers and at the same time creates wall art in minutes using AI/AR technology.
• Bit Solutions – web platform helps businesses make data-based decisions to optimize costs and resources.
• Calendo – service booking portal, which is integrated with the internal ERP system of companies.
• Certify Hub: E-Legal Solutions – customized e-legal solutions for businesses and individuals. A commerce platform that simplifies the procurement of bureaucratic services.
• DAILOGY – messenger-chat application perceives dysfunctional texts and generates corresponding functional, positive communication, thereby facilitating communication between two subjects.
• Doer – The platform connects budding tech enthusiasts with each other around a single idea.
• DocHub – the platform fully automates the processes of contract creation, execution and management.
• Hiera – a web platform that simplifies the work process of interior designers and studios, project management, the ability to share works and receive feedback.
• INSTASHOP.WORLD – a search engine based on artificial intelligence for trading within social networks.
• Quissly – a natural language speaking e-commerce companion that helps e-commerce. Commerce stores to increase sales by offering their customers the desired offers.
• Ringovet – a mobile application for on-site emergency veterinary care, while also raising awareness about homeless animals.
• SHARA – Coach Agile Teams – a digital tool/web application for managing Agile approaches and practices, which helps organizations effectively implement/develop Agile transformations and approaches.
• Skippit – a SaaS application for agency and consulting businesses that integrates all operational processes and data into one platform and helps the management team to effectively manage projects and businesses based on data.
• Skratchville – Marketing Gamification for D2C and B2C.
• Strive – a video game coaching marketplace that helps aspiring gamers get coaching services tailored to their budget and needs, while allowing experienced gamers to monetize their gaming skills.
• Tripcamp – a mobile application for nature lovers, which gives travelers the opportunity to plan the entire vacation process in one place – find and book places to stay, get information about local experiences, tours or planned events.
• uCraft.io – Marketing automation platform provides planning, creation, publishing and analysis of marketing content for various platforms.
• Webook – an online booking platform for the personal care industry.

–World Tourist – a travel app that enables travelers to discover unique local experiences while enjoying special discounts. Whether you’re looking for hidden gems or popular attractions, World Tourist provides personalized recommendations to enhance your journey.

Founded in 2021 by the Impact Hub Tbilisi team, this startup accelerator emerged after its members completed specialized training through a leading international acceleration program. Using the insights and experience gained, they created a tailored local acceleration program designed to address the unique challenges facing Georgia’s startup ecosystem.

Since its inception, the accelerator has run four streams, supporting a total of 81 startups. These startups collectively secured investments and grants amounting to nearly 2 million euros.

For more information, visit: [preacceleration.com](https://preacceleration.com).

The accelerator is supported by the EFSE Entrepreneurship Academy and TBC’s Startuper program.

• TBC and USAID Partner to Advance Technology Education: Empowering Over 800 Graduates and Expanding Opportunities

The “TBC x USAID for Technology Education” project, aimed at strengthening Georgia’s technological ecosystem, continues to grow and evolve. In the latest phase, an additional 400 students joined the program this fall, eager to transform their careers in technology or enhance their existing skills.

Since the program’s inception, over 15,000 individuals have enrolled across eight technology-focused courses. Of these, nearly 800 have successfully completed fully-funded internships, propelling them toward careers in tech. A significant focus of the initiative is to empower women and regional participants, with 40% of the enrollees being women and 35% hailing from various regions of Georgia.

The training programs are led by top professionals, including technologists and developers with international education and experience. They emphasize practical, hands-on learning in a real-world environment. The curriculum includes collaborative projects, retrospective meetings, pair programming, and other interactive elements. Additionally, students benefit from masterclasses and workshops hosted by leading industry experts. Even more activities are planned to enhance the learning experience.

Each program culminates in a “Demo Day,” where students present their final projects to potential employers, receiving invaluable feedback and career opportunities. To date, approximately 100 graduates have secured positions at TBC Group or other partner technology companies through the project.

The project also includes TechXplore, a unique series of events designed to foster teamwork in multifunctional environments. Approximately 150 participants, including tech leaders and agile coaches, have collaborated to develop tech solutions for real-world projects. Winners were awarded 15,000 GEL in shares from international tech companies.

“TBC x USAID for Technology Education offers eight specialized tech courses led by industry experts at TBC IT Academy. Our mission is to support individuals passionate about technology by providing them with the skills they need to succeed. The courses are completely free, and the online format allows participants from all over Georgia to join,” said Tata Anjaparidze, Lead of TBC IT Academy.

• 600 High School Students Begin Technology Studies at TBC Tech School

TBC Tech School, an educational initiative by TBC, offers high school students across Georgia the opportunity to explore and study various technological professions, fully funded by TBC.

For the fourth semester of the program, 1,123 students applied, and 600 were selected through a competitive process. These students will receive free technology education over the next three months.

Launched last year in partnership with GeoLab, TBC Tech School, also known as Texkola, has already engaged over 2,000 participants from across Georgia. Notably, more than 18% of these participants have enrolled in multiple courses, exploring different branches of technology.

TBC places a strong emphasis on supporting the next generation through educational programs. By introducing students to modern technologies and offering practical experience, the initiative aims to equip young people with the skills needed for the professions of the future. It encourages them to discover new opportunities, unlock their potential, and turn their innovative ideas into reality.

• Upcoming Performances at “Sakhelosno 42” Theater with the Support of TBC Concept

The independent theater space “Sakhelosno 42,” founded by Levan Tsuladze, is dedicated to advancing independent theatrical art in Tbilisi. Through performances, dramaturgy, and co-productions, the theater aims to create a true platform for the creative industry, contributing to the cultural, economic, and social development of the city.

The theater’s general sponsors are TBC Concept and Visa. A 15% discount is available on fourth-row tickets for TBC Concept Visa cardholders.

Here’s the schedule of performances for October and November:

October 27, November 2, 10, 14 | “Tootsie” 

Inspired by the film of the same name, this play focuses on the passion and sacrifice involved in the life of an actor. It explores the many thoughts, struggles, emotions, and the overarching mission that defines an actor’s daily life and dedication to the profession.

October 29, 30, November 7 | “Don Juan” 

This play delves into the spiritual crisis of its main character, a man searching for love but losing himself in the process. It explores themes of passion, mistakes, punishment, adventure, and the search for truth and love in a tumultuous world.

October 31, November 15 | “Othello” 

“Othello: Love After War” reflects on the aftermath of conflict, both external and internal. The play examines the psychological scars left on soldiers returning home, where love, hope, suspicion, and revenge intertwine in a dramatic tale of passion.

November 1 | “Fröken Julie” 

One of the most intense and profound plays in the theater’s repertoire, “Fröken Julie” examines the dynamics between people from different social classes, caught in a web of desire and manipulation.

November 3, 5, 12 | “1921-1924” 

Set during the final days of Georgian independence and the ensuing Bolshevik repression, this play portrays the tragic situation Georgia found itself in after the Sovietization, where the future, dreams, and even life itself were taken away.

November 6 | “Conductor”

In 1946, Wilhelm Furtwängler, chief conductor of the Berlin State Orchestra, stands trial in Nuremberg. This gripping play explores whether art can be separated from politics, as different ideologies clash in the courtroom. Can music liberate the soul after a pact with the devil? Ronald Harwood’s haunting play raises these and other thought-provoking questions, with no easy answers.

Make sure to experience these compelling performances at “Sakhelosno 42.”

• “Nikora Trade” Issues 60 Million GEL Bonds with Support from TBC Capital and ‘Produce in Georgia’ Agency
• Photo: Nikora

JSC “Nikora Trade” has successfully issued the first tranche of a 120 million GEL bond offering—60 million GEL in 5-year bonds—under the capital market support program of the Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development, the “Produce in Georgia” program. The bonds will be listed on the Georgian Stock Exchange.

The majority of the funds raised will be allocated towards constructing a new logistics center, which is expected to enhance the company’s operational efficiency, product availability, and supply chain optimization. This development will also create additional jobs and provide new opportunities for local entrepreneurs. Furthermore, the project focuses on the digitization of operations and reducing emissions, aligning with the company’s commitment to sustainable growth.

This marks the company’s fourth bond issuance in the local capital market, with investors primarily consisting of Georgian banks and institutional investors. The investor base is well-diversified, with no single investor holding more than 30% of the bonds.

“Nikora Trade” has been an active participant in the capital market since its first public bond issue in 2016. To date, the company has issued over 130 million GEL in bonds, consistently increasing the volume with each new issue.

“We are pleased with the success of this latest bond issuance. This is Nikora Trade’s fourth issue on the Georgian capital market and our third collaboration with TBC Capital. We are encouraged by the growing trust that investors have in our business, reflected in the increasing volume of each bond issue. The capital raised will enable us to build a state-of-the-art logistics center, the largest of its kind in Georgia. In addition to optimizing our supply chain, we are committed to reducing environmental impact and supporting green energy development. This project will significantly benefit the FMCG sector by improving product availability and reducing losses at retail points—challenges that are faced globally. Both our company and our customers will benefit from this initiative, making it even more valuable,” said Temur Alexandria, CEO of Nikora Trade.

Mari Chachanidze, Managing Director of TBC Capital, added, “We are delighted that ‘Nikora Trade’ has once again issued bonds on the Georgian securities market with our support. This marks our third consecutive bond issuance together, contributing to the development of the local capital market. It’s important that we assist a key player in the FMCG sector in securing alternative financing for a project as large as the construction of this logistics center. The funds will not only improve the company’s operations and product accessibility for customers but also advance environmental sustainability. The growing volume of Nikora Trade’s bonds demonstrates the market’s confidence in the company and the expanding opportunities within Georgia’s capital market.”

According to Irakli Gabriadze, Deputy Director of the “Enterprise Georgia” agency, “‘Nikora Trade’ is the sixth beneficiary of the capital market support program since its launch in April 2024. The program has been highly successful, with plans to continue next year. To date, 13 applications have been received, and securities amounting to 210 million GEL have been placed.”

JSC “Nikora Trade” operates around 600 retail outlets under the “Nikora” and “Libre” brands.