Tzvete Doncheva

Startup Advisor and Mentor

Tzvete Doncheva is a startup advisor and mentor, who has worked in London's tech scene over the last 2+ years. She most recently helped develop the ecosystem and portfolio initiatives at a London- based PropTech venture capital firm. Tzvete started her career in media at BTV, the Bulgarian television channel with the largest viewing audience, covering breaking news and current affairs as the channel’s UK correspondent and has written for Euronews, Startups Magazine and Trending Topics.

Now, Tzvete advises companies on positioning, strategy and innovation management. A core activity of her work has been identifying innovative solutions (PropTech and Mobility) and connecting the key stakeholders in the public and private sectors (transport and real estate) to enable open dialogue and future progress. 

Why do you support the work of The Entrepreneurs Network?

The Entrepreneurs Network is the voice of Britain’s business owners before policy makers. Philip Salter and his team have the knowledge and skills to ensure the concerns entrepreneurs face are raised to government leaders. Now is a critical time for businesses big and small, across industries - The Entreprenuers Network’s role is essential, campaigning for policy changes that will protect Britain’s entrepreneurial future. The Entrepreneurs Network also provides founders invaluable practical support and access to key information – through the regular Policy Updates or the weekly e-bulletin.

TEN’s sound commitment to encouraging and promoting female entrepreneurship (through Female Founders Forum) is extraordinary. As a woman who has worked in both a start-up and at a VC firm, a topic I feel very strongly about is the gender equity funding gap. TEN has done a great job in shedding more light on the issue (Here and Now report) and raising key points for policy makers to consider and help make the UK a better place for female entrepreneurs to launch and scale a business.

What research should more people read?

The Here and Now report which as mentioned highlighted key issues for policy makers, media, venture capitalists and others to consider in order to improve female representation in entrepreneurship. The paper also revealed data-based evidence that women are just as bankable as an investment as men.

I also recommend reading The Startup Manifesto, an open letter to the UK Government featuring 21 policies across access to investment, talent and regulation. Endorsed by over 250 established entrepreneurs, the recommendations combined form a blueprint which can help make Britain the world leader in starting and growing a business.

Why is the UK an attractive place to grow a business?

There are a lot of opportunities for founders – the start-up ecosystem is collaborative and buzzing. More VC money was invested in UK tech than in any other European state. The country continues to attract world-class talent, as another report by The Entrepreneurs Network showed - 49% of the UK’s fastest growing start-ups have at least one immigrant co-founder. It is a global hub of entrepreneurship and a great place for a founder to be at – regardless of the stage in the business journey.