Mati Barbero: bridging ecosystems, empowering founders
The energy, curiosity, and collaboration of founders in Kosovo and North Macedonia inspired Mati. He believes the Balkans have the talent and spirit to grow into a thriving innovation hub.
For Mati Barbero, coaching founders is more than a job—it’s a calling rooted in empathy, connection, and the belief that entrepreneurship can transform entire communities.
"One of my favorite Swiss EP moments was supporting founders in Kosovo and North Macedonia,” he shares. “I had the chance to connect deeply with incredibly driven entrepreneurs. The energy, curiosity, and determination I witnessed there reminded me why I do what I do.”
Mati Barbero, an expert in fundraising, ecosystem development, and startup coaching, joined the Swiss Entrepreneurship Program to bring his global experience to emerging startup communities. What he found in the Balkans left a lasting impression:
My time in Macedonia and Kosovo reinforced how much potential lies within emerging ecosystems. Beyond the structural challenges, what stood out most was the people—warm, friendly, and eager to learn. The ecosystem is highly collaborative, with founders and organizations genuinely supporting each other.
During his sessions with early-stage startups, Mati focused on helping founders define their vision, craft clear pitches, and adopt a more global mindset. But for him, the learning was mutual.
I was particularly impressed by the level of curiosity and coachability among entrepreneurs; they are open to feedback, hungry for knowledge, and willing to adapt. This mindset, combined with the region’s growing talent pool, creates a strong foundation for future success.
He sees the Balkans on the brink of something big: “With the right access to capital and international networks, this region could become a thriving hub for innovation.”
Mati’s work with Swiss EP also carried a personal resonance. “As someone from Latin America, I see so many parallels between my region and the Balkans—resilience, warmth, informality, and hustle. I’m proud to be a bridge between these worlds.”
And his favorite insight?
When you empower one founder, you ignite a ripple of impact that can shape an entire ecosystem.