"Why Sofia" with Wilfried Durand, Founder of Onvey

Wilfried Durand, a seasoned French entrepreneur and founder of the SaaS startup Onvey, discussed why he chose Sofia as the base for his latest business venture. Durand, who previously launched successful companies in France, including Mailjet and Mailgun, explained that Sofia offered unique advantages that align perfectly with his needs as an international founder.

Durand emphasized Sofia’s vibrant tech ecosystem, noting the city's ability to attract a diverse community of skilled professionals with strong technical backgrounds and international experience. He also praised Sofia’s affordability, particularly in comparison to Western European cities, mentioning how significantly lower living costs allow startups to maximize resources and foster innovation without sacrificing lifestyle quality.

Additionally, Durand pointed out that Sofia’s strategic geographic position makes it an ideal location for businesses seeking to expand into broader European and global markets. He highlighted the city’s robust infrastructure, growing international community, and supportive environment that helps startups scale rapidly.

Despite some challenges, such as navigating Bulgaria’s regulatory environment and overcoming talent retention hurdles, Durand strongly believes that Sofia is on the rise as a dynamic and globally competitive startup hub. He is optimistic about the city's potential, advocating for continued investment and collaboration to enhance Sofia’s global visibility as a prime destination for tech entrepreneurs.

Durand’s testimony underscores Sofia’s increasing attractiveness as a strategic destination for European and international startups looking for a favorable balance of cost efficiency, lifestyle, and growth opportunities.