Bulgaria’s bold leap: From outsourcing hub to emerging deeptech contender

In the global race to become the next big tech hotspot, many countries pour billions into nurturing homegrown talent, courting VCs, and crafting startup-friendly policies. While some struggle to gain momentum, others seem to leap forward—fast.

So, what sets apart these rapid risers? What’s the secret to ecosystem transformation?

Look no further than Bulgaria—a country that’s quietly but confidently building one of Europe’s most exciting tech stories.

The key ingredients

For years, Bulgaria has been a magnet for global tech firms thanks to its flat 10% tax rate, highly skilled workforce, and cost efficiency. Industry giants like SAP, Microsoft, Oracle, and VMware have long operated sizable IT hubs in the country, capitalizing on Bulgaria’s deep technical talent pool.

It also leads Europe in one particularly important metric: women in tech. Nearly 29% of ICT roles in Bulgaria are held by women—almost double ...