A1 Partnership Program is a project focused on supporting startups and innovative technology companies supported by the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).
The second thematic call “Smart Retail” is open.
Apply for Thematic Call
We are committed to empowering our users' digital experience through solutions and services that deliver value. Therefore, we seek to build new strategic partnerships with companies developing innovative products and services that cater to user needs. We have extensive business experience, a user network of 2.4 million in Serbia, and the strength of a regional brand operating across 7 markets within the A1 Group.
We welcome startups in seed or growth phases, along with innovative tech companies, to reach out to us.
Elevate your digital product to a new level of success with our support.
Harness our network of 2.4 million business and private users to showcase your product to a broader audience.
We emphasize the SAAS model because it offers easy product accessibility to a wide range of end users and rapid scalability.
Take advantage of the opportunity to reach a larger number of users faster by offering your solution to our network of 2.4 million private and business clients.
Test your solution through a pilot project directly with our end users and leverage the opportunity to bring it to market through A1’s sales channels.
Our colleagues will share knowledge from different fields and provide support on the journey to success.
Explore new horizons of business opportunities with A1. Unlock potential collaborations with our business partners in the regional market.
The security of digital systems and user data is our top priority.
Tech innovations in finance ensure quick, secure transactions and mobile app-based financial management.
Quality data analysis empowers us to make thoughtful business decisions and craft personalized user experiences.
Integrating advanced tech in healthcare enhances medical process management, offering easy user access to services, real-time health monitoring, and personalized support.
Environmental stewardship and sustainable development are fundamental to our values. We particularly focus on products geared towards these areas.
If your product holds the potential to enhance the realm of marketing and sales, it's an outstanding reason to partner with us. Attain greater influence and success in the market with our backing.
We evaluate the product's alignment with our business requirements.
We assess collaboration feasibility through concept validation (Proof of Concept - PoC) or pilot projects.
We come to an agreement on the business collaboration model.
"We are pleased to have participated in the A1 Partnership program. The entire process was exceptionally well-organized and structured, providing us with transparency and significant support throughout. We took the opportunity to showcase our solutions to interested clients, and thanks to the A1 sales team, the meetings were highly productive. Overall, it was an outstanding experience, and we look forward to further collaboration."
"We believe that only with strong partnerships we can initiate positive changes and encourage the development of innovations and their greater application in the economy. We are very pleased to support innovation together with partners A1 and ICT Hub and look forward to the good results of our cooperation. We expect that this kind of joint project will trigger other companies to develop digital solutions, cooperate with startups and thus develop business."
"I would like to express my satisfaction and gratitude for the excellent collaboration between Whalebone and A1 Serbia, our valued telecommunications partner. A1 Serbia is an extremely adaptable organization, capable of immediate responsiveness and the implementation of new ideas. I highly recommend partnering with A1 Serbia to any company committed to innovation. A1 Serbia also holds the world record for the fastest implementation of Whalebone Aura. Through our joint efforts, we were able to introduce the service in just seven weeks after reaching an agreement. I am confident that our successful partnership will continue in the upcoming years, and I eagerly anticipate the new ideas and innovations we will achieve together."
"Partnership is a word that may best depict the future of business operations and the way companies will secure competitiveness, new business models, and greater value for their customers. Through this partnership program, A1 is opening doors for collaboration with the startup community in the most concrete way seen in our market so far."
"The support of a system like A1 brings considerable strength and credibility. A robust infrastructure and access to a broad knowledge base have propelled us during crucial developmental moments.
With A1, we identified a passion for innovation and agility from the very beginning. An essential prerequisite for a successful partnership is the recognition of potential for shared growth, which we believe has led both parties to nurture, develop, and strengthen this collaboration over time."
Answers to your questions
The A1 partnership is aimed at startups in the seed and growth stages, as well as other technology companies developing innovative solutions. If your digital product adds value to users, solves their real problems, and has received positive feedback from early users - it's time to take the next step. Elevate your product, expedite sales, and enhance your business through a partnership with us.
There are two ways to become an A1 partner – by applying through the general call, which is always open, or by applying through one of the thematic calls, which are open only at certain times of the year and focus on specific topics.
If your product aligns with the current thematic call, apply for it, as this is the fastest way to establish a partnership. If not, or if there is not an opened theme call at the moment, you can always apply through the general call, which is available year-round. We look forward to meeting you and learning about your product!
Do you possess an innovative digital product, genuine early users, an ideal SaaS business model, and aspire to expedite your business growth? Our program is tailor-made for your business! Through partnering with A1, you gain the chance to grow and scale. We offer you the opportunity to showcase your product to our user network and accelerate market expansion.
The selection and evaluation process involves an initial assessment to determine if the basic criteria for partnership are met. Some of the most important criteria include having a digital product, initial users, preferably a SaaS business model, and whether the solution complements our product portfolio and is ready for further growth.
If we have any questions or need further clarification, we will contact you. Therefore, it is very important to provide accurate contact details in the form.
If we determine that the aforementioned conditions are fulfilled, the next step is an interview during which we would like to get to know you better. You will receive all the details in the interview invitation.
After the interview, we will inform you about any additional discussions as well as our decision on whether we believe we are a suitable partner for your business.
After submitting your application, you'll receive a confirmation of receipt and feedback on the next steps. The subsequent stage involves a selection and evaluation process to determine if the basic criteria are met. If all conditions are satisfied, you'll be invited to the final phase of the selection process - the pitch. Participants who don't meet the criteria will be informed, including the reasons for this outcome.
During the collaboration establishment process, you can expect the following steps. Firstly, we will delve into what our partnership might entail, including considering various business collaboration models. Subsequently, through the implementation of a Proof of Concept (PoC) or pilot project, we will test the chosen collaboration model, assess its feasibility, and evaluate the results. Based on the success of the PoC/pilot project, we will make decisions about the subsequent steps in the collaboration establishment process.
Being recognized for the quality of your product and your company as a potential partner by other corporations is a valuable indicator. While we consider this an advantage, it's important to note that it's not a fundamental criterion expected for you to meet. Even if you lack previous experience in collaborating with other corporations, what is crucial for us is to observe evidence of market interest in your product and its readiness for further development. That's where our primary focus lies.
To ensure a high-quality application that reflects the professionalism we value in our potential partners, we've prepared useful tips on our application page. Please fill out the partnership application carefully to provide us with all the necessary information.
We're particularly interested in receiving the most up-to-date version of your pitch deck. We aim to learn more about your product's user base, their satisfaction levels, sales channels, costs, the sustainability of your business model, future development plans, financial viability, and your team's capabilities. It's crucial to us that principles of ethical business practices and compliance with all regulatory standards are at the forefront.
It is important to note that this is not a competition but a call for collaboration. Therefore, there is no “winner,” and the partnership is not limited to just one startup or innovative technology company. Our goal is to bring together as many high-quality products as possible.