About Us
Go Global is a partnership between leading technology and investment companies, led by Arieli Capital, a recognized global leader in innovation with offices in Tel Aviv and New York, alongside Upgrade 100 and How To Web – two of the most important players in the local tech startup ecosystem. We are honored to have the strategic support of AmCham and the backing, not only financial, of Raiffeisen Bank Romania.
A Game-Changing Acceleration Program for Tech Startups
Bucharest – Tel Aviv – New York – London
If you’re the founder of a tech startup, you can apply in just a few minutes for the chance to scale your business globally at an accelerated pace. Upon acceptance into the program, you’ll gain fast access to know-how, networking opportunities, capital, and other resources that will allow you to fast-track your growth process.
This accelerator has already facilitated investments totaling hundreds of millions of dollars in Italy, Slovenia, and the U.S. state of Utah. In addition to Romania, the program will also launch in the Czech Republic. Here you can explore more details on all the country or industry-focused programs conducted globally using this successful methodology.
A Strong Partnership Alignment
BUSINESS ACUMEN
+ GLOBAL NETWORK
Arieli Capital plays a pivotal role in spearheading startup development, expanding network opportunities, and fostering growth. By ensuring seamless knowledge transfer and leveraging its vast global network, Arieli creates meaningful connections for the selected startups, extending the program’s impact across industries and sectors.
+ AMPLIFICATION
The local coordinator of the program in the Romanian market stands as a pivotal force in amplifying the program using the strengths of its diverse ecosystem: events, radio shows, podcasts, tv shows spreading the news to a vibrant community formed in more than a decade of running major tech focused festivals and summits.
+ AMPLIFICATION
The largest conference focused on tech startups, and one of the most respected communities of its kind in CEE, will galvanize its network of founders, entrepreneurs, seasoned executives, mentors, and professionals. Leveraging its dynamic ecosystem, the conference will drive the launch, screening, and selection of startups for the program.
The American Chamber of Commerce in Romania is the leading business association for advocacy and business growth in the country. It is dedicated to playing a pivotal role in Romania’s economic development and enhancing trade and investment ties between Romania and the United States—one of the key markets being targeted by tech startups in the Go Global program.
Supporters of the Ecosystem
Key People & Advisory Board
Here is a list of some of the key people involved in the GO GLOBAL! project:
Eric Bentov
Co-Founder and Managing Director, Arieli Capital
More
Focusing on both the governmental and private markets.
Eric brings a unique skill set and leadership to Arieli’s partners and entrepreneurs. Focusing on impact investing and value addition, Eric is serving as a board member in multiple companies.
These include Breath of Health and Terrific, two of Arieli’s portfolio companies where he led the investments. Based in Miami and Tel Aviv, and a father of 5 amazing kids.
Or Haviv
Partner and Head of Innovation, Arieli Capital
Brings over 17 years of experience in early-stage tech ecosystems from Silicon Valley and Israel.
As head of Arieli Ventures, works with leading banks, industry brands, governments, and academia.
More
Leads the creation and growth of early-stage ecosystems and investment platforms, generating high net-worth portfolios and investment opportunities. Responsible for building and leading some of Israel’s fastest-growing innovation ecosystems and innovation centers.
Hilla Ovil Brenner
Partner, Arieli Capital
Ceo, Yazamiyot
More
She is the founder and CEO of Yazamiyot, Israel’s largest platform for female entrepreneurs operating various international programs. As a prominent leader in the startup ecosystem, she is
committed to nurturing diverse talent and creating inclusive opportunities in the tech industry.
Previously, Hilla successfully founded three companies, including WhiteSmoke, which was listed on the TASE. In her previous role, she was the Managing Director of Techstars Tel Aviv, leading multiple investment processes. Hila has further highlighted her leadership while championing innovative solutions and investments.
Eyal Moskal
EVP, Fintech Ventures
Eyal is an experienced IT industry and FinTech General Manager, with a diverse background on large enterprise and startups. his expertise encompasses focus on innovation, digital and business transformations.
More
Eyal served as TCS Israel (TATA Consultancy Services) CEO between 2012-2022. Before joining TCS Eyal was a Co-founder of two startups. One is in the DeepTech domain the other in FinTech.
Eyal was responsible for Chosen by the Israeli MOF to spearhead the transformation of the banking sector by establishing the banking-service-bureau which recommended by the Strom committee.
Dragos Stanca
Founder, Upgrade 100
Entrepreneur and investor with a focus on ethical media, digital transformation and open web.
More
He is the founder of Upgrade 100, a hybrid media and events platform focused on tech disruption and digital transformation, established in 2010. He is also the main shareholder of Thinkdigital, a Bucharest-based digital media network, since 2012.
Additionally, he is actively involved in two prominent NGOs, serving as the elected president of BRAT (the Romanian Bureau for Transmedia Audit) since 2018 and as the initiator of the Ethical Media Alliance, a non-profit organization supporting journalistic startups, founded in 2022.
Monica Zara
Partner and Head of Conference, How to Web
With a passion for problem-solving and peer connection, she embodies the spirit of entrepreneurship and community-building.
More
With a keen understanding of the needs and priorities of both businesses and tech enthusiasts, Monica is focused on facilitating meaningful connections and driving tangible outcomes. Whether it’s building something from scratch, solving complex challenges, or simply fostering engaging conversations, Monica’s approach is characterized by passion, insight, and a commitment to excellence.
Bogdan Iordache
General Partner, Underline Ventures and Founder, How to Web
Previously Partner with Gecad Ventures and entrepreneur (founded and exited Conectoo, an enterprise email marketing service), he was involved with Springboard, MVP Academy, MVP Angels, TechHub Bucharest, and 3TS Capital Partners.
More
General Partner of Underline Ventures, a venture capital firm that partners at the earliest stages with Eastern European founders building high-growth startups with global ambitions. Founder of the How to Web Conference, one of Europe’s leading startup and innovation events, Bogdan is advising early-stage startups on raising capital, building useful products, or crafting great pitch decks.
Bogdan Popa
Chief Operating Officer, Raiffeisen Bank Romania
With over 20 years of banking experience and a particular focus on team growth, innovation, digital, and agile transformation, Bogdan Popa has been Vice President Operations & IT at Raiffeisen Bank Romania since 2017.
More
As a member of the Executive Board, he oversees the bank’s IT, Operations, Security, Procurement, and Facility Management. Previously, he served as Chief Financial Officer (2013-2017) and Head of Finance & Accounting. He is also a member of the Supervisory Board of Raiffeisen Processing Center in Bratislava, Slovakia.
Bogdan Popa started his career in 1998 as a trainee at Caixa Geral de Depositos. Following that, he worked as a teaching assistant at “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University in Iași before joining Arthur Andersen in 1999. Since 2002, he has been part of the Raiffeisen Bank team, where he took on various roles, including Head of ALM and Head of Balance Sheet & Portfolio Management. He was also a non-executive board member for Raiffeisen Asset Management and Raiffeisen Leasing Romania IFN SA.
Throughout his career, Bogdan has demonstrated strong leadership skills in finance, accounting, and operations management, and has played a key role in the digital transformation of Raiffeisen Bank Romania’s operations.
Bogdan holds a Bachelor’s degree in Banking & Finance from the “Alexandru Ioan Cuza” University in Iași, graduated in 1998, and completed postgraduate studies in Finance. He also attended the Strategy in the Age of Digital Disruption program at INSEAD.
Smaranda Heroiu
Executive Director, Upgrade100
With a MBA from London School of Business and Finance and an Executive Program from Harvard Kennedy School of Government, she brings over a decade of experience in business management and market strategy.
More
Since 2013, she has dealt with the subject of the digital revolution and its impact on individual companies and brands. She has been conducting research in digital transformation, fintech, social sciences, future of retail and innovation and also taking the lead in delivering talks on future of humanity, AI, gender in tech, digital behavior/ psychology.
Nataf Dgani
Head of Marketing, Arieli Capital
More
Managed diverse marketing fields including social media, operation, growth and partnerships.
Experienced in graphic design and a former Growth Marketing & Partnership Manager at a seed stage start-up.
Michael Lavie Salomon
Head of Marketing, Arieli Capital
More
Coordinates the precise timing to connect promising start-ups with international corporate partners, advisors, and investors.
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!
