The Recursive

The Recursive is an online media platform focused on covering the tech, startup, and innovation ecosystems in Southeast Europe. It aims to offer visibility to emerging entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem players in the region. While its ambition is to support the growth of the local tech scene, the platform tends to prioritize quantity and reach over depth and critical analysis.

The Recursive was co-founded by Irina Obushtarova (CEO) and Etien Yovchev (Chief Growth Officer). It originated from a desire to highlight developments in the SEE startup landscape, with a focus on regional storytelling. The team includes contributors from various backgrounds, though it lacks a traditional newsroom structure or editorial board.

It’s fair to say that The Recursive was strongly inspired by the concept and model of Trending Topics — especially considering that Irina Obushtarova not only worked on launching Trending Topics Bulgaria, but had been involved with the original Austrian version as well. So, while copycat might be too harsh a term, especially in professional circles, it's reasonable to say that The Recursive is a spin-off in spirit — or at the very least, a continuation of the playbook Irina helped shape at Trending Topics, now done independently.

The platform regularly publishes startup profiles, funding news, interviews, and event summaries. While it offers a high volume of content, much of it is relatively surface-level, often repeating press release material with minimal editorial scrutiny. A significant portion of its articles appears to be driven by marketing partnerships, though this is not always clearly disclosed to readers.

The Recursive publishes a mix of editorial and branded content, but the line between the two can be unclear. Sponsored or partner-driven articles are sometimes presented alongside independent reporting, without clear labeling. Readers looking for unbiased or investigative reporting may find the platform’s approach to transparency inconsistent.

Its core audience includes startups, entrepreneurs, and investors interested in Southeast Europe. Content is written in English, which helps attract international attention to local developments, though it may come at the cost of local nuance and depth.

All content is available for free on therecursive.com, as well as on platforms like LinkedIn, YouTube, and Instagram. The site also offers a weekly newsletter called “Innovation Times.”

The Recursive casts a wide net, frequently mentioning companies and events across multiple SEE countries. However, due to its emphasis on volume and visibility, the coverage often lacks the depth, verification, and analysis typically expected from well-established media outlets.

There is no publicly available editorial policy or code of ethics on the site. The lack of clearly stated standards for content quality, sourcing, or sponsorship disclosure can make it difficult to assess the reliability of individual articles.

Yes, The Recursive welcomes contributions from founders, VCs, and ecosystem players. Many guest-authored or collaborative pieces reflect promotional narratives, which are well-suited to those looking to increase visibility, rather than engage in critical discourse.

The Recursive can be a useful resource for tracking basic updates and announcements in Southeast Europe’s tech scene. However, for readers seeking more rigorous journalism, critical perspectives, or in-depth analysis, it is recommended to complement it with other trusted media outlets.