Startup Wise Guys and SABAH lab launched a program for aspiring entrepreneurs
On September 10, Startup Wise Guys together with SABAH.HUB launched its second Founders Club program in Baku. The event marked the beginning of an 8-week journey designed to support entrepreneurs into the startup world. We will work with founders from shaping an idea and validating it, to testing business models and preparing for growth.
The welcome session took place at the SABAH.HUB office in Baku. Each of the 30 participants had a few minutes to introduce themselves, share their background, and pitch their idea.
Throughout the program, participants will attend workshops, receive mentorship from international and local experts, have 1:1 meetings, and gain practical skills to build strong entrepreneurial foundations.
Orkhan, board member of SABAH.lab:
“This program is crucial because it supports the creation of early-stage startups in Azerbaijan and helps founders build strong, complementary teams. By dedicating our resources and support at this stage, we increase the chances of building sustainable and scalable companies within our ecosystem.”
We believe it’s not just a program, it is a step toward strengthening Azerbaijan’s innovation ecosystem.
Davide (Managing Director at Startup Wise Guys):
“This was my second time in Baku, and I’m impressed by how fast the local startup community is growing. I truly believe collaboration like this can turn ideas into something bigger.”
Over the next two months, the agenda will cover the most essential topics for new founders: customer discovery, problem-solution fit, hypothesis testing, team-building, and preparing for investor conversations. The goal is to give participants both the confidence and the skills to continue their journey beyond the program.
Nazrin (Venture Analyst at SABAH.HUB): “This program is important because it shapes strong founder profiles and provides practical support to validate ideas, test business models, and accelerate growth. More crucially, our collaboration is like building bridges; we are opening international opportunities for Azerbaijani founders and connecting them to the wider global innovation community.”
For Startup Wise Guys, this initiative strengthens our mission of empowering entrepreneurship in emerging regions.
What’s Next?
- During the next 8 weeks, founders will experience an intense and exciting program filled with workshops, mentor sessions, and 1-1s
- DemoDay in Baku on 29.10, where participants will have the chance to pitch their solutions
- SABAH.fund and Startup Wise Guys will evaluate potential investment decisions
We wish the best of luck to new aspiring founders!
