I'm Plamen Koychev, one of the co-founders of Accedia, a leading IT service company based in Bulgaria. My educational background includes a degree in 'Computer Systems and Technologies' from the Technical University of Sofia. With over 18 years in the technology sector, I’ve had the privilege of working on numerous projects for leading companies in different industries. I’m passionate about leveraging technology to solve complex challenges and deliver exceptional results.

I also hold a keen interest in exploring modern tech gadgets, ranging from wearables to smart home automation and I’m really excited to see how AI is changing our lives and work. Beyond the realm of technology, I find joy in traveling to exotic destinations worldwide and indulging in my passion for snowboarding during the winter months.

Before Accedia was founded in 2012, I held various senior management and technology roles, focusing on QA, Business Analysis, Process Improvement, Automation, and Project Management. Since starting Accedia, I’ve primarily focused on management and supervision within the Engineering division.

Currently, my responsibilities include overseeing the division dedicated to talent acquisition and retention, as well as guiding Accedia's overall development in the IT market. As a member of the Board of Directors, along with my partners, I also lead all strategic initiatives within the company.

Accedia is an EU-based IT company headquartered in Sofia, Bulgaria, specializing in technology consulting and custom software development. Founded in 2012, we have been recognized for our rapid expansion and service excellence by the International Association of Outsourcing Professionals, Deloitte, and the Financial Times. Our services include application development, data analytics, cloud computing, AI, machine learning (ML), and cybersecurity. Accedia's commitment to innovation and excellence serves clients in over 20 countries, continually pushing the boundaries of IT to empower businesses worldwide.

Our reach extends far beyond Bulgaria, as we proudly serve clients across five continents and more than 20 countries. Our diverse client base spans industries such as Manufacturing, Finance and Banking, Technology, and Energy, a testament to our versatility and expertise. Moreover, our integrated approach to Environmental, Social, and Corporate Governance (ESG) sets us apart, aligning with global standards for community involvement and environmental awareness through initiatives like employee volunteering, not-for-profit partnerships, and eco-friendly practices.

Accedia operates within the dynamic landscape of technology consulting and custom software development, characterized by constant innovation and evolving client needs. Our company stands out for its niche expertise in custom technology solutions, demonstrated by our ability to address diverse challenges across industries.

We are recognized for creating user-centric digital experiences, harnessing data for valuable insights, guiding organizations in cost-effective cloud utilization, accelerating AI adoption, strengthening cybersecurity measures, and developing tailored Line-of-Business applications.

Winning two Gold Awards at the 2024 TITAN Business Awards is a significant achievement for Accedia, reflecting our leadership in both technological innovation and sustainability efforts. Being recognized as the IT Services Provider of the Year is a testament to our team's success in delivering exceptional solutions and maintaining strong client relationships through our dedicated Customer Success Program.

This program has enabled us to adapt and refine our processes to meet the evolving needs of our clients effectively. Additionally, our recognition in the Sustainability Initiative of the Year category highlights our comprehensive ESG approach, exemplified by the Accedia Green Community Program. This initiative demonstrates our commitment to sustainable development and community engagement through impactful contributions, such as leveraging AI to combat illegal logging, establishing the Accedia Forest to offset carbon emissions, and supporting public health with innovative solutions like the Blood Donation mobile app.

The recognition from the award program supports our reputation as a leader in both technological innovation and sustainability efforts, helping to differentiate us from competitors and attract new opportunities for growth and collaboration.

The ideation process at Accedia is rooted in fostering a culture of collaboration within the team. We encourage open communication and idea-sharing, empowering team members to contribute their unique perspectives and insights. One example of how we embody this approach is through our Innovation Development Center (IDC), a skill-sharing initiative launched in 2017 as part of our talent development strategy.

The IDC supports the realization of team members' innovative ideas into software solutions, leveraging the expertise of mentors in Software Engineering, HR, Marketing, and Sales.

In my view, a successful team, organization, or business is one that demonstrates a strong sense of purpose, unity, and adaptability. It is comprised of talented individuals who are passionate about their work and aligned with the organization's mission and values.

Success is also measured by the ability to deliver exceptional value to clients and stakeholders while continuously innovating and evolving in response to changing market dynamics.

Our success within the IT services industry can be attributed to several key factors. First, our commitment to exceeding clients’ expectations has allowed us to build long-term relationships and earn a reputation for delivering high-quality solutions.

Additionally, our focus on continuous innovation and investment in talent development has positioned us at the forefront of technological advancements. Our approach includes the development of consultants, who undergo tailored training and mentorship to enhance their technical expertise, industry knowledge, and consulting skills. We ensure that our team members are equipped to provide comprehensive solutions that not only meet technical requirements but also align with our clients' broader business objectives.

Furthermore, our strategic partnerships with global leaders like Microsoft and AWS have enabled us to leverage expertise and resources to add significant value to our clients.

Bulgaria has emerged as a prime destination for software development outsourcing, thanks to its abundant pool of skilled tech talent, strategic location, and robust IT infrastructure. With over 5,000 ICT graduates annually and specialized academies like Telerik and SoftUni, the country offers a highly educated workforce of technology specialists. Its proximity to Europe and the Middle East, combined with a stable business environment, makes Bulgaria an attractive option for businesses seeking quality solutions.

Furthermore, its competitive advantages have solidified its position in the global market, enabling companies like Accedia to expand their services and attract new opportunities. Overall, Bulgaria's favorable IT ecosystem has played a key role in Accedia's growth and success.

The pandemic posed significant challenges for Accedia but also created opportunities for growth and adaptation. We swiftly transitioned to remote work, ensuring minimal disruption to our operations and maintaining seamless communication both internally and with our clients.

Despite the initial uncertainty, our proactive approach and agility allowed us to quickly seize new business opportunities. We recognized the growing need for organizations to enhance their digital capabilities, leading to increased demand for our services. During this time, Accedia focused on supporting our clients and prioritizing their safety. Together, we prioritized essential projects, provided free consultations, and adjusted team sizes to meet their evolving needs. This proactive approach helped us maintain strong client relationships and established us as a trusted partner for businesses navigating the challenges of the pandemic.

Moreover, the shift to remote work opened new opportunities to onboard team members from across the country. With talent no longer restricted by geographic boundaries, we tapped into a broader pool of skilled professionals.

I am excited about the growing emphasis on digital transformation, the advancement of AI and machine learning technologies, the rise of sustainable and socially responsible business practices, and the increasing importance of cybersecurity in safeguarding organizational assets. These trends offer significant opportunities for innovation, growth, and differentiation, and I look forward to seeing how we continue to harness them to drive value and create impact in the future.

I strongly advocate for prioritizing the development of a motivated and skilled team while fostering a culture of continuous improvement and learning. Creating a positive work environment where each team member feels valued is crucial. This can be achieved through regular communication, recognition of achievements, and providing opportunities for growth and development.

Investing in continuous learning and skill enhancement, along with encouraging open communication and feedback channels, empowers team members to share ideas, identify areas for improvement, and drive positive change. Embracing a growth mindset and a willingness to experiment and learn from failures are also essential components of continuous improvement.

The world we live in today is so dynamic that forecasting and planning for extended periods has become practically impossible. One certainty for the coming years is that the business landscape will undergo significant changes.

Rapid technological advancements, particularly in AI and automation, will transform how people work. While these technologies may streamline processes and create more time for strategic thinking, there will also be a growing emphasis on authenticity and human connection. Businesses will need to strike a balance between leveraging AI for efficiency and maintaining genuine relationships with clients and stakeholders.

Additionally, the demand for authenticity in branding and communication will continue to grow, pushing businesses to prioritize transparency and integrity in their practices. Globalization will remain a key factor, opening up new markets and opportunities.

Another emerging trend is the blending of industries and the blurring of traditional boundaries, requiring businesses to stay agile and embrace creativity to thrive in this evolving environment.

Everyday challenges inspire me to continuously improve. Additionally, the bright and motivated people I interact with and exchange ideas with daily are among my greatest sources of inspiration.

These may sound like cliches, but they are labeled as such because they have stood the test of time:

- Never stop learning and developing.

- Embrace change and use it as an opportunity.

- Collaboration is essential for succeess.