Member News

Taming the dragon: ESG implementation – risks demystified by CMS Belgrade

CMS Belgrade is going to organize the expert panel Taming the dragon: ESG implementation – risks demystified organized by CMS Belgrade, which will be held on Wednesday, October 26, 2022, at 15.00, at CMS Belgrade premises, Krunska 73 – estimated duration 90 minutes, followed by a cocktail.

The demand for sustainability information continues to grow as businesses are increasingly focused on environmental, social, and governance (ESG) issues. ESG regulatory and compliance requirements are rising, and companies are facing intensive implementation challenges. Why? Because ESG matters.

The expert panel will combine ESG experiences and know-how of CMS and Delhaize, Delta Holding, ProCredit Bank, Cushman & Wakefield CBS, and EY. 

Keynote speaker:

Döne Yalçın, Partner and Head of CMS Sustainability for Austria and CEE, will bring insights on ESG regulatory trends on the horizon and current ESG challenges for multinational companies in Europe.

Language: English: keynote and Serbian: panel.

If you need additional information, please send an e-mail to: Belgrade@cms-rrh.com

The Eco-region for a sustainable future

The Embassy of France in Belgrade, in cooperation with its partners, has announced the fourth cycle of the Eco-region competition, which aims to exchange knowledge and good practices between French and Serbian stakeholders in the field of sustainable development of cities and municipalities.

Wiener Städtische osiguranje supports this initiative with the goal of encouraging local communities and self-governments to acquire the necessary expert knowledge and operational experience to best manage the common resources of society and ensure a sustainable future for future generations.

The Eco-region project works to encourage sustainable urban development in cities in the areas of: waste management, water management, energy efficiency, sustainable mobility. The competition is intended for local governments and schools working on sustainable development and green transition projects and is open to all cities and municipalities in Serbia until June 30, 2025. The best nominated projects will be awarded study visits to partner cities and companies in France, with the aim of exchanging experiences and learning about best practices in the aforementioned areas.

The French Ambassador to Serbia, Pierre Cochar, emphasized that this fourth edition of the Eco-region competition marks a decade of intensified activities in addressing climate challenges and recalled that since 2015, the fight against climate change has become a framework for shaping public policies and that Serbia has committed itself to this path by adopting a national adaptation program and a low-carbon law for the period 2023-2030. He further emphasized the key role of local governments and young generations in the ecological transition, highlighting the growing success of the competition.

As a sponsor of the Sustainable Mobility program, Wiener Städtische osiguranje encourages the development of sustainable solutions in urban areas that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, relieve traffic congestion and increase their flow.

Nela Bojović, Head of Marketing at Wiener Städtische osiguranje, emphasized that during previous cycles of the Eco-region project, the company financed bicycle service stations installed in public areas in Niš, Pirot, Kruševac and Bajina Bašta as an additional incentive for “green” solutions. She also emphasized that cooperation with local governments goes beyond environmental aspects, and announced that Pirot and Kruševac will host other projects this year, such as exhibitions of the Wiener Art collection of contemporary art, which the company has been forming since 2011 and which today counts over 600 reference works.

The Wiener Städtische Cup brought together the best teams from Serbia

The new season of the Youth Sports Games, a manifestation that has been inspiring children all over Serbia for 12 years, encouraging them to learn about a healthy life, friendship, fair play, team spirit and respect for diversity through sports, was officially opened in Požarevac. This year, among the numerous disciplines, four regional finals in handball stand out, which gather as many as 400 young handball players, showing how strong sport can be as an ally in growing up.

This discipline gives children the opportunity not only to improve and develop their physical skills, such as coordination, strength and endurance, but also to strengthen social skills and self-confidence at the same time. Through the third regional final of the Wiener Städtische Cup, held after the ceremonial opening of the Youth Sports Games (SIM) in Požarevac, eight teams, boys and girls, had the opportunity to show their talent, but also to feel the true spirit of sport – togetherness, respect and perseverance.

First place in the boys’ category was won by Metaloplastika from Šabac, while Sloga from Petrovac na Mlavi triumphed in the girls’ competition. The trophies were presented to the best by Johannes Hahn, ambassador of the Youth Sports Games, and Zoran Blagojević, chairman of the Executive Board of Wiener Städtische osiguranje.

Johannes Hahn, SIM ambassador, expressed his great satisfaction that he attended the opening ceremony of the games in Serbia and the finals of the third regional tournament of the Wiener Städtische Cup.

“I am very happy to be here and to attend the opening ceremony and to have the opportunity to watch a handball match, because I come from a family that is fond of handball. I am happy to have watched the competition and I am really amazed by the quality of the game. I wish the players all the best, as well as the Youth Sports Games in Serbia and in the entire region – to be as successful as they have been in the previous 30 years,” said Han after the cup awarding ceremony at the Požarevac Sports Center.

Zoran Blagojević, chairman of the Executive Board of Wiener Städtische osiguranje, pointed out that the company recognizes this sport as an exceptional opportunity to support the personal development of young people, guiding them towards a healthy lifestyle and prevention of health risks.

“At Wiener Städtische osiguranje, we are committed to the promotion of an active lifestyle and risk prevention. We believe that a team sport such as handball plays an important role in the development of young people, as it helps them to adopt values ​​such as responsibility, discipline and team play. The partnership with the Youth Sports Games, the largest amateur sports event in Europe, shows our commitment to this goal, as it gives every child the opportunity to participate in professionally organized sports activities for free. Through this support, we want to contribute to the creation communities that provide equal opportunities for everyone, encouraging young people to adopt healthy habits and be responsible for their health”, emphasizes Blagojević.

The tournament in Požarevac was the third of a total of four planned regional finals, and two were previously held in Gornji Milanovac and Petrovac na Mlavi. The next step is another regional final in Novi Sad, and then the national championship in Apatin, which will bring together the best teams from all over the country. These competitions are an opportunity for children from different backgrounds to connect, make lifelong friends, learn new skills and be active.

When it comes to handball competitions, the Youth Sports Games, in cooperation with Wiener Städtische osiguranje, organized nearly 200 professionally organized matches in which over 2,000 girls and boys, aged 2010 and younger, participated, making the Wiener Städtische Cup the most massive handball event of the year. These tournaments are part of a wider initiative whose goal is to provide children and young people throughout Serbia with a free opportunity to play sports and develop healthy habits.

TWO MILLION DINAR PRIZE FUND FOR DIGITAL PROJECTS

Aware of the challenges we are all facing due to the crisis caused by Covid-19, OTP Bank has launched the 4th Generator contest, with a total prize fund of RSD 2 million, aiming to support the digital projects that can help SMEs survive the crisis period and its aftermath.

BELGRADE – June 12, 2020 – Aware of what challenges small and medium-business in our country faced due to the crisis caused by Covid-19, OTP Bank started the 4th Generator contest, and this year the contest will bear the title Gamechanger. This year’s contest focuses on supporting digital projects – websites, apps and other digital platforms – that help and offer new possibilities to SMEs. For example, to better present their services and products and achieve additional visibility, or to secure new sales channels, to provide a space where satisfied clients can rate and recommend their products and services, exchange experiences and ideas, or to offer some other ways which will be of use to SMEs in successfully overcoming the consequences of the crisis.

Through this type of indirect support, the bank wants to contribute to overcoming the economic consequences of the pandemic and help a large number of small and medium-sized market players, by launching or improving digital platforms which can be of crucial assistance for their business to survive the crisis period and its aftermath.

The contest is open to all individuals, informal teams, entrepreneurs and companies who have a new idea that needs support to materialise or an already existing solution that needs improvement, and applications are open until July 1. The bank will award two RSD 1 million prizes in both categories – New Idea and Existing Solution.

Based on submitted applications, a jury will shortlist 10 semi-finalists, who will receive video material, as well as media promotion and promotion via bank’s channels, so as many people as possible can hear about their solution. Then, six finalists will be selected, who will compete for the main prize. During presentations, finalists will showcase their solutions, after which the jury will declare two winners, who will each win the RSD 1 million prize. Semi-finalists will receive special awards by partners of the contest – Vojvođanska banka and ICT Hub centre for technology entrepreneurship and innovation.

Criteria of the Generator Gamechanger contest, application and additional information can be found at the website www.generator.rs.

Together with its partners, OTP Bank continues to support the strengthening of innovation and domestic entrepreneurship.

About the Generator project:

In order to strengthen the competitiveness of Serbian entrepreneurship, the Generator project was carefully devised and then launched in 2017, gathering all initiatives and activities that foster innovative entrepreneurial endeavours under one umbrella. In the same year, Generator supported 40 entrepreneurial innovations through financial support, promotion and mentorship. The winner received RSD 1 million, and nearly 800 innovators submitted their ideas. The following year, 2018, the rewards went to best entrepreneurial innovations by students, and last year, Generator 2.0 was intended for digital transformation of SMEs. In late 2019, as part of the Generator, OTP Bank launched the Generator of Good Deeds initiative, which supports social entrepreneurship.

You can find more information at www.generator.rs.

#otpbankasrbija #generator2020 #podrška #SME #digitalizacija #inovacije

Two More Awards from Global Finance for Raiffeisen

The prestigious international financial magazine Global Finance has named Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI) the Best Trade Finance Provider in Austria, Serbia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina. Additionally, RBI was recognized as the best in this category across the Central and Eastern Europe region, the magazine announced.

The winners were selected by the editorial board based on submissions from banks and other service providers, as well as the insights of industry analysts, corporate leaders, and technology experts. Criteria for selection included transaction volume, global coverage, customer support, competitive pricing, and innovative technologies, according to Global Finance.

Chris Giarraputo, founder and editorial director of Global Finance, stated that the trade finance and guarantees sector has demonstrated “resilience and innovation this year, with advancements in digitalization, the adoption of blockchain technology, and AI-based solutions that enhance efficiency and transparency.”

He added that this award recognizes financial institutions that have excelled in addressing client needs while “navigating challenges such as geopolitical uncertainty and regulatory complexity.”

It is also worth noting that earlier this year, Global Finance named Raiffeisen bank the Best Consumer Digital Bank Serbia for 2024. This recognition was awarded in three subcategories: Best Online Product Offerings, Best Mobile Banking App, and Best in Innovation.

Young Tennis Players Honored with the Wiener Talents 2024 Award

A ceremony marking the conclusion of a successful competitive season for young tennis players, organized by the Vojvodina Tennis Association, was held in Novi Sad. This special event brought together young tennis hopefuls, their families, and coaches to celebrate the achievements, talent, and dedication of tennis pioneers. In partnership with the Vojvodina Tennis Association, Wiener Städtische osiguranje presented the Wiener Talents award to ten tennis players, aged 10 to 18, in recognition of their outstanding competition results, commitment, and talent.

The awards, which included plaques and financial incentives for further development, were presented to the young athletes by Marko Vukadinović, Director of Commercial Sales for Vojvodina at Wiener Städtische osiguranje. He emphasized the company’s commitment to investing in young talents to help them continue nurturing their abilities and dedication. “You have demonstrated remarkable effort, sportsmanship, and love for tennis. These awards are a symbol of our confidence in your dedication and potential. We aim to inspire young people to keep dreaming, training, and growing because their successes contribute to building a strong and healthy society,” said Vukadinović.

The company also supported this year’s tournaments for junior players by providing equipment for the children and funding their training, competitions, and travel, in line with its socially responsible practice of focusing on children’s welfare.

The Vice President of the Vojvodina Tennis Association, Mr. Aleksandar Mojsejev, expressed satisfaction with the concluded competition season, stating:
“We are extremely proud of the young competitors who participated in this year’s season. Thanks to initiatives like Wiener Talents, we have the opportunity to support their passion and nurture new generations of tennis stars.”

Launched in 2023, the Wiener Talents project aims to recognize and support young talents across various fields – from sports and arts to science and technology. As this year’s sponsor of junior tournaments organized by the Vojvodina Tennis Association, Wiener Städtische osiguranje actively promotes the importance of investing in future generations and encouraging healthy lifestyle habits.

Živković Samardžić Advises APIS Assay Technologies Ltd on Serbian Aspects of Acquisition of BeoGenomics

Živković Samardžić has advised Manchester-based biotech firm APIS Assay Technologies Ltd, a company combining outstanding In Vitro Diagnostics (IVD) experience with integrated AI to develop biomarker-based diagnostic assays, on Serbian aspects of its acquisition of BeoGenomics, a specialised software developer with major expertise in Bioinformatics and Artificial Intelligence (BIOX).

BeoGenomics has been developing both on-prem and secure cloud-based data analysis solutions – helping customers design, build and run custom tailored genomics & proteomics pipelines. The start-up with amazing capability will be integrated into Manchester-based APIS, supporting the launch of a new BIOX Service Line as part of the company’s ongoing Biomarker Research and Development activities.

APIS develops new tests for the prediction, prevention, and diagnosis of disease from discovery to regulatory approval. The company’s business model is based on three pillars: biomarker diagnostics development, molecular diagnostic contract development, and applied bioinformatics.

Živković Samardžić’s scope of work consisted of performing due diligence of BeoGenomics, drafting and negotiating of transactional documentation, structuring the transaction, as well as all-encompassing legal advisory regarding post-closing activities for APIS Assay Technologies Ltd.

The Živković Samardžić team that has advised APIS Assay Technologies Ltd on this deal was led by Partner Igor Živkovski and included Partner Ana Popović, who advised on employment matters.

Živković Samardžić Advises Catalyst Romania and 3TS Capital Partners on Serbian Aspects of Investment in Hunch

Živković Samardžić has advised Catalyst Romania, one of the leading technology-focused venture capital firms in Romania and 3TS Capital Partners, one of the leading European technology focused private equity and venture capital firms, on Serbian aspects of its investment in Hunch, an automated creative production and media buying platform that empowers brands and agencies to grow on paid social. Hunch has raised the new EUR 4 million and the round is led by Catalyst Romania backed by 3TS Capital Partners, alongside co-investors Euroventures, North Base Media, SeedBlink and South Central Ventures. This round is the largest round led by Catalyst Fund II thus far, and the first investment by the fund in the SEE region outside Romania. Hunch will use this investment to triple its sales team and increase marketing investments, to support its expansion plans in Europe and into the US.

Hunch, a Meta Business Partner, teams up with leading global brand and performance marketing teams to consistently drive operational efficiencies, revenue uplifts, and faster go-to-market initiatives. Brands and agencies rely on Hunch’s market-leading automation platform that combines unique data-driven creative performance workflows with automated media buying processes to help today’s marketers focus on what matters most – growth.

Catalyst Romania focuses on tech companies that have already launched products into their target markets and have experienced management teams. It launched its first EUR 15 million fund in 2012, as the first fund of its type designed for Romania. The firm launched a second growth capital tech fund for Romania, with a first initial closing with institutional and private investors in November 2020, followed by a second closing in April 2021 and a final closing in February 2022. The original target of EUR 40 million was substantially exceeded and the Fund reached its hard cap of EUR 50 million. The Fund will continue to make early growth capital investments in SMEs based in Romania and other countries in the region.

3TS Capital Partners is one of the leading European technology focused growth capital firms. 3TS provides expansion capital and buyout funding for small and medium-sized businesses in growth sectors including Technology & Internet, Media & Communications and Technology-Enabled Services. Investors in the current and past 3TS funds totalling over EUR 400 million include EIF, Erste Group, Tesi, Cisco, OTP, EBRD, AWS, Sitra, KfW, and 3i among others.

The Živković Samardžić team that has advised Catalyst Romania and 3TS Capital Partners on this deal was led by Partner Igor Živkovski and included Associate Danka Draško, who advised on employment matters.

Živković Samardžić Advises Credo Ventures on Investment in Startup Trickest

Živković Samardžić has advised Credo Ventures on its investment in Trickest, a Belgrade-based startup building a workflow automation and orchestration tool for bug bounty hunters, penetration testers, and enterprise security teams. Trickest has raised a EUR 1.4 million seed round and the round is led by Credo Ventures, with participation from Earlybird Digital East Fund, with Daniel Dines and Marius Tirca, CEO and CTO of UiPath also participating as angel investors. Proceeds from the round will be used to accelerate hiring and support the company’s early access launch.

Credo Ventures is a venture capital company focused on early stage investments in Central and Eastern Europe. It is on a mission to identify and back the most interesting early stage companies in the region, support them in their growth plans (including expansion to the U.S. / global market), and help to achieve their objectives. Credo Ventures is looking for opportunities to invest in high-growth potential companies with international ambitions and competence to execute and deliver, while its industry focus is IT, Internet, and health.

Trickest’s co-founders combined their security and data backgrounds to start Trickest in late 2019. The company’s cloud-based workflow editor makes it easy to build and automate tests in a drag-and-drop way, and while the platform supports starting from scratch, Trickest makes the best crowdsourced knowledge available to everyone thanks to a library of 100+ open-source tools. Additionally, more advanced users can also drop in their custom scripts for maximum flexibility and control. The company also takes care of infrastructure management – workflows can be run in the cloud with one click and are designed to support features like auto-scaling and cost controls out of the box.

Živković Samardžić’s scope of work consisted of performing due diligence of Trickest, drafting and negotiating of transactional documentation, structuring the transaction, as well as all-encompassing legal advisory regarding post-closing activities for Credo Ventures. The Živković Samardžić team that has advised Credo Ventures on this deal was led by Partner Igor Živkovski and included Partners Slobodan Kremenjak, who advised on intellectual property matters and Ana Popović, who advised on employment matters.