Business Leaders Discuss AI and Risk at Bulgaria Across Five Oceans Forum

Kaloyan Kirilov

Shelly Group Chief Executive Officer Dimitar Dimitrov (middle) and Sirma Group Holding Chief Executive Officer Tsvetan Alexiev (right) at the Innovators panel during the Bulgaria Across Five Oceans forum, Sofia, May 30, 2026 (BTA Photo/Yoana Krasteva)

Sofia,

30.05.2026 13:51

(BTA)

Shelly Group Chief Executive Officer Dimitar Dimitrov and Sirma Group Holding Chief Executive Officer Tsvetan Alexiev discussed entrepreneurship and artificial intelligence at the Bulgaria Across Five Oceans forum on Saturday. The Innovators panel, part of the Bulgaria Wants You platform, was held on the Successes and Lessons main stage at Inter Expo Center.

“Some mistakes come at an emotional cost, not just a financial one,” Dimitrov said. He said entrepreneurs should expect to work around the clock, constantly on the phone or at the computer. “You have to think about your business all the time, but you also have to be ready to take reasonable risks,” he said.

“Even when something is not going the way it should, you have to stay consistent,” Dimitrov said.

He said people realize they have achieved something significant when they become visible in public, are widely talked about and start receiving feedback.

“However much we say that some professions will disappear, they will not. Artificial intelligence can help and develop things, but nothing will disappear,” Dimitrov said.

“Thirty-four years ago, a group of students got together and decided to set up a software company focused on artificial intelligence. In 1992 and 1993, we worked on such a project, but it was too early for artificial intelligence,” Alexiev said.

“In the years that followed, we always tried to do something new and interesting,” he added.

Alexiev said a business is weak if it lacks passion.

“Right now, if you want to start your own business, an idea alone is not enough. You have to try to educate yourself in business terms. You have to understand marketing and have a broader view, despite artificial intelligence, which helps you move faster,” Alexiev said.

“At the beginning, I brought together people who wanted to do different, new things. That is how the entrepreneurial spirit becomes part of a company’s culture,” he said.

“The big problem with artificial intelligence is that people stop thinking,” Alexiev said.

“I strongly believe that we can make Bulgaria a much better place. I have always wanted us to do something for our country. Over the years, I have seen with some sadness that things somehow did not happen, but I remain optimistic,” he said.

“I have spoken with managers from Germany and France. Their view is that Eastern European countries will become Europe’s engine. This is because we are more adaptable and more energetic. Western societies seem to have become oversaturated. I am not saying this, they are saying it themselves,” Alexiev said.

The event again brought together Bulgarians from the country and abroad, leading companies, visionaries and opinion leaders to present real opportunities for building a career and a life in Bulgaria, the platform told BTA earlier.

The Bulgarian News Agency (BTA) took part in the career forum with its own information booth for the second year running. This year, BTA’s presentation focused on BTA School, its internship and career development unit.

The media partners of Bulgaria Across Five Oceans were Nova Broadcasting Group, Darik Radio and BTA.

/КТ/