Kambis Kohansal Vajargah, Vienna-born entrepreneur and startup ecosystem builder, has dedicated his career to making innovation accessible and empowering the next generation of founders. His efforts were recently recognized at the prestigious Fluxx Conference 2025 in Qatar held on October 3rd & 4th, 2025, where he was named Startup Ecosystem Leader of the Year in Business Consulting. This milestone highlights both his entrepreneurial achievements and his impact as a mentor, policy-shaper, and global advocate for inclusive growth.
“Entrepreneurship is the DNA of progress,” he says. “This award is not just for me, it belongs to every founder who dares to dream, every young person who questions the status quo, and every ecosystem builder who believes in collaboration over competition.”
From Medicine to Entrepreneurship: A Bold Leap
Born into a family that hoped he would pursue a traditional career in medicine, Kohansal Vajargah began his academic path in medical studies. Yet, it was during this time that he faced deep personal challenges, including bouts of depression and uncertainty about his future. It was precisely in this difficult period that he made a life-altering decision — to pivot from medicine to entrepreneurship.
“Starting my first companies was the riskiest yet best decision of my life,” he recalls. That leap of faith transformed not only his career but also his sense of identity, giving him confidence and a mission: to empower others to take bold steps into the unknown.
Building Startups, Building Ecosystems
Over the years, Kohansal Vajargah has co-founded multiple startups including whatchado, Carployee (Exit in 2021), Freebiebox/New Fluence (Exit in 2024), and ALVERI. His ventures span from edtech to mobility and food innovation, reflecting his versatility and conviction that entrepreneurship is the engine of progress.
Beyond his own ventures, he has taken on a pivotal role as Head of Startup-Services and Deputy Head of Founder-Services at the Austrian Federal Economic Chamber. Here, he champions Austria’s startup ecosystem, shaping initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and attract investment. Under his leadership, programs have been launched to support founders in scaling their businesses, accessing international markets, and navigating the complexities of funding.Recognized by the World Economic Forum as a European Digital Leader, Kohansal Vajargah has become a trusted voice in innovation policy. His work consistently emphasizes the importance of inclusive innovation, ensuring that young people, women, and underrepresented communities are given equal opportunities to shape the future.
The Vision: Empowering the Next Generation
For Kohansal Vajargah, success is not measured solely by exit valuations or funding rounds. Instead, his vision revolves around impact and legacy. This is evident in his authorship of “How to Start-up” — a practical guide for aspiring founders — and “Sammy und das Geheimnis der Goldmünzen”, a children’s book on financial literacy and entrepreneurship co-authored with his wife, Tetyana Kohansal.
“Entrepreneurship is not just about building companies, it’s about building confidence,” he explains. “If children can learn early that they have the power to shape their own future, then we are setting the foundation for a more resilient and innovative society.”
This focus on education and empowerment resonates deeply across Europe and beyond. His work bridges the gap between policy, business, and grassroots innovation, a rare combination that makes his contributions stand out on the global stage.
Services and Expertise
Kohansal Vajargah actively advises startups, corporates, and governments in the areas of:
Startup & Ecosystem Leadership — building structures that enable entrepreneurship to thrive. Fundraising & Venture Capital — attracting investment and scaling internationally. Strategy & Growth — helping organizations design innovative models, expand markets, and accelerate impact.
He combines hands-on entrepreneurial experience with policy-level expertise, making him a unique bridge between grassroots founders and institutional stakeholders.Looking Ahead: Austria as a Melting Pot of InnovationKohansal Vajargah believes Austria is at a unique turning point. The country is becoming an international melting pot of innovators, investors, and ideas.
“Europe doesn’t need to copy Silicon Valley,” he insists. “We need to build on our own strengths: diversity, sustainability, and long-term impact.”
A Lasting Impact
As he reflects on his journey, Kohansal Vajargah remains grounded in the challenges that shaped him. From leaving medicine to facing years of doubt, he has built his confidence step by step and now uses that experience to inspire others.The recognition he has received, including his award at Fluxx Conference 2025, is a milestone — but not a destination. For Kambis Kohansal Vajargah, the journey continues with the same conviction that has guided him from the start: that entrepreneurship is not just about building companies, but about building futures.