Meet the Team: Simona Nikolova
Simona Nikolova, our Entrepreneur Experience and Access to Capital Director, is one of our longest-standing team members—an integral part of the Endeavor Bulgaria family since almost the very beginning!
What is Entrepreneur Experience? The team which deals with anything related to the entrepreneurs in our portfolio. From access to capital to access to talent, the EX team are there to guide and support. They are the backbone of our Endeavor offices.
1. How has Endeavor changed for the time you’ve worked here and how have you changed working at Endeavor?
I’ve been part of Endeavor Bulgaria for six years and have witnessed our immense growth. When I started, we had only one program and our brand was relatively unknown. Now, we have multiple programs for startups and scaleups, a strong regional presence, and open innovation initiatives. It’s been an incredible journey. The beauty of being part of this process is that you get to grow, learn to do many things, and never get bored.
2. Tell us about that one experience at Endeavor that was so awesome, you go back to it often.
No matter what my responsibilities are, I always go back to helping companies navigate the final stage of the selection process to become Endeavor Entrepreneurs (the International Selection Panel). The pressure, excitement, and hard work pay off, making it a rewarding experience that reminds us of our core mission: to see founders learn, grow, and succeed! 🙂
3. We often say that no two days are the same with us, but give us a sneak peek into your typical work week. Is there a certain routine you follow? Any moments you specifically look forward to during the week?
I always say that Endeavor is not for everyone, because you have to handle a variety of tasks and responsibilities. My week is usually divided between selection and support within our network. This includes speaking with pipeline companies, investors, and mentors, as well as helping our portfolio founders across all our programs find the right people to address their challenges. No two days are the same, but that variety is what makes it exciting for me. I especially look forward to the moments when we see the founders happy and recognize the small contributions we make to their growth.