The power of one helping hand: How Appolica was built on trust and support

Appolica is a venture studio based in Sofia, Bulgaria, that builds and scales tech startups. Since 2015, it has partnered with 75+ companies, developing products that have raised over €500M in funding. With a team of 50+ engineers, designers, and product experts, Appolica specializes in AI, low-code/no-code, and full-scale development. Recognized as a leading mobile app developer in Bulgaria, Appolica helps startups launch faster, refine their products, and scale with the right technology and expertise to succeed in competitive markets.

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If we meet your business as a person on the street, how would it introduce itself to us?

Meet Appolica. He’s a founder’s best friend, helping them build products that customers actually need, fast. Whether it’s product development, strategy, fundraising, or even personal advice, Appolica is always there, fully committed to turning big ideas into reality.

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Tell us about a moment when you had to close one door to open another. What made you take that step?

A defining moment when I had to close one door to open another was when I transitioned from running a successful mobile app development agency to launching a venture studio.

My agency had built a strong reputation in mobile development, working with well-known brands and delivering high-quality products. But over time, I saw a bigger opportunity—not just in building tech for clients, but in helping startups from the ground up, guiding them from the idea stage to product-market fit.

This shift required me to rethink how I allocated my time, resources, and focus. Instead of solely offering services, I wanted to co-build and invest in startups, taking a more hands-on role in their success. Making this leap meant stepping away from a purely agency model and restructuring my team to align with a new, broader vision.

It took this step because I saw a gap in the ecosystem—early-stage founders often struggle with execution, and I knew my expertise in fast iteration and product execution could bridge that gap. It wasn’t just a business decision; it was about creating more impact. Looking back, closing that chapter allowed me to build something even more meaningful: a venture studio that empowers founders, accelerates startups, and drives innovation across CEE. 

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Tell us about a moment when someone gave you a helping hand without expecting anything in return, and it changed something significant for you. What was it, and why do you remember it?

In general, the Bulgarian startup ecosystem—both locally and among those abroad—is incredibly supportive. Almost everyone is willing to help others, share knowledge, and open doors without expecting anything in return.

But one moment that truly stood out to me was the support I received from Venera Alexandrova when we were first shaping the idea of our venture studio. At a time when many were skeptical about whether a venture studio model could succeed in our region, she was one of the very few who said she believed we could do it. She didn’t just offer words of encouragement—she actively brainstormed with us, helped refine our approach, and most importantly, made invaluable introductions to people who could support our journey.

These intros led to key conversations, potential partnerships, and a much stronger foundation for what we were building. Another moment that had a huge impact was Deyan Vitanov’s help during a critical phase of shaping the business. Instead of simply supporting us, he challenged us relentlessly—questioning every aspect of the model, forcing us to dive deep into our assumptions, and pushing us to refine our thinking. It wasn’t always comfortable, but it was exactly what we needed. His tough questions gave us the clarity to strengthen our approach, ensuring we weren’t just building something we believed in but something that could truly work at scale. That kind of push— where someone takes the time to challenge rather than just encourage— can make all the difference.

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Tell us about a moment when you stopped, looked around, and said to yourself: ‘Yes, this is exactly why I started!’ When was it, and what did you feel?

It’s not just one moment—it happens repeatedly. In the early days, I started as asoftware developer because I found deep satisfaction in building something from scratch and solving meaningful problems for people. Every time I see our team successfully tackle a challenge and receive great feedback from users, I feel astrong sense of pride and fulfillment. That’s exactly why I started, and it continues to drive me forward.

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If someone were to create a comedy series about your business one day, which scene must absolutely be in the first episode?

The episode opens in our office. The team is gathered around the table, ready to hear a startup pitch. The founder confidently presents an idea: a Tinder-like app for pets. The concept is simple: pet owners create profiles for their pets, list their preferences, and match with others for playdates.

Rather than dismissing it, we dig deeper. Is the real challenge finding playmates, or is there a bigger opportunity in pet adoption? We break it down, looking for ways to validate the idea. Could a landing page test interest? Would shelters benefit from a smarter matching system?

The conversation shifts. The founder rethinks the concept: what if, instead of playdates, the focus was on connecting people with rescue pets? Within minutes, we outline a validation plan - survey pet owners, test with shelters, maybe run a fake-door test.

By the end of the meeting, the idea has evolved into something that might actually work