We bring together expertise, networking and access to investment to help European tech startups unlock their potential and succeed on the global stage.
We believe in the global potential of European tech startups.
Great ideas need the right expertise, the right connections and a clear path into new markets.
From a strong idea to a new market: GO GLOBAL brings founders closer to the knowledge, people and networks that make international growth possible. The 2026–2027 edition looks towards Southeast Asia, connecting the region with Romania and Southeast Europe.
The 2026–2027 edition brings together Upgrade 100 and IMPACTUM Group, the programme’s lead international partner.
Upgrade 100 brings together a technology community through content, events and conversations. IMPACTUM adds an international network spanning strategy, technology, media and capital. Together, they connect local entrepreneurial ambition with a wider world of opportunity.
From Bucharest to Jakarta. One journey. New perspectives.
BUCHARESTJAKARTA
01
6–8 OCT2026
Bucharest
How To Web
How To Web, Bucharest. The programme is previewed ahead of its official launch.
02
15 OCT2026
Bucharest
Official launch
Official launch at IQ Digital Summit.
03
OCT–NOV2026
Bucharest
Applications & selection
Applications, screening and selection of the GO GLOBAL SOUTH cohort.
04
3–4 DEC2026
Bali, Indonesia
New Asia Forum
GO GLOBAL SOUTH connects with the Southeast Asian ecosystem at New Asia Forum.
05
2027BUCHAREST → JAKARTA
The Journey Continues
Mentoring and continuation of the programme — to be discussed.
The closing date will be announced here.
2026–2027 / THE JURY
Meet the jury.
The first confirmed jury members for GO GLOBAL SOUTH.
SPARKING CAPITAL
Vlad Panait
Read biography+
Vlad is a seasoned C-level executive with +20 years of international experience in growth and go to market strategies, across multiple industries, geographies, and organisational stages
Vlad transitioned from executive roles in Fortune 500 companies into entrepreneurship, founding and currently serving as Managing Partner of Sparking Capital. Vlad’s leadership style is grounded in adaptability, strategic clarity, polarity management, and cross-cultural competence.
He holds an MBA and a Diploma in Advanced Management & Leadership. Vlad continues to engage in academia, teaching at two master’s programs within Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies - nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurs and investment professionals.
CEO/CFO and Board executive with 20+ years of experience across energy & infrastructure, investment management, financial services, FMCG and consulting.
Track record in leading and overseeing complex transformations, M&A and capital allocation, including acquisitions, carve-outs, €500m+ infrastructure transactions, business integration and post-acquisition transformations. Executive experience spanning finance, corporate governance and strategy, as well as regulatory, stakeholder and corporate affairs leadership.
Combining corporate leadership with an investor mindset, with experience across the Macquarie Asset Management ecosystem and as a private markets, venture capital and angel investor in technology-driven businesses.
Currently CFO and Management Board Member at Evryo and Distribuție Energie Oltenia, both Macquarie Asset Management portfolio companies.
Founder Bravva Angels, Bravva Female Founders, Investor, Business consultant, Women in business advocacy Ilinca Paun is an investor, business consultant and systemic coach. Passionate about business, education and communities with strong values of collaboration. Her focus is growing Bravva as a place to learn and co-invest. The spirit of what I do is honoring diversity, empathy, and courage.
Partner in GAPMINDER Specialized in: Seed and Series A Focus: Platforms, Enterprise Software / SaaS, Dev tools
Cosmin focuses on platforms from typical B2B / Enterprise solutions and Dev tools to consumer-focused. Cosmin has wide-ranging experience dealing with software products and identifying their strengths and weaknesses.
Cosmin led GapMinder's Fund I investments into Frisbo, Smart Dreamers, Soleadify, DeepStash, Machinations, Innoship, Planable and Yarooms.
Prior to GapMinder, Cosmin was with Deutsche Telekom in various roles including the role of Investment Manager for one of its investment arms (Hubraum), where he coordinated and managed deals across the entire CEE region.
Cosmin is a highly experienced investor, having extensive knowledge and understanding of business models built around high-tech products and a great deal of experience working with early-stage teams.
Dan Călugăreanu is an experienced entrepreneur and business leader with a strong background in technology, e-commerce and business development, as well as extensive experience as a Chief Executive Officer in the computer hardware industry. His expertise spans negotiation, business planning, e-commerce, business development and entrepreneurship. He is a graduate of De Baak in the Netherlands, with a strong track record in business leadership.
GO GLOBAL SOUTH is an acceleration programme connecting tech startups in Romania and Southeast Europe with opportunities in Southeast Asia and the Global South.
Who is behind the programme?+
The 2026–2027 edition is developed by Upgrade 100 and IMPACTUM Group. IMPACTUM is the lead international partner.
Who should apply?+
We’re looking for market-ready technology startups, typically between seed and Series A, with a validated product and business model, a strong founding team and a clear interest in exploring Southeast Asian markets. Early commercial traction is a plus.
Where should my startup be based?+
Eligible startups should be based in Romania or Southeast Europe. There is no fixed country list at this stage; eligibility will be assessed based on the startup’s connection to the region and its fit with the programme.
Which sectors are eligible?+
GO GLOBAL SOUTH is open to market-ready technology startups across various sectors such as health, education, AI, etc., with products and business models that show potential for international growth.
How many startups will be selected?+
The programme will select up to 10 startups for the 2026-2027 cohort.
When can I apply?+
Applications, screening and selection take place in October–November 2026. The closing date will be announced here.
What commitment is expected?+
Selected startups are expected to actively participate in the programme’s mentoring, market preparation and business development activities. Further participation details will be shared with the selected cohort.
What are the programme fees and travel arrangements?+
No equity or success fee is required to participate in GO GLOBAL SOUTH. Any costs related to travel or in-person activities will be communicated separately, depending on the specific programme activity.
How are startups selected?+
Applications are reviewed by the programme team, followed by screening conversations with shortlisted founders. The final cohort is selected with the involvement of a jury of experienced operators and investors.
Can all selected startups attend New Asia Forum?+
Yes. All selected startups are welcome to attend New Asia Forum in Bali on 3-4 December 2026. For 3 startups selected by the jury, travel and accommodation will be covered by the programme. Other cohort members who choose to attend will need to cover their own travel and accommodation costs.
