Meet EurA Sofia: Driving Innovation in Bulgaria with EU Funding

This month, we’re welcoming EurA Sofia to the Work&Share coworking family! EurA Group is a European leader in innovation management and funding consultancy, and their arrival in Sofia adds a new experienced player to the local ecosystem. Their mission also includes increasing access to EU innovation funding Bulgaria, helping local innovators secure resources and partnerships across Europe. We sat down with Bogdana Vatashka, Regional Manager for Bulgaria and Southeast Europe, to talk about why they joined Work&Share, their mission in the region, and what excites them most about Bulgaria’s innovation potential.

Welcome to Work&Share! What brought EurA Sofia to our ecosystem – and how did you hear about us?

Bogdana: Thank you! We’re thrilled to be here. Sofia Tech Park has long been the heart of Bulgaria’s innovation scene – home to the Incubator, Lab Complex, and the Supercomputer. Now, with INSAIT and so many deep-tech startups, it’s become a hub of success and international recognition.

When we visited Work&Share, we immediately felt the strong community vibe, flexibility, and energy that matched our values. It felt like the right place to grow.

You’re new to the space – what made Work&Share Coworking feel like home for your team?

We wanted more than desks – we wanted a creative environment where collaboration happens naturally. The shared spaces, open layout, and active community made Work&Share the perfect fit for a globally connected, growing team like ours.

EurA operates across Europe. What role will the Sofia office play in the bigger picture?

EurA works in four European countries, partnering closely with the European Commission to provide top-tier consultancy in innovation management, tech transfer, sustainability, commercialization, and network building.

Sofia is our bridge into Southeast Europe — helping innovative Bulgarian and regional companies access EU innovation funding Bulgaria as well as other international opportunities, especially from Germany and the EU.

What kinds of companies or innovations are you most excited to support here?

We’re especially excited about AI, quantum computing, aerospace, green technologies, digital health, advanced manufacturing, and biotech. But more than trends, we value the vision and ambition of the people behind them. Bulgaria’s technical talent is world-class – we want to help scale it globally.

EurA is known for navigating complex funding landscapes. What’s one piece of advice for startups or SMEs?

Start early, think strategically, and grow your network. Many founders wait too long to explore funding opportunities or underestimate the role of communication and partnerships. The best results come when creativity is paired with a solid business plan. We’re here to walk that journey with you.

Any specific types of founders or companies you hope to meet at Work&Share?

Everyone! If you’re thinking about funding or expanding in Europe, let’s grab a coffee and talk.

What innovation trends excite you in Southeast Europe?

We’re seeing growth in climate tech, circular economy solutions, and smart agriculture. We’re also inspired by the momentum around female-led startups and social impact ventures.

What does a typical day in your team look like? Any rituals?

For me, a great day starts with a perfect Italian espresso-and we’re lucky to have great coffee spots nearby. Then it’s all about connecting, brainstorming, and pushing projects forward.

Sustainability is a big part of EurA’s DNA. How does that play out day-to-day?

We lead by example – reducing paper use, supporting local suppliers, encouraging climate-friendly commuting, and rethinking travel. Our HQ in Ellwangen, Germany, is surrounded by nature, and that closeness to the environment inspires how we work everywhere.

Collaboration is core to Work&Share. How do you hope to collaborate with the community?

We’d love to share our expertise – whether it’s helping a startup navigate EU grants, hosting workshops on innovation funding, or simply exchanging ideas over lunch.

Your first-year goals at Work&Share?

Support at least 10 local companies in securing European funding and innovation programs – and become a trusted, approachable partner in the ecosystem.

Finally, something fun about the EurA Sofia team?

If you’ve ever dreamed of playing tennis like Djokovic or Federer but never tried – give me a call!

About EurA

EurA Group is a leading European consultancy in innovation management, connecting cutting-edge companies with funding, networks, and partners across Europe. With offices in four countries, EurA has helped thousands of businesses bring innovative ideas to market.

🔗 Learn more: www.eura-ag.com