Mergim Cahani, the CEO of Gjirafam had tried to launch an Albanian language search platform previously but failed. He was accepted into StartupYard in 2014. During our program we helped him focus his efforts on developing a full-text web search engine and a news aggregator specialized in the Albanian language, while adding in the digitalization of the fragmented, offline-only bus schedules throughout Kosovo (as a simple “hook” to drive traffic). StartupYard connected Mergim to many investors – first a batch of angels that were convinced in his vision and ability to deliver, and then to Rockaway who saw an opportunity to grow their footprint into the Balkans. After leaving StartupYard, Mergim launched the portal gaining immediate traction, becoming a catalyst to get Kosovo online. As Gjirafa matured, it moved into other verticals (online electronics retailing, content streaming, content creation), eventually totally dominating each vertical. Today Gjirafa is the biggest and fastest growing internet player in the Balkans, with the real possibility of becoming the first Balkan unicorn.