In April 2025, we achieved something very special - first place in the Business Stars category in the national competition Best Youth Startup of Bulgaria, organized by the Fund of Funds and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski,” under the patronage of the Minister of Innovation and Growth.
About the Competition
The competition is one of the most significant initiatives supporting youth entrepreneurship in Bulgaria and a huge opportunity for young people to develop ideas for their own businesses. The competition aims to raise entrepreneurial culture among young people, inform them about funding opportunities, and provide support for the best startups.
In 2025, over 260 teams and more than 400 participants took part in the competition, divided into three categories:
- Business Stars - young entrepreneurs with an idea or an already operating small or medium-sized business, focused on long-term growth in their region or in Bulgaria
- Future Unicorns - start-ups with innovative ideas and potential for rapid growth, targeting international markets
- SDG Dragons - projects with a sustainable positive impact on society, cities, and nature, focused on global solutions
After a three-month training program and five stages of competition, a jury of 20 professionals selected the 11 best startups.
When an Idea Meets Recognition
First place in the Business Stars category went to Obelisk Interactive, the business behind the Inner Voice brand. Our startup creates and develops a platform for urban quest games and personalized experiences that turns cities into places for adventure. Our games combine logical thinking, exploration, puzzle solving, and teamwork.
"This is an award we worked hard for. While we were launching a new game in Sofia. While we were participating in events in Plovdiv. While we were installing a game in Chavdar. While we were listening to lectures in the car, filling out forms on the balcony, and making presentations on the train. An award that we are still trying to comprehend."
— Emil Totev, co-founder of Inner Voice
This recognition comes after three years of work, during which Inner Voice has evolved from an idea into a real brand, creating a community of game players, partners, and organizations throughout Bulgaria.
Looking Ahead
First place in the national competition is not just an award for us - it is confirmation that our mission to create and promote urban quest games makes sense. We believe that this is just the beginning. We will continue to tell stories, create experiences, and prove that games can be a bridge between people, businesses, and cities.