From Slovenia to the USA: The Success Stories of Glowen and Pokica within the USA Cross-Border Accelerator

Entering the American market represents a significant business opportunity for Slovenian companies, but at the same time, it requires a good understanding of the local environment, an appropriate strategy, and reliable business partners.

Therefore, within the RazvojniPlus program and in cooperation with AmCham Slovenia, SEF supports the implementation of the Startup Overseas cross-border accelerator, intended for Slovenian companies with ambitions to expand their operations to the USA.

The program enables companies to acquire practical knowledge about the American market, business culture, legal and tax aspects of business, and direct networking with potential partners, investors, and other key stakeholders of the American entrepreneurial ecosystem.

The stories of the Slovenian companies Glowen and Pokica prove that the effects of such support continue even after the conclusion of the program.

The Slovenian company Glow Seven d.o.o. from Ormož, which develops and produces innovative portable pizza ovens under the Glowen brand, began its entrepreneurial story in 2018. At that time, founder Grega Ivančič built the first oven in his home garage, and from the initial idea, he gradually developed his own production and an internationally recognized brand.

In 2025, the company joined the Startup Overseas to Colorado program, through which it learned about the American business environment together with other Slovenian companies, developed a market entry strategy, and established direct contacts with potential business partners.

Participation in the program also brought a concrete business result. After the program ended, Grega Ivančič continued his cooperation with an American partner he met precisely through his participation in the accelerator. Together, they established a company in the USA and have already started marketing activities to introduce the Glowen brand to the American market.

The case of Glowen shows how a cross-border accelerator program can grow from initial networking and knowledge acquisition into concrete business cooperation and the establishment of a presence in a foreign market.

[Photo: Glowen portable pizza ovens]

The company Kokica d.o.o. from Maribor, which develops and produces gourmet popcorn under the Pokica brand, began its entrepreneurial journey in 2017. Founder Uroš Požgan developed a business idea from his passion for popcorn, which gradually grew into a recognizable Slovenian brand.

In 2024, the company participated in the Startup Overseas: Austin program, which enabled Slovenian companies to directly get to know the American market, verify business opportunities, and connect with potential partners.

After the conclusion of the program, Pokica continued discussions with American business partners and explored possibilities for expansion into the USA market. In doing so, it identified high transport costs and logistical constraints related to large product volumes as one of the key challenges.

Based on the experience gained, the company identified the establishment of local production in cooperation with an American manufacturing partner, who would produce products according to their recipes, as the most suitable option for entering the American market.

Although a final business agreement has not yet been reached, the company gained valuable business connections, better insight into the American market, and a clearer strategy for further internationalization through its participation in the program.

Pokica’s story confirms that the success of cross-border accelerators is not necessarily linked only to immediate market entry, but also to acquiring knowledge, testing business models, and establishing the foundations for long-term growth.

[Photo: Pokica brand products]

The stories of Glowen and Pokica represent two different but important effects of participating in the USA cross-border accelerator. Glowen has already upgraded its acquired business connections into the establishment of a company in the American market, while Pokica has formed a clearer strategy for future business expansion based on new experiences and established contacts.

Both cases confirm the importance of developmental support, which, in addition to practical knowledge, also provides companies with direct access to international business networks, potential partners, and new growth opportunities.

The stories of Slovenian companies on the path to the American market continue this year. Between November 16 and 20, 2026, ten selected innovative Slovenian companies will visit Pittsburgh, USA, as part of the STARTUP GO USA 2026 PENNSYLVANIA program, where they will explore new possibilities for expanding their business to the American market.

The program, which the Slovene Enterprise Fund (SEF) implements within the RazvojniPlus program in cooperation with AmCham Slovenia, enables companies to acquire practical knowledge about the American business environment, professional support in brand development and positioning, and direct networking with potential business partners and investors.

The five-day intensive entrepreneurial program thus represents a new opportunity to strengthen the international competitiveness of Slovenian companies and establish transatlantic business connections.

Follow their entrepreneurial stories and meet this year’s participants!

You can read more about the STARTUP GO USA 2026 PENNSYLVANIA program and the participating companies on the RazvojniPlus website.

Through the RazvojniPlus program and cross-border accelerator activities, the Slovene Enterprise Fund helps Slovenian companies overcome obstacles to entering foreign markets, strengthen international business connections, and create new opportunities for long-term growth and development.

More information about SEF’s financial and developmental incentives is available at www.podjetniskisklad.si.