Borislav Borislavov

Managing Director of shift^, a European venture accelerator and investment gateway supporting founders with business growth, investment readiness, fundraising and M&A, and investors with access to investment opportunities, due diligence, co-investments, syndicate management and portfolio support.

More than 25 years of experience as an entrepreneur, executive, investor, board member and strategic advisor across technology, digital marketing, fintech, financial services and venture capital. Founded and scaled companies, led teams, advised hundreds of businesses and completed three successful exits.

Award-winning film producer and distributor, with a track record spanning theatrical and digital releases, including a record-breaking box-office success. Member of the European Film Academy.

MSc in Computer Science and graduate of the Investment Banking Institute programme. Lecturer, speaker and mentor at universities and international entrepreneurship programmes, including the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Leaders in Innovation Fellowships.

Socially active in entrepreneurship, venture capital, infrastructure and the film industry. Father of two daughters.

Entrepreneurship & Investment

• Founded and scaled companies across technology, digital marketing, fintech and other sectors.
• Led teams totalling more than 350 people across multiple companies.
• Companies and teams led have collectively won more than 40 business awards.
• Raised capital through equity investment, debt financing, bonds and grants.
• Advised hundreds of businesses on strategy, growth, financing and investment readiness.
• Completed three successful exits across different sectors.
• Founded and led a business angel network in Southeast Europe.
• Experience in angel investing, venture capital, corporate venture capital and corporate governance.
• Led a corporate venture capital business within a banking group.
• Led a licensed mobile and online payment service provider.
• Managed a licensed financial institution specialising in venture debt and revenue-based financing.
• Operated smart city EMV payment systems for public transport and parking.
• Started the first business at 16, with experience of both successful ventures and three failures as a founder.

Education & Leadership

• MSc in Computer Science and graduate of the Investment Banking Institute programme in Financial Analysis and Business Valuation.
• Published researcher and registered scientific expert in digital marketing, e-business and capital markets.
• Mentor, lecturer and programme organiser within the Royal Academy of Engineering’s Leaders in Innovation Fellowships programme.
• Mentor, tutor and judge at international entrepreneurship programmes and competitions.
• Lecturer and speaker at universities, industry events and entrepreneurship forums.
• Two terms of chairmanship of the Bulgarian Web Association through a representative of a company founded and led.
• Recognised for leadership and innovation in the 2009 Next Generation competition organised by Pari and Deloitte.

Film Production & Distribution

• Award-winning film producer, with work spanning feature films, short films, documentaries and television.
• Distributed more than 100 titles across cinemas and digital platforms in European markets.
• Film distribution work includes a record-breaking box-office release.
• Previously operated a streaming video-on-demand platform.
• Member of the European Film Academy.

Community & Personal Background

• Active in entrepreneurship, venture capital, infrastructure and the film industry.
• Creator of an online database covering the history of Formula 1.
• Founder of an online community focused on infrastructure, architecture, transport and the environment.
• Served 18 months in the National Gendarmerie during mandatory military service.
• Sports background includes karate, chess and karting; active in swimming, cycling and hiking.
• Father of two daughters.