i'm writing this one with my sleeves rolled up

Dear Hidden Intel reader,

I’m writing to you not just as a founder, but as someone who still feels the weight of every decision, every sleepless night, every fight to keep something alive when it’s easier to let go.

You’ve been with us – silently watching or actively cheering – as The Founder Games went from “a crazy idea” to a movement that now connects 15 countries, 40 startups, and a growing base of investors, mentors, and partners who believe this region has what it takes to lead.

Well, it’s time.

From May 23–24, we’re hosting the Founder Games Finals. The event where:

🎢 Startups pitch in real-time to top investors from SEE and beyond.

🎢 The entire Founder Games cohort gathers, live, from Poland to Turkey.

🎢 Innovation meets raw, human stories of ambition, breakdowns, pivots – and grit.

And I want you there.

🔥 If you’re a founder

You can apply to join our special Longest Pitch Marathon 2025 segment.
Meet investors 1:1. Be part of the show. Let us see your line, not just your dot.

And we’ll follow up with details on the participation.

🛡 If you’re a partner, sponsor, or corporate innovator

This is where you show your brand walks the talk – not just supporting innovation from afar, but standing next to it when it matters most.

We’re inviting a small group of Local Heroes – the kind of leaders who don’t wait for the future to arrive, but help shape it.

If that’s you, we’d love to co-create your presence inside this moment.

We offer customizable partner packages ranging from €1,000 to €5,000, depending on your goals, visibility needs, and level of engagement.

Whether it's stage presence, investor intros, product placement, or a curated spotlight, this is where you activate it, so let’s talk!

Or just reply to this email.

You know me. I don’t quit. Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard.

This show, this movement, was built because I couldn’t find a place where founders feel seen for who they are. So we made one.

Let’s meet in May. Let’s build this story together.

With love (and a pitch deck always nearby),

Sanja Mitrovska