Investor Profile: Nikolay Tsenkov

Nikolay Tsenkov, a Bulgarian entrepreneur, has a professional background rooted in software engineering, initiating his career at VMware in Bulgaria. During the early stages of his career, he had the opportunity to collaborate with the esteemed team at Telerik, which was subsequently acquired by Progress. Together, they developed tools that were embraced by notable entities such as Microsoft, Visa, Boeing, and NASA.

Over the past decade, Nikolay has immersed himself in the dynamic landscape of startups, assuming diverse roles. Most recently, he assumed the helm of the engineering team at Heroic Story, a company with the backing of Y Combinator. Currently, he is actively engaged in the development of nibnab.ai, an AI technology with the ambitious aim of multiplying opportunities manifold.

While Nikolay may not carry the official title of a professional investor, he ventured into the world of investments by delving into the realm of public stocks. His understanding of the products he invests in extends to technical and business facets, with a keen eye on their probable paths to success.

What has been your greatest personal satisfaction since joining our startup investor community?

I love the events you are organizing. It’s amazing to be able to interact with other entrepreneurs and investors.

How would you describe our community and to what extent do you feel it brings value to you?

To me, it feels like a growing community of entrepreneurial people who are collectively helping to build the ecosystem and the access to capital that European startups need in order to be competitive in the global market.

What does investing mean to you?

It means many things. It is the lifeline of a positive change you try to bring to this world as an entrepreneur, a tool for smart management of personal/professional capital, and everything in between.

What motivates you to invest in startups?

When investing in my own ventures, my core motivation will always be the products I’m building and the positive impact they have on my customers. For all (my own and others’) startups, in order to invest, I have to believe in the team, mission, plan & addressable market size.

When did you start investing in startups and what does your portfolio look like?

Started building businesses 10 years ago. Some of the companies in my portfolio at the moment:

• nibnab, UNIVERSLESS & a few other ventures I founded myself;
• Heroic Story;
• WebIt Investment Network;
• DRONAMICS.

What are the most important aspects for you when evaluating a startup?

It’s a product that should exist and bring positive change to the world. Team, mission, plan & addressable market size are the main factors.

How much and in what way do you choose to get involved in the evolution of a startup after investing?

I am a founder, so my time is kind of limited (that’s why my portfolio is quite small too - that and the fact I’m investing in my own ventures, first), but I am happy to advise when founders need my help.

What was one of the best or most impactful investments you have made so far?

My startup investments are still early, but here is a fact I’m kinda proud of every startup I’ve worked with (as an employee/partner/advisor/investor) for more than a month - is still alive & kicking. On the public markets, I’ve had 2-5x ROI.

How about a founder pitching for funding?

Will be raising money for the first time in the coming months (as a founder I’ve always bootstrapped up until now), so I would love some of that advice myself! On pitching - founders, submit a YC application even if only to go through their application form. You will face challenges like explaining your startup in 50 characters and that will help you perfect your pitch. I would also say - write it down and use AI to clean up your thoughts - it helps immensely! Lastly, when an investor says No - try to get to the bottom of the reason Why, politely thank them for the feedback, and later, on your own - try to weigh in objectively on their thoughts.

SeedBlink feels like a growing community of entrepreneurial people who are collectively helping to build the ecosystem and the access to capital that European startups need in order to be competitive in the global market.