Sofija Bogeva

Background

About Sofija Bogeva

Im passionate about driving purpose-led innovation and empowering founders to create a more sustainable and equitable future. As Startup Lead at Rockstart, I specialize in accelerating the growth of AgriFood, Energy, and Emerging Tech startups. By combining strategic insight, analytical rigor, and cross-sector expertise, I provide tailored support to help founders scale transformative solutions. Before Rockstart, I spent over 6 years shaping the strategy and mission at SmartUp – Social Innovation Lab (co-founder), where we pioneered initiatives that championed sustainable practices and catalyzed transformative social change. In this role, I helped build organizations, innovations, and teams that redefined how we work, learn, and innovate, all focused on lasting impact. With a proven track record of scaling impact-driven solutions,I thrive in roles that require bold vision, strategic collaboration, and transformative results. Some key milestones throughout my career include: UN Recognition (2021): Honored by the United Nations as one of the people driving progress towards the SDGs in North Macedonia. Innovation Leadership (2018/19): Successfully led the process for design and development of North Macedonia’s first digital education platform, co-created with the largest community of educators, parents, and experts in the country, and adopted by the Ministry of Education. UNDP Engagement (2017): Led the establishment of the City of Skopje Innovation Center, the first public sector innovation lab in North Macedonia, aimed at boosting innovation and digitalization within the public sector. I led the lab through its transition into a city development foundation in 2021. Startup Support (2017-2021): I’ve supported 30+ early-stage startups, helping them navigate business development from idea validation to market entry though design and facilitation of open innovation labs, startup bootcamps, etc. Innovation frameworks: Developed, co-developed and edited several innovation frameworks: Guidebook for Public Sector Innovation, Innovation in education – A how-to guide to initiate innovative practices, Framework for innovating City of Skopje operational processes, Impact Investment Guide for Local Governments (editor). I’m always eager to connect with mission-driven founders, impact investors, and changemakers who share my passion for creating lasting social and environmental impact. Feel free to reach out if you want to collaborate, share insights, or discuss opportunities for innovation and impact!