Publish date: 24 March, 2025How did London and Sofia become hubs for the work of European tech studio Skillwork? Why did Bulgaria become a technology base for the company that builds technology solutions for the world’s biggest brands in healthcare and finance? Why does the team not stop at any of the traditional technology hubs and what do they gain from the balance between our country and the UK?
In an interview with H512.com, Ali Youssef and Jan Gaszewski, co-founders and co-CEOs of Skillwork, and Kamen Bochev, managing partner responsible for expanding the business in Bulgaria, provide answers.
Skillwork operates from London and Bulgaria. For many tech companies, the natural secondary hub is usually in locations such as Berlin, Paris or Stockholm. Why Bulgaria?
Jan Gaszewski: London has long been known for its dynamic, multicultural and competitive business environment and has no peer as a global business hub – making it the obvious choice for Skillwork’s primary home.
London gives Skillwork, and any other company that locates there, instant legitimacy as an organisation serious about growth. The opportunities for multi-faceted expansion, forging new partnerships and attracting investment from a variety of fields are virtually limitless.
Technology has been the jewel in London’s crown for the past two decades , but the city has been so successful in exporting technology that it is no longer the leading centre it was. Society and the working environment have globalised considerably, and a number of European countries have started to purposefully develop their own tech communities. They have long realised that their own people have the expertise to develop industries, and have taken decisive steps to keep them at home.
Bulgaria is an outstanding example of this, and we consider it our technology home in Europe. Our entire technology team is based in Sofia, and what we have found in the country are several key advantages that even London cannot offer.
What are the benefits for Skillwork of having a presence in Bulgaria?
Kamen Bochev: First and foremost it’s the close-knit community. Purely culturally, the notion and sense of community is deeply embedded in people across Eastern Europe, where collectivism has deep roots and community well-being is seen as a priority.
Secondly it’s the enviable tech workforce. Bulgaria has some of the most skilled technology professionals in Europe and North America. The country has a long tradition of education in engineering, math, computer science and other STEM disciplines. In addition, many of the professionals here speak several languages and are well prepared for international projects.
And last but not least, a strategic location. Bulgaria not only has the advantage of access to the single European market, but also the geographical bonus of working effectively with both European and Asian time zones, making it easier for us to work with global partners in the Middle East, the UK and North America.
Why do you think more UK companies are choosing countries like Bulgaria to locate their technology expertise there?
Ali Youssef: Just over ten years ago, the UK made a serious effort to establish Old Street as its first technology hub in London, with a focus on fostering collaboration and innovation.
The government has actively supported the tech community through trade missions organised by the Department for International Trade, through events at Westminster and the participation of key government figures in local events around the country. This gave the industry the legitimacy and promotion through established public figures that it sorely sought and fully deserved.
Today, despite the efforts of organisations such as Innovate Finance, Tech London Advocates and Tech UK, the energy to revive and renew the UK’s tech environment is weaker. The post-2020 financial ‘hangover’, which has translated into a sharp fall in investment, a significant jump in the cost of living and a reduction in export opportunities, has further exacerbated the situation.
For Skillwork, our combined presence in two countries unlocks the best of both worlds. The UK – with a competitive environment where technology can transform entire industries and create sub-industries (such as fintech , healthtech , etc.) with support from regulators, and Bulgaria – with a talented workforce capable of delivering these ambitious projects and driving momentum through the community for future tech industries.
For us, this decision makes perfect sense and we have felt the benefits since day one.
Did Brexit influence your decision on where to locate Skillwork’s offices?
Kamen Bochev: After Brexit, the relationship between London and the millions of Europeans who called it home – personally and professionally – became strained. In 2024 alone, 211,000 EU citizens left the UK, and the number leaving has increased every year since the 2016 referendum.
It’s no surprise that with the current economic and social challenges facing the country, many people who came expecting more opportunity and prosperity are deciding to leave – especially as their right of abode is no longer secure. That is why our presence in both countries is crucial for us.
Explore more
The regulatory framework is particularly important for the sectors in which Skillwork operates. Is this the reason you operate from London but keep technology development in Bulgaria?
Jan Gaszewski: The regulatory support in the two sectors Skillwork operates in – fintech and healthtech – is extremely good in London.
What’s next for Skillwork?
Kamen Bochev: We want to contribute to the development of the tech ecosystem in Bulgaria, especially as both myself and Ali, who also grew up here, call it home.
Skillwork is very committed to building a bridge between the technology opportunities in Bulgaria and the UK – whether it’s finance or healthcare.
On 3 April, we are organising our first event in London – the Healthtech Innovation Forum, with an impressive programme and speakers. We are working with influential European brands who have already noticed our presence in Bulgaria. At this stage we can’t reveal names yet, but we will share more interesting details in the coming months.
That’s why we’re still hiring – if you’re interested in working with us, be sure to get in touch and check out our profile on H512.com.
Can people still secure a place at the London Forum?
Ali Youssef: If you’d like to join our event in London, simply make a donation to our chosen charity Beam and that will secure you a ticket.
We’ll be publishing the final programme in the coming days, and will be announcing future editions of the forum in the coming months, so keep an eye on our channels.
