Next in our series introducing the Guides behind ACCEND is Ania Mazurek, CEO of Startup Poland, based in Kraków.
Ania connects high-growth startups with global investors, produces research and market intelligence on the Polish tech ecosystem, and works to shape policy and regulation for innovation in Poland and across the EU.
As a Guide, she supports founders with strategic mentorship, helps them navigate market entry and local regulations, and connects them directly with investors and regional ecosystem partners. Her favourite part of the role:
"Walking alongside driven founders on their journey, giving them the extra momentum, belief and strategic push to turn ambitious visions into reality."
Her advice for founders selling to cities and public buyers:
"Map the public sector's procurement cycles and political priorities early, then secure an internal champion who can guide your solution through the buying process."
What would make Europe's support system work better? Ania would cut the red tape to provide fast, non-dilutive bridge funding, along with unified cross-border scaling standards for early-stage founders.
A city she thinks is doing innovation well: Wrocław, where startup energy meets real institutional support, and local leadership actively champions and scales innovation.
Something you might not know about her: she's a fan of social innovation and good films.
Thank you, Ania, for everything you've done for the ACCEND companies.