More than 2000 visitors from 50 countries, leading investors and dozens of scientists, visionaries and managers of tech companies arrived in Sofia to participate in the summer edition of the largest forum for innovative technologies Webit. The event took place in the heart of the city, in the National Palace of Culture and besides keynote speaches and panel discussion on the main stage, part of the programme were two parallel forums – the InvestX investment forum and this year’s edition of Digital Sofia, organized by the Sofia Municipality.
Webit’s core message this year was focused on the development and impact of artificial intelligence and how humanity is adapting.
In the opening panel, Sofia Mayor Yordanka Fandakova encouraged the entrepreneurs at Webit to invest in Bulgaria’s young talents – educated dreamers and the city’s biggest asset. “When more than 10 years ago we started talking about urban digital solutions, to many that sounded strange, but my mission has always been education, science, and their effective involvement in the development of both the country’s potential and in solving the city’s challenges. Technology transforms our lives, we need to use it to improve the quality of life” – the Mayor said in his welcoming remarks to the audience
She pointed out that Sofia has become not only a preferred place to live, but also an economic, educational and cultural center, thanks to the efforts of many people, and namely those of the Municipality’s investment team.
“A few years ago, I took a decision to launch the Invest Sofia unit. The Agency aims to support investors interested in Sofia with fast and flexible administrative solutions,” the Mayor added, and encouraged investors in the hall to reach out the team of Invest Sofia during the networking sessions to talk about the city’s potential.
Held alongside Webit, the InvestX Investment Forum became the first event of its kind in the country with the main aim of showcasing the business potential of Sofia and Bulgaria to global leaders in the investment community. Investors from Blackrock, European Investment Bank and European Investment Fund, Mercer, Adams Street Partners, Citi Ventures, J.P Morgan and many others were part of the event.
