Artificial Intelligence
Stoyan Zlatkov
AI Ecosystem Architect @ BRAIN++ | Co-founder @ Flatimo
Talk TopicBulgaria–United Kingdom Business Exchange: From Contacts to Joint Initiatives
About the speaker
Stoyan Zlatkov is AI Ecosystem Architect at BRAIN++, Bulgaria's AI Factory at Sofia Tech Park, and co-founder of the proptech platform Flatimo. A former CFO of Interop.io and an investment banker, he holds an Executive MBA from INSEAD (Dean's List).
About the talk
Talk DescriptionThe session is about converting the relationships established during the Forum into potential commercial partnerships, joint projects, investment opportunities and structured follow-up activities.
Key TakeawaysMost forum contacts go cold within two weeks. The deal usually goes to whoever sends a specific proposal first, not to whoever had the best conversation. UK partners decide slower but commit harder. Expect 3-6 months from first meeting to signed deal, and a real contract, not a handshake. The fastest route into the UK is rarely a UK entity. A distributor, reseller or a UK-based partner lets you test demand before building overhead. Bulgaria's pitch to UK companies is now stronger: euro adoption and full Schengen membership remove currency and border friction, while costs and tech talent remain competitive. Post-Brexit trade is tariff-free but not friction-free. Rules of origin, customs paperwork and VAT registration decide whether a deal is actually profitable. Investors and partners judge you on your numbers before your product. Clean financials, clear ownership and audited accounts open doors that a great pitch cannot.