The 13 companies selected from the dozens that applied to Go Global operate in a range of sectors: healthcare, the environment, IT and finance.
All the selected startups are seeking the methods and financial resources needed to expand; their combined turnover currently stands at just €10 million.
From 24 to 27 February 2025, the founders of the selected startups will attend a business accelerator in Milan, meeting investors and mentors who specialise in international business expansion.
Go Global is an accelerator for businesses built on the latest technologies, conceived by UPGRADE 100 and How to Web, led by investment firm Arieli Capital and supported by Raiffeisen Bank Romania and AmCham Romania.
What will happen in Milan?
A series of events and private discussions will bring the founders of the selected companies together with leading investors and experts from around the world, particularly the United States and Israel.
The meetings are designed to encourage strategic partnerships and expansion into global markets.
On the final day, a gala will give participants the opportunity to present their conclusions and exchange ideas.
The video below features feedback from participants in a similar accelerator organised for Slovak tech startups.
Who are the 13 finalists?
The finalists were selected through a process spanning several months. It included interviews and meetings, such as a recent meetup with the following atmosphere:
Here are the 13 startups that reached the final stage of the Go Global accelerator, following the project board’s decision:
- Oveit. Operating in IT and services, the company enables clients to automate sales and payments for various venues and events. Oveit has recorded revenue of more than $4 million and raised approximately $2.2 million in funding.
- Revelio. A health and wellness startup that uses personalised guidance and motivation to encourage clients to adopt healthy habits.
- Sigtree is a property-sector startup. Its software-as-a-service platform simplifies work for property agents and owners. The company has recorded revenue of approximately $800,000 and attracted investment of almost $500,000.
- Lendox is a financial services company. Evolving from iFactor, the startup supports SMEs seeking funding. Lendox offers intelligent lending solutions designed to simplify the process through a range of AI-based tools.
- K.Factory is an IT and services company from the first wave of Industry 4.0 startups. Founders Vlad Cazan and Adrian Dima see the industry’s future in technologies such as machine learning and artificial intelligence. Founded in 2017, the K.Factory platform uses these technologies to simplify the work of manufacturing companies, their management and their employees.
- RepsMate is a telecommunications startup with revenue exceeding €1.7 million. Its AI-based conversation platform integrates with existing telephone, chat and email systems.
- Plant an App. This software company helps clients fill gaps in their systems through automation, integrations and applications. Founder Bogdan Lițescu announced that Plant an App has revenue of $6 million and has already attracted more than $1.2 million in investment.
- Sales Partner is an API-based sales platform for the automotive industry, connecting manufacturers, importers, dealers and end customers in a digital ecosystem that is easy to understand and use.
- Irisphera is a fashion startup for online shoppers who struggle to find clothes that suit their tastes and appearance. The company provides a virtual stylist, available 24/7, including 3D tools for trying on desired clothing.
- Data Sweep aims to revolutionise research. It uses artificial intelligence to find, clean and combine relevant datasets into a single file, saving users time and effort while avoiding potential human errors common in the field.
- Mommy HAI is an innovative mobile app for parents, providing resources to organise family life more efficiently. Users receive direct access and updates on the latest children’s activities, playgrounds, recreational events, workshops, courses, parties and performances.
- Recycllux takes a comprehensive, data-driven approach to tackling plastic pollution in seas and oceans. It improves marine cleanup through advanced Earth observation, machine learning and blockchain technologies. Algorithms analyse satellite data to identify marine areas containing plastic waste; the portal then connects responsible companies and authorities, fishing vessels, NGOs and recyclers to facilitate complete cleanup operations.
- Ruuts is a comprehensive booking hub focused on slow travel, authentic local experiences, campervan rentals and more.
These are the 13 startups that convinced the Go Global board of their potential to become internationally impactful projects.
What is Go Global?
Beyond Romania, Arieli Capital’s accelerator operates in Italy, the Czech Republic and Slovenia, as well as the US state of Utah.
In these markets, the accelerator known in Romania as Go Global has already enabled investments totalling hundreds of millions of dollars.
In Romania, the five-month programme consists of pre-selection, the selection of finalists and an intensive stage in Milan from 24 to 27 February 2025.
“It is better to own 10% of a company worth hundreds of billions of dollars than 100% of a company worth nothing. You need partners who can take you further,” explained Or Haviv, a partner at Arieli Capital.
- Read an interview with Or Haviv about how the Go Global concept works at this link.
In Romania, Go Global is funded by Raiffeisen Bank as its principal partner.
At the programme’s launch during How to Web Conference 2024, Bogdan Popa, Raiffeisen’s Vice President of IT and Operations in Romania, explained what the bank looks for in a successful tech startup that could become a partner:
The project continues, so follow our website to learn about the next startup selections for the Go Global accelerator!
The articles below explain the concept and can help you assess whether your business could benefit from acceleration:
- VIDEO REPORT | Romanian Tech Startups with Global Ambitions Meet in Bucharest Ahead of Next Year’s Milan Accelerator
- INTERVIEW | Funding, Know-how and Networking for Your Startup’s International Launch—with Or Haviv, Partner at Arieli Capital
- What Entrepreneurs from Italy, Slovenia and Israel Say About the Arieli Capital Accelerator, Brought to Romania by Upgrade 100 with How to Web, AmCham and Raiffeisen Bank
- Why GO GLOBAL Matters for Romanian Tech Startups: Insights from the How to Web Launch and the Upgrade 100 Live Podcast