5-Minutes With: Ivo Evgeniev

5-Minutes With is an interview series where business leaders from Endeavor Bulgaria’s network share their personal experiences, advice, and lessons learned.

Meet Ivo Evgeniev, investor and seasoned entrepreneur, whose vision and leadership helped establish Endeavor Bulgaria. With a career spanning over two decades and investments across telecom, IT, real estate, and beyond, Ivo brings a wealth of experience.

Why did you decide to join the Endeavor Bulgaria network, and what impact do you hope to have in your role?

I was in fact the first person to join Endeavor Bulgaria, being the person who managed to raise enough interest and board members to start the Bulgarian chapter. Based on my previous entrepreneurial and venture capital background, I felt that Endeavor could provide much needed help and support to local businesses. At that time there were few funds and mentor organizations.

What do you believe is the most critical factor in scaling a business sustainably?

It is mostly down to the level of professionalism of the key persons. The management team should have established and verified business processes that can handle at least two times the size of their current operations.

What’s the best business advice you’ve ever received?

“Cash is king.”

What’s one book, podcast, or resource you’re currently reading or listening to that you’d recommend to others?

The Big Leap: Conquer Your Hidden Fear and Take Life to the Next Level by Gay Hendricks

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring entrepreneurs?

If you have investors, do not look at their money as a gift, but as a debt.