TechAngels Romania

👏 🚀 #TechAngelsPeople Cosmin Curticapean.

Wolves Summit, where more than 250 startups and 100 investors gathered for sharing updates and knowledge, Cosmin Curticapean our #TechAngels VP, will be talking about the CEE regional developments and the potential of the angel networks together with Mircea Vădan, fellow angel from another local network @TAN. In the past couple of years we saw more interest for the local startup ecosystem from more international investors which means boosting possibilities and accelerated growth. #growingtogether #techecosystem #techangelseverywhere

➡In 2024, the European tech scene is witnessing an uptick in interest and investment in hardware-driven startups, especially in sectors like energy, climate technology, and sustainable manufacturing. While software continues to dominate, the rise in venture capital directed toward hardware solutions hints at a new and evolving niche in Europe’s tech ecosystem. ➡Investment levels in hardware-focused startups have climbed notably in the first half of 2024. Energy and climate tech startups raised $5.7 billion, with specific attention given to companies developing solutions aligned with European sustainability and energy independence goals. According to Tech.eu, the trend is most visible in high-impact sectors like battery storage, green hydrogen, and IoT for smart infrastructure. ➡The increased attention to hardware is largely driven by policy initiatives which prioritize sustainability and energy security across the continent. These policies create incentives for startups developing physical infrastructure solutions, from renewable energy storage to advanced manufacturing. “European tech is increasingly embracing hardware to meet urgent demands in sustainability,” the European Innovation Fund noted, though they caution that this movement is still emerging. ➡In line with Europe’s growing interest in hardware, Romania has also seen tech startups exploring hardware-driven solutions across diverse sectors including IoT, robotics and biomedical devices. Some early-stage local startups that are tapping into hardware innovation: 💡 AXOSUITS focuses on exoskeletons that assist with mobility, signaling the potential for biomedical hardware applications. 💡Symme3D produces 3D printers serving industries from healthcare to education with localized manufacturing solutions. 💡Visionbot.com supports automated electronics assembly, catering to the needs of small businesses seeking to scale their production capabilities. 💡Orbotix Technologies is exploring AI-driven autonomous drones, with applications in critical infrastructure and security These new ideas are next to the more established Bobnet solutions for products and services vending machines or Oves Enterprise drones. ➡ As more data from Q4 and future years becomes available, we’ll see if this emerging interest solidifies into a sustainable trend or remains a promising but niche development. For now, hardware startups—though few in number—are worth watching as they work to address some of today’s most urgent challenges in tangible, impactful ways. #growingtogether #growsmart #smartgrowth #emergingtrends

💡We need more people involved in all sides of the ecosystem and an increase in collaboration to overcome the circular chicken and egg problem (there are not enough startups because there are not enough resources/investors, because there are not enough people and not enough startups with traction and again). 💡We also need to look to where we come from, the leap forward made by the ecosystem in the past years, the setting up of the needed structures, from accelerators and incubators to more funds and the talent. The CEE region registers growth and started to attract more investors interested in valuable ideas. 💡These are the prerequisites that can convince more to join the ecosystem. Live from Ziarul Financiar IT Generation Summit, Marius Istrate, VP of #TechAngels who pointed out the momentum which we can use to reach the regional potential. More, in the passionate talks at the link below. ⬇ #growingtogether #startups #angelinvestors #techecosystem

Financing in focus, this #TechWeekInReview, targeting international expansion. ➡ SQB Robotics has developed a robotic solution that transforms containers and commercial spaces into fully automated, 24/7 operational stores. The start-up is currently seeking €250,000 in funding to accelerate development and expand into new markets. Founders have invested approximately €60,000 to date and plan to install at least 10 automated stores by 2025. ➡ Evopath is in the process of raising €350,000 to accelerate development of the AI-based productivity platform designed to help managers efficiently create tasks and assist employees in executing them. €100,000 already secured. Founders have invested over €120,000 so far. Evopath aims to achieve annual recurring revenues exceeding €1 million by 2025 and plans to expand into markets such as the UK, Ireland, and French-speaking countries. ➡ VAUNT is preparing to raise its first funding round to support growth and connect investors with top properties in Europe and the US. The startup is a proptech focused on digitalizing residential projects, currently expanding into the U.S. market with its latest product, VAUNT Market. ➡ WeReload is in advanced discussions for financing with a fund to support expansion on the global markets. The solution allows users to purchase eSIMs for mobile data while roaming. The app has been downloaded over 10,000 times and is used in 45 countries across Europe, Asia, and America. ➡YAROOMS, a startup specializing in workplace management software, has expanded to over 320 clients worldwide, with 50% based in North America. The company is focusing on building a global partner network to further its reach. Yarooms introduced "Yarvis," an AI assistant integrated into Microsoft Teams and Slack, enabling employees to manage workspace bookings through conversational interactions. #growsmart #growingtogether #angelinvestors #startups

If you are now planning the next weeks moves, you might want to mark you agenda for Ziarul Financiar - IT Generation Summit conversations, on Monday. Marius Istrate, Chairman of the Board, will be speaking and sharing from his experience of insider of a startup global scaling, investor and mentor. As member of #TechAngels you receive a special treat, make sure you check the internal channels for further access details. See you there! #growingtogether #growsmart #angelinvestors #startups

Perfect #FridayReco, out from the printing press, “Negociatorul Abil” (the Skillful Negotiator) by our own #TechAngels VP, Sabin Gilceava. It was a full house at the launch last night, with a reason. The book is written from a long track record in the trenches of the negotiation 🥷and the skill is an indispensable art 🎭when building a team, a startup, everything. Look for it! More at the link below ⬇ #growsmart #growingtogether #angelinvestors #startups 

Beware of the 👻 Phantom Product, fear the 🧟Zombie Founder and the Vampire law suit🧛 and above all avoid the Vanishing Runway🏃♂️ ! (A seasonal funny take on serious advice) Happy Halloween, and may the business spirits be ever in your favor! 🎃👻 #growingtogether #startups #angelinvestors

Who wakes up early gets far, they say! True and tested by Marius Istrate our #TechAngels Chairman, who got, at breakfast time, beyond expectations with this candid talk about growth and people. In short, some takeaways: 🤝Scaling means people and business figures, in this order. 👌Employer branding before scaling, 📲Authenticity before fit, 🔭Leadership and firm decisions, before getting to please everybody. Thank you Endeavor Romania for setting up useful and to the point meetings. #proudsupporters #growingtogether

Ready for today’s #PitchDay? Each startup we will see is tackling a unique gap in its respective industry, aiming to simplify processes and enhance user experiences. Below is the list of solutions we will be discussing, the pitches are uploaded in the platform, just in time for you to prepare your questions. Fingers crossed to all teams, we are rooting for you! ➡ By analyzing data from users' existing smart wearables, the solution enables doctors to monitor health trends and predict cardiac issues early, without requiring users to adopt new apps. ➡️A gamified coding platform where kids learn real coding skills by solving challenges and building games or websites. An AI assistant, powered by a unique algorithm, guides them through the learning process. ➡️A solution listing music events from multiple sources, using AI to personalize recommendations and provide a seamless, one-click ticket-purchasing experience through Apple Pay, designed to meet Gen Z’s preference for convenience and instant access. If you want to meet with us and join, on either side of the pitch deck, just fill in the form on our website www.techangels.ro. #growingtogether #startups #angelinvestors #smartgrowth