About Me
My name is Ilir Grapci, and I’m a Prishtina native through and through. My career has taken me across Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, the UK, and Turkey. Each place wasn’t just a stop on the map; it was a learning experience that shaped how I see the world and how I connect ideas with action.
After getting my degree in Business Studies and Services, specializing in Communication Strategy and Consumer Behavior from the University of Westminster in London, I spent two decades in the trenches before diving into entrepreneurship
Back in 2004, I started Paper Club in London, and then Paper Communications in Kosovo and Albania in 2009. Both were born out of my deep-seated belief in the power of ideas to make things happen.
That journey eventually led me to the renewable energy sector with SOWI Kosovo and Albania. Later, we launched a news portal, kosova.energy, a platform to shed light on the energy and environmental sectors in Kosovo. It’s all about encouraging investment and opening up conversations that bridge knowledge with opportunity. Kosovo and Albania are putting its energy sector on a sustainable path by developing its renewable energy potential and improving energy efficiency. Both countries has prioritized the modernization of the country’s energy sector through renewable energy sources.
In 2020, Paper Radio came to life—and by 2024, it became the first radio station to broadcast from Kosovo into Albania, connecting stories across borders. But I’m not just about media and energy. I’m also a shareholder and managing partner in Green Medical Therapy in Prilep, North Macedonia, and Blue Taxi in Prishtina. These ventures show my dedication to innovation, sustainability, and creating connections.
That journey eventually led me to the renewable energy sector with SOWI Kosovo and Albania. Later, we launched a news portal, kosova.energy, a platform to shed light on the energy and environmental sectors in Kosovo. It’s all about encouraging investment and opening up conversations that bridge knowledge with opportunity. Kosovo and Albania are putting its energy sector on a sustainable path by developing its renewable energy potential and improving energy efficiency. Both countries has prioritized the modernization of the country’s energy sector through renewable energy sources.
In 2020, Paper Radio came to life—and by 2024, it became the first radio station to broadcast from Kosovo into Albania, connecting stories across borders. But I’m not just about media and energy. I’m also a shareholder and managing partner in Green Medical Therapy in Prilep, North Macedonia, and Blue Taxi in Prishtina. These ventures show my dedication to innovation, sustainability, and creating connections.
My Story
My career’s been a bit of a winding road – from renewable energy to crafting communication strategies, dabbling in media and hospitality, and even getting my hands dirty in real estate. Through it all, I’ve loved turning big, sometimes crazy, ideas into real, impactful projects.
I definitely haven’t done it alone. I’ve been incredibly lucky to work alongside some seriously sharp and supportive people. Their creativity and belief in what we were doing were game-changers, and honestly, a huge part of whatever success I’ve had.
What I’m really good at is seeing the bigger picture, figuring out creative solutions to tough problems, and connecting the right people. So, if you’re an entrepreneur with a spark, a company trying to define its future, or an investor hunting for the next big thing, I hope my experience can offer some direction, inspiration, and maybe even the confidence to really go for it.
HOSPITALITY
Paper Club wasn’t just a business; it was my heart and soul poured into elevating the music and nightlife scene. We didn’t just set a new standard in London; we sparked a whole wave of entertainment ventures. It became the go-to spot for true music lovers and even drew in some big names. We’re talking about icons like Kanye, Beyoncé, Adele, Jay-Z, and our own Rita Ora gracing the club with their presence, solidifying Paper’s rep as the place to be after dark.
Looking back, Paper Club in London was more than just a nightclub; it was a privilege to lead the charge in creating unforgettable nights, leaving a mark on everyone who walked through our doors and shaping the entertainment landscape in the process.
Looking back, Paper Club in London was more than just a nightclub; it was a privilege to lead the charge in creating unforgettable nights, leaving a mark on everyone who walked through our doors and shaping the entertainment landscape in the process.
I run a creative agency called Paper, and we’re all about branding, media strategy, and coming up with fresh marketing ideas. I started Paper back in 2009 because I was really into using commercials and campaigns to spread ideas. Since then, Paper Communications has become a leading agency in the Western Balkans for getting messages across effectively.
One of our proudest achievements is the work we did for the International Airport of Prishtina “Adem Jashari.” It won 14 international awards, which really shows how well our team can create communication strategies that make a global impact.
We also worked with the KEDS Academy (you know, The Kosovo Electrical Distribution and Supply Company in Kosovo) to help young people find jobs. That project got four Stevie Awards, which was awesome recognition for our communication and community work.
And get this – Paper Communications even played a part in getting Era Istrefi signed with Ultra Music by Sony after her song “Bonbon” blew up. It was a huge deal for us!
One of our proudest achievements is the work we did for the International Airport of Prishtina “Adem Jashari.” It won 14 international awards, which really shows how well our team can create communication strategies that make a global impact.
We also worked with the KEDS Academy (you know, The Kosovo Electrical Distribution and Supply Company in Kosovo) to help young people find jobs. That project got four Stevie Awards, which was awesome recognition for our communication and community work.
And get this – Paper Communications even played a part in getting Era Istrefi signed with Ultra Music by Sony after her song “Bonbon” blew up. It was a huge deal for us!
Sowi Kosovo is a cornerstone of my business endeavors, significantly shaping the renewable energy landscape through wind energy production. As Managing Partner, I’m deeply involved in both daily operations and charting our strategic course. Alongside my close friend and partner, we launched Sowi Kosovo LLC driven by a shared vision to spearhead sustainable energy solutions in Kosovo. My work through Sowi Kosovo has directly led to the creation of wind farms, notably the 105 MW Bajgora Wind Farm.
This project has had a cascade of positive effects:
• Renewable Energy Contribution: The Bajgora Wind Farm delivers about 10% of Kosovo’s installed energy capacity, propelling the nation closer to its goal of 400 MW of renewable energy by 2026.
• Environmental Impact: The wind farm is cutting CO2 emissions by 247,000 tons each year, a pivotal step in combating climate change and lessening our reliance on coal-fired power plants.
• Economic Development: Sowi Kosovo stands as one of Kosovo’s largest renewable energy ventures, attracting vital international investment and stimulating valuable partnerships, especially with our German and Israeli allies.
• Energy Security: The wind farm bolsters Kosovo’s energy independence, easing shortages and fostering a more resilient and diverse energy infrastructure.
My commitment to Sowi Kosovo is in line with my broader business interests in media and marketing, enabling me to maintain a diversified portfolio across key sectors.
This project has had a cascade of positive effects:
• Renewable Energy Contribution: The Bajgora Wind Farm delivers about 10% of Kosovo’s installed energy capacity, propelling the nation closer to its goal of 400 MW of renewable energy by 2026.
• Environmental Impact: The wind farm is cutting CO2 emissions by 247,000 tons each year, a pivotal step in combating climate change and lessening our reliance on coal-fired power plants.
• Economic Development: Sowi Kosovo stands as one of Kosovo’s largest renewable energy ventures, attracting vital international investment and stimulating valuable partnerships, especially with our German and Israeli allies.
• Energy Security: The wind farm bolsters Kosovo’s energy independence, easing shortages and fostering a more resilient and diverse energy infrastructure.
My commitment to Sowi Kosovo is in line with my broader business interests in media and marketing, enabling me to maintain a diversified portfolio across key sectors.
Paper Play Radio is more than just a radio station to me; it’s a passion project that started in December 2020 in Pristina, Kosovo. What began as a local initiative has blossomed, and by August 2024, we expanded our reach into Albania.
This was a huge moment—Paper Play Radio became the first Kosovan station to broadcast from Kosovo all the way into Albania, near the Greek border.
This journey has been incredibly personal and moving for my team and for myself. Paper Radio has always been about bringing the real, raw urban vibe of Pristina to a wider Albanian audience. Seeing that vision come to life fills me with immense pride. The station’s core mission—to champion positive values, culture, music, and art—mirrors my own deep-seated hopes for our community.
Paper Play Radio’s growth from a small local station to a bridge connecting cultures is a powerful example of how storytelling and music can unite people. It’s proof that when passion and purpose come together, the possibilities are endless, and it’s a celebration of our shared heritage.
This was a huge moment—Paper Play Radio became the first Kosovan station to broadcast from Kosovo all the way into Albania, near the Greek border.
This journey has been incredibly personal and moving for my team and for myself. Paper Radio has always been about bringing the real, raw urban vibe of Pristina to a wider Albanian audience. Seeing that vision come to life fills me with immense pride. The station’s core mission—to champion positive values, culture, music, and art—mirrors my own deep-seated hopes for our community.
Paper Play Radio’s growth from a small local station to a bridge connecting cultures is a powerful example of how storytelling and music can unite people. It’s proof that when passion and purpose come together, the possibilities are endless, and it’s a celebration of our shared heritage.
Kosovo.Energy is more than just a website; it’s a focused online platform providing news and information about the energy and environmental sectors in Kosovo. Our mission is to drive investment in the energy sector and offer essential communication services to all stakeholders.
The idea for this news website arose from a clear need: accurate and direct information about Kosovo’s energy landscape. Launched in the wake of Sowi Kosovo’s initiatives, our aim is to bridge information gaps and champion sustainable development within Kosovo’s energy sector.
The idea for this news website arose from a clear need: accurate and direct information about Kosovo’s energy landscape. Launched in the wake of Sowi Kosovo’s initiatives, our aim is to bridge information gaps and champion sustainable development within Kosovo’s energy sector.
In 2024, I became a shareholder in Blue Taxi Prishtina, a company known for its reliability and professional service. With a fleet of 110 vehicles, Blue Taxi uses the latest tech, like computer programs and satellite positioning, to ensure customers don’t have to wait long.
Blue Taxi operates 24/7, providing both on-demand pickups and scheduled bookings. What’s really exciting is that we’ve introduced Pristina’s first electric taxi fleet, which shows our commitment to both innovation and sustainability.
Blue Taxi operates 24/7, providing both on-demand pickups and scheduled bookings. What’s really exciting is that we’ve introduced Pristina’s first electric taxi fleet, which shows our commitment to both innovation and sustainability.
medical
Green Medical Therapy (GMT) / normacan
COMING SOON