Scaling Up Romanian Tech Startups Globally
We are bringing together essential resources such as expertise, networking, and access to investment to empower Romanian tech startups to unlock their full potential and succeed on the global stage.
We believe in the global potential of tech startups from Romania
Early-stage tech projects in Romania often have all the ingredients for success, but many struggle with the expertise and global connections needed to scale rapidly and break into international markets at the right moment. We’re here to solve this problem—because this is one bug that shouldn’t be mistaken for a feature.
What is Our Solution?
We rely on the extensive global innovation expertise of Arieli Capital, a multifaceted investment firm and leader in innovation with offices in New York, London, and Tel Aviv that has already run its programs in Utah (USA), Italy, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic—combined with the local expertise of Romania’s leading tech entrepreneurship community and conference, How To Web and the strategic contribution of AmCham.
The GO GLOBAL! concept is brought together by Upgrade 100.
What does the program offer?
and why should you apply as a startup to take advantage of this opportunity?
High Level Networking
We facilitate meetings with key investors, mentors, other entrepreneurs from complementary or related fields, potential partners, and government officials interested in supporting the expansion of projects with global success potential.
Valuable Know-How
Selected startups will have the chance to explore new business models for global scaling, access case studies from similar companies and markets, and receive expert guidance on how to scale in key markets like the U.S.
Access to Capital
The most promising startups selected for the final phase of the program will gain the exclusive opportunity to engage directly with leading global investors within Arieli Capital’s network. This connection opens doors to worldwide investment opportunities, with the potential to secure critical funding.
Exposure and Brand Awareness
The program includes a significant B2B and B2C communication component. Once enrolled, your startup will gain valuable media exposure, visibility at important / relevant industry events, and access to key communication opportunities.
News & Updates
Follow us for the latest and most important updates about the program.
Timeline
What are the main stages of the GO GLOBAL program?
Partners
GO GLOBAL! is an UPGRADE 100 initiative led by ARIELI CAPITAL and supported in Romania by HOW TO WEB. The main partners and supporters of the program are listed below. If you want to be part of the global success story of Romanian tech startups as a sponsor / partner, reach out to us using the form below!
Testimonials
What do participants in the programs designed by Arieli Capital in other countries have to say?
The experience was, in a word, amazing. It was very challenging, but we emerged as much better entrepreneurs than when we started.
I’m extremely grateful for all the opportunities and doors that were opened. Not only were they opened for us, but we were also shown how to open them, how to share, how to help each other, and how to give in order to receive
I would say that we are inspired – inspired to work even harder to get funding to increase sales and make positive change in the world. The contacts we made at our many meetings will lead to increased sales, university validations, and market visibility. Wow. This event was like an injection of drive!
If I had to choose one word to describe the START AgriTech Conference designed by ARIELI it would be “Connective”. Or as Utah Tech University would phrase it, “Bumpibility”. Networking at the conference underscored the significance of collaboration and partnerships within the industry, offering avenues for knowledge exchange and potential collaborations that can fuel our expansion.
During the five intensive days of the program, I had the privilege of meeting industrial leaders, senior government officials, potential investors, and potential strategic partners face-to-face. The program’s meticulous organization and the staff’s high-level professionalism ensured meaningful and productive interactions, establishing quality connections that would have otherwise taken years to cultivate.
The program helped us improve-upon our overall pitch to investors, as we learned how to say the same information in the shortest amount of time, to guarantee the audience’s undivided attention. The program helped us immediately connect with investors and potential pilot-partners both at home, and internationally.
I found in this program a multitude of collaborations, networking opportunities, and even potential investments in our company.
The most important question was, ‘Where am I going wrong?’. Then I learned to carefully listen to the answers. I was impressed by Israel’s ability to attract investors. Nowhere in Europe did I find this magnetism. The mindset is that everything must be created to function externally and to be the best. For this, investments are necessary.
FAQ
What is the ideal profile for a startup to join this program?
The ideal startup operates across various verticals, is based in Romania (or led by Romanian founders), and is market-ready, typically between the seed and Series A stages. It should have already secured funding from previous sources, demonstrate a validated business model—preferably with market traction—and be led by a seasoned, well-rounded team. Startups with intellectual property (IP) ownership will receive additional consideration.
What should a startup expect in terms of commitment?
Startups in this program are expected to sign a participation agreement outlining the terms and conditions, offer Arieli Capital the right of first refusal for investment, and commit to a 5% success fee for any commercial deals or investments facilitated by the program. Additionally, they are expected to maintain transparent and ongoing communication with program management.
What are the primary benefits provided by this program?
Startups will receive expert mentoring, gain access to European, American, and Israeli business ecosystems, connect with a network of international investors, and acquire practical steps for scaling globally.
What commitments are expected from the participating startups?
Participants are expected to be fully engaged in the program’s activities, attend all sessions, and actively collaborate with mentors and peers.
What support is provided post-completion to ensure long-term success
After completing the program, startups will continue to receive guidance and support through our extensive network, ensuring sustainable growth and success.
Can you briefly describe the structure of the program?
The program includes a week-long intensive acceleration in Milan, Italy, culminating in a final presentation. Four selected startups will receive an additional six weeks of support to implement the acquired knowledge.
Find out how you can be one of the 10 finalists!
If what you see here has sparked your curiosity, all that’s left to do is apply and find out all the details about the program. We will select a maximum of 10 startups from Romania, so… hurry up!
