Know-how, capital and networking opportunities are among the key ingredients a startup needs to take the decisive step from local to global.
It is simple in theory. In practice, it can be very complicated.
Things become a little easier from 2 October 2024, when How to Web 2024 hosts the official launch of GO GLOBAL, an accelerator for Romanian tech startups.
- The project was designed by Arieli Capital. Its Romanian launch takes place through a partnership initiated by Upgrade 100 alongside How to Web, with strategic backing from AmCham—the American Chamber of Commerce—and the support of Raiffeisen Bank Romania.
What does Go Global! offer Romanian tech startups, and how can you apply?
Romania joins Arieli Capital’s network, which already includes dozens of startups from Italy, Slovenia, Israel, the United States and, recently, the Czech Republic.
In all these countries, the accelerator has played a decisive role in helping ambitious business ideas take off globally through capital, connections and expertise.
- See a list here of similar initiatives.
As Or Haviv, Partner and Head of Innovation at Arieli Capital, explains in this interview, the programme rewards revolutionary ideas capable of delivering useful solutions on a global scale:
“Technology investors do not want to invest in what you already have. They want a company that may be worth €1 million today but could reach €100 billion. They invest in dreams.”
Would you like to understand what Arieli Capital is looking for in the 10 startups joining the accelerator, and how to determine whether your business is a good fit?
The Go Global concept was developed in Israel, a country covering an area equivalent to no more than five Romanian counties and with half Romania’s population, yet responsible for almost 100 unicorn companies. Romania can currently point only to UiPath.
- If that sounds interesting, all you need is a few minutes to apply with your business.
You can do so here on this website, then join us for more details at the programme’s launch. Set a reminder for 2 October 2024 at 11:00, at How to Web.
What do entrepreneurs who have already joined the programme say?
To begin, here are some impressions from finalists in the equivalent programme in Slovenia:
Kathleen Hallal is a Board Advisor at Contact BioSolutions, an Australian company specialising in innovative, non-toxic products for agricultural pest control.
As an agri-tech business, Contact BioSolutions benefited greatly from access to research expertise during the five-month programme.
“Arieli opened doors to government and university officials, investors and customers in an impressive way! We gained new leads and connections with people we cannot wait to work with. We were somewhat surprised by how far the experience exceeded our expectations. The contacts we made through our many meetings will lead to increased sales and certainly greater market visibility,” says Kathleen.
🎦 Watch here for more short opinions recorded at the end of one such programme:
Agri-Light Energy Systems is a compelling example of the power of an unexpected idea that solves a global problem.
Founded in 2020, the company proposed a solar-panel system that protects farmers’ crops from excessive sunlight while generating income through electricity production.
The secret lies in the company’s algorithm, which moves the panels so plants receive all the light they need while solar energy is stored and then supplied to the grid.
“Through our participation in this very well-prepared and executed conference, many doors opened to potential partners, investors and stakeholders in our company,” says L. Elisha Rubin, its Executive Chairman.
Access to key investors and advisers in Silicon Valley, London, New York and Tel Aviv
Ziv Shomroni was seeking strategic partners for BioLeaf when he encountered Arieli Capital’s business accelerator concept.
“My goal was to attract investment and find strategic partners for BioLeaf, an Israeli startup dedicated to extending the post-harvest shelf life of fresh produce, using natural, environmentally friendly essential oils in its proprietary slow-release technology.”
Once accepted into the programme, Ziv made full use of the connections offered by an entrepreneurial ecosystem with access to markets in Silicon Valley, London and Tel Aviv.
“During the programme’s five intensive days, I had the privilege of meeting industry leaders, senior government officials, potential investors and potential strategic partners face to face. The meticulous organisation and high professional standards of the staff ensured meaningful, productive interactions, establishing valuable connections that would otherwise have taken years to cultivate.”
- Find more feedback from former participants in the testimonials section on GoGlobal.ro.
Three essential facts about Go Global:
1️⃣ The accelerator lasts five months, beginning in October 2024.
2️⃣ Between 8 and 12 startups will be selected from Romania between October and December 2024.
3️⃣ An intensive stage in Milan, Italy, follows in February 2025.
When is the official Romanian launch?
To learn more from entrepreneurs who applied and were accepted into the accelerator brought to Romania by Upgrade 100, join the How to Web 2024 event on 2 October. You can hear from and meet Marta Bonaconsa, pictured in the centre alongside fellow founders Michele Bovi, CTO, and Pietro Vaccari, Researcher.
She founded Nanomia, an Italian company working in nanotechnology and the study of microplastics. She summarises her experience as follows:
“I was impressed by the ability of the Israeli and US ecosystems to attract investors. I found nothing like that magnetism anywhere in Europe. The mindset is that everything must be designed to work internationally and be the best. That requires investment.”
More details will be presented at How to Web 2024 on 2 October, starting at 11:00.
Smaranda Heroiu, Executive Director of Upgrade 100, will welcome the following guests at the GO GLOBAL! launch:
🎙️ Andrei Pitiș — Serial Tech Entrepreneur, Investor and Genezio Co-founder
🎙️ Bogdan Popa — VP, Raiffeisen Bank Romania
🎙️ Marta Bonaconsa — CEO, Nanomnia, and
🎙️ Or Haviv — Partner, Arieli Capital
- For questions or additional information, you can also contact us by email here.