The right connection can change everything.
For an innovation ecosystem to thrive, experienced leaders must support emerging founders. As the hub of Krakow’s innovation community, the Foundation Supporting OMGKRK serves as the bridge between these groups. GrowthMatch connects early-stage founders with seasoned mentors, investors, and ecosystem leaders who can accelerate their journey.
How It Works
Apply as a GrowthMatch Founder –
Get Guidance, Accelerate Your Journey
GrowthMatch is designed for early-stage startup founders:
-
Fully dedicated to building their startup (ideally full-time).
-
Operating as a registered sp. z o.o. company.
-
Building an innovative, technological, and scalable business.
Step 1: Complete the GrowthMatch form with details about your startup and current challenges.
Step 2: The OMGKRK team reviews applications and conducts an online meeting with selected founders.
Step 3: We identify the right senior profile to provide value — an experienced founder, investor, service provider, or business leader.
Step 4: OMGKRK schedules a 45-minute virtual GrowthMach call and makes the introduction.
Step 5: You and your mentor take it from there — continuing the relationship as you see fit.
👉 Recruitment is open and ongoing — founders and mentors can apply to join upcoming matches.
Become a GrowthMatch Mentor —
Share Your Experience, Empower Founders
GrowthMatch is for experienced mentors who want to support early-stage founders:
-
You are an experienced entrepreneur, investor, or business leader.
-
You’re open to sharing your expertise, network, and practical guidance.
-
You want to contribute to the growth of Krakow’s innovation ecosystem.
How it works:
Step 1: Complete the GrowthMatch mentor form and tell us about your background and areas of expertise.
Step 2: The OMGKRK team arranges a short introduction call to get to know you better and understand how you can bring value.
Step 3: If there’s a strong fit, we connect you with a selected founder for a 45-minute GrowthMatch session focused on practical advice and collaboration.
Step 4: After the initial session, you and the founder decide whether to continue the relationship.
Please note that all mentors share their expertise pro bono to help founders grow and are expected not to treat the program as a business development opportunity.
👉 Recruitment is open and ongoing — mentors can apply anytime to join upcoming matches.
Ongoing Program Series: GrowthMatch Dinners
The pilot edition of GrowthMatch concluded with an engaging evening networking event on Thursday, November 6th, held at Yolk Coworking. The gathering brought together all participating founders and mentors for an intimate, in-person session focused on reflection, learning, and connection. Throughout the evening, participants exchanged insights gained during the program and deepened relationships within the Krakow startup community. A key highlight was an in-depth mentoring exercise led by Vincent Vergonjeanne — a seasoned serial entrepreneur with two successful exits — who shared practical guidance on scaling, leadership, and navigating the realities of startup growth. The event provided a fitting and inspiring conclusion to the pilot edition of GrowthMatch, setting a strong foundation for its future development.
GrowthMatch Connections
Program Success Stories
1. Going Global 🌍
Anna Ogar, CEO of Insignas Labs, a manufacturer of innovative agricultural solutions, was matched with Dasha Kichuk, Startup Coordinator at Web Summit. During the Web Summit Startup Mixer, Anna won a complimentary ticket to attend the global event. This opportunity will help her connect with international partners and investors to accelerate Insignas Labs’ global growth.
🔗 View testimonial
Additionally, Tomasz Stawarski, CEO of Tequipy, also won a free ticket through the program and attended Web Summit to explore international opportunities for his company.
2. Building Brand 💡
Brandon Robinson, CEO of Ligas, an athleisure brand and new entrant to Krakow’s ecosystem, was seeking marketing guidance and visibility. GrowthMatch connected him with Kandaka Dua, a marketing strategist with experience in international brand positioning. The collaboration helped refine Ligas’ marketing direction and establish its brand presence in Poland’s innovation scene.
🔗 View testimonial
3. Gaming Know-How 🎮
Alex Shynkarenko, biotech entrepreneur and former CTO of HTuO Biosciences in Vancouver, is exploring the idea of launching a video game studio in Krakow. He was matched with Jakub Bałuszek-Sobolewski, a serial entrepreneur with deep expertise in Poland’s gaming industry. Their exchange provided Alex with strategic insights into the local gaming ecosystem and opportunities for entry.
4. International Soft Landing ✈️
Ayelet Nir Shtaier, Business Development Lead at Elssway, developers of advanced wireless charging for micro-mobility, is exploring Krakow as a European market entry point. She was connected with Adrian Król, Executive Vice President of the Krakow Regional Development Agency (ARMK). The meeting opened a dialogue on potential synergies between Elssway’s technology and Krakow’s innovation projects in the Wesoła District.
5. A Chance to Pitch at Tech-ON! 🚀
Joshua Metschulat, CEO of Splinde, is building a collaborative, AI-powered budgeting platform that replaces spreadsheets with real-time offer generation. Through GrowthMatch, Joshua was connected with Tech-ON! Kraków, where he pitched to an audience of investors and innovators. He won second place, gaining valuable visibility and connections.
🔗 View testimonial
6. Investor Exposure at Wolves Summit 💼
Conrad Kac, Co-founder of HeyDrop, a platform for digital business cards and AI-powered lead management, was looking for investor connections. GrowthMatch facilitated his access to Wolves Summit, one of Central Europe’s top startup-investor events. There, Conrad pitched HeyDrop and received feedback from over 25 investors, strengthening his fundraising strategy.
7. Angel Investment 💸
John Shewell, CEO and Co-founder of Merlin, a platform that automates actionable insights to boost B2B engagement and conversion, was seeking early-stage investment. Through GrowthMatch, he was introduced to Vladyslav Muzhylivskyi, an active angel investor in Krakow’s innovation ecosystem. The connection resulted in an angel investment into Merlin, supporting the company’s next phase of growth.
8. Growth Marketing 📈
Jacek Peszko and Hubert Kaszycki, serial entrepreneurs and founders of Wesoła Immersive: New Media Art Center, were seeking support in growing their brand and marketing strategy. They were matched with Matt Swulinski, a growth marketing expert and Head of Growth at Wispr.ai, who has experience with similar creative-tech ventures. The meeting, held during the Tech-ON! week, provided them with targeted insights to accelerate Wesoła Immersive’s growth.
9. Classic Mentoring 🤝
Nikhil Singh, CEO of early-stage startup Ziro, was matched with Vincent Vergonjeanne, an experienced founder and serial entrepreneur. The two connected during the GrowthMatch Dinner, where Vincent provided strategic mentoring and all-around startup feedback. This guidance is helping Nikhil refine Ziro’s direction and next steps in building the company.
Moving Forward
The GrowthMatch program continues to evolve, with new matches, meaningful connections, and curated introductions being made on an ongoing basis. Founders and mentors across the ecosystem are invited to join and take part in this growing network of collaboration and knowledge-sharing. The goal is simple — to accelerate businesses, careers, and relationships through authentic, high-value connections that drive real impact in the Krakow innovation ecosystem.
Program Lead: Jakub Jamro
Organized by: Foundation Supporting OMGKRK
With financial support from: City of Krakow
