5-Minutes With: Venelin Dimitrov

5-Minutes With is an interview series, where high-impact business leaders from Endeavor Bulgaria’s network share valuable advice, motivations, and lessons learned throughout their journey.

Venelin Dimitrov, CEO and co-founder of SoftGroup, has been an Endeavor Entrepreneur since 2016. With over 20 years in software engineering, Venelin’s leadership has propelled SoftGroup to become a trusted global partner in pharmaceutical traceability solutions. A tech enthusiast at heart, Venelin blends innovative thinking with sharp business acumen, driving his company’s success in over 20 European and global markets.

What is a surprising fact about Endeavor?

I’m surprised by the diversity within Endeavor’s portfolio. They support a broad range of businesses, not just in terms of industry but also across different stages of development, from late-stage startups to mature, scaling organizations.

Entrepreneurship can be a rollercoaster—what’s your go-to method for staying grounded during tough times?

Exploring new methods and opportunities within the same business keeps me motivated. It gives me fresh perspectives and the calm I need to move forward. Plus, I always make time to recharge—stepping away for a bit helps me return with renewed energy and focus.

What’s one myth about entrepreneurship that needs to be debunked? 

A big myth is that an entrepreneur’s idea is completely unique. More often than not, someone else has had a similar idea before but didn’t pursue it for various reasons. The key isn’t necessarily having the most original idea—it’s about execution and finding a market for it.

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

I wouldn’t recommend one source. Relying on a single resource limits your thinking. Instead, consume a wide variety of content—books, videos, and experiences—and constantly ask yourself how these ideas can be applied to your own business. Even seemingly trivial things can inspire the breakthrough you need.

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

Never give up. The path to success is rarely straightforward, and resilience is what separates those who succeed from those who don’t. Remember, it’s not always about having the most original idea (refer to question 3); it’s about how you bring that idea to life and make it work.