ETH Belgrade: From Community Idea to Thriving Ecosystem
ETH Belgrade's story begins not with formal funding or a detailed plan, but with a shared conviction among blockchain builders. The concept emerged organically from conversations at Web3 events, where Balkan developers frequently crossed paths.
The Genesis of ETH Belgrade
Tanja Mladenovic and Petar Popovic co-founded ETH Belgrade, driven by a clear mission: to create an Ethereum event focused on the needs of builders and rooted in community values.
From Lisbon to Belgrade
Petar recalls that the spark ignited at LisCon 2021.
"The energy was unforgettable. I imagined bringing that same spark to Belgrade,” he says.
By June 2023, their vision materialized, supported by the strong presence of Balkan builders in global events like Lisbon and Dubai.
“Serbians, Croatians, Macedonians… always present,” Petar adds. “It showed us we needed something of our own.”
Belgrade, home to companies like Tenderly and DeFi Saver and over 50 startups, was the ideal choice—a hub of regional innovation.
A Builder-Centric Mission
ETH Belgrade prioritizes practical application over hype.
“There’s often a gap between infrastructure and real-world use cases,” says Petar.
The event addresses this by covering product design, regulation, and go-to-market strategies. The ETH Belgrade Ventures track supports founders with pitch opportunities and free exhibition space. They extended their reach beyond the Balkans by flying in hackers from ETH Global Prague, launching “Road to Devcon” meetups in Africa and Southeast Asia, and cultivating global community hubs.
Evolving into a Living Ecosystem
ETH Belgrade has expanded into a dynamic ecosystem, with local roots and global reach.
“This isn’t just a conference,” Tanja says. “We do coworking days, bootcamps, meetups. We’ve advised ETH event teams, sponsored ETH Safari and ETH Rwanda. It’s bigger than us.”
Culture and the Future of Ethereum
While Ethereum’s technical development is well-defined, its cultural direction is less clear.
“There’s no roadmap for culture,” says Petar. “We’re seeing shifts in leadership, tone, and community priorities. That’ll define the next 12–18 months more than code.”
Creating a Welcoming Environment
ETH Belgrade is known for its hospitality.
“It’s not just us – it’s the whole community acting like hosts,” says Tanja.
Locals assist attendees and foster connections. The organizers maintain structure through personal routines.
“I always have my essentials pouch and take 15 minutes of quiet each day,” Tanja shares.
Prioritizing Quality
Speaker applications are rigorously reviewed by Nikola Vukovic (DeFi Saver) and Natasa Bujosevic, focusing on content quality.
“No one can buy a speaking slot,” says Petar.
Side events are open-source, and logistical challenges are seen as learning opportunities.
“Once we ended up setting hackathon tables at 4 a.m. because of miscommunication,” Tanja laughs. “Now, we overcommunicate and document everything.”
Legal Framework
Ilija Rilakovic, legal advisor for ETH Belgrade, stresses early legal planning.
“Most legal challenges can be avoided with clear contracts and proper planning,” he says.
This includes agreements covering payment terms and cancellation policies. Ilija also monitors regulatory frameworks, particularly within the EU, advising on compliance with regulations like MiCA.
“For certain markets, such as the EU, due to MiCA regulation, non-EU projects may face restrictions on promoting their services unless specifically invited,” he explains.
He recommends clear terms for hackathons to manage intellectual property risks.
“As an organizer, you want to avoid being liable for anything created during the hackathon, particularly the functionality and transferability of the product,” he notes.
Clear policies and contracts are essential for a secure and professional environment.
Advice for Future Organizers
Key advice from the ETH Belgrade team:
- Start with local energy and strong builders.
- Build a reliable team.
- Focus on value-added content, connections, and community.
Conclusion
ETH Belgrade showcases Ethereum’s potential when community and genuine connection are prioritized. It reflects a commitment to fostering a robust and innovative blockchain ecosystem. If you're looking to launch your project, consider partnering with Codeum for smart contract audits, KYC verification, and expert security consultation.
- Website: https://ethbelgrade.rs/
- X: https://x.com/ethbelgrade
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/eth-belgrade
- Founders: Petar Popovic | Tanja Mladenovic