March Wrap-Up

?? Let's hop on to the March Edition of the InnovX Newsletter!?

As March draws to a close, we're excited to reflect on the incredible strides we've made as a community in driving innovation and fostering entrepreneurship. This month has been particularly momentous for InnovX , as we've received prestigious recognition from Financial Times , Statista and Sifted as a Leading Start-Up Hub in Europe's bustling innovation landscape! ???

?? Eastern European Hub: InnovX shines as the #1 Leading Accelerator in Eastern Europe, celebrated for our unwavering dedication to nurturing super ambitious startups with growth potential. This recognition reaffirms our position as trailblazers in the region, guiding and supporting entrepreneurs as they navigate the path to success. Learn more

?? Networking Excellence: Ranked as the #4 Best Hub for Networking, InnovX is lauded for our robust network of mentors and experts who provide invaluable guidance and support to entrepreneurs. Together, we cultivate an environment ripe for collaboration and innovation, enabling startups to thrive in a dynamic ecosystem. Discover more

?? Cutting-Edge Facilities: Being ranked #6 in Best Offices and Lab spaces is a testament to our commitment to providing top-notch facilities for our community. Powered by our esteemed partners, InnovX Hub offers a supportive environment equipped with cutting-edge resources, empowering startups to reach their full potential. Explore further

?? European Recognition: Among 125 start-up hubs evaluated across 19 countries, InnovX proudly claims the #11 spot, showcasing our dedication to driving forward the future of entrepreneurship across Europe. With a growth mindset and global ambitions, we continue to scale and expand our impact on a European scale. Read more

We're immensely proud of these accomplishments, but our journey doesn't end here. As we move forward, let's continue to collaborate, innovate, and inspire one another to reach greater heights. Together, we're shaping the future of entrepreneurship in Europe and beyond.

InnovX Insights??

InnovX Co-Founder & CEO Diana Dumitrescu's Interview with Aleph News ??

???? InnovX's Co-founder and CEO, Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD. , recently had the honor of sharing insights about InnovX and its remarkable journey in an exclusive interview with Aleph News. ??

In this engaging discussion, Diana delved into InnovX's mission, vision, and its pivotal role in shaping the startup ecosystem in Eastern Europe. She shed light on InnovX's innovative approach to supporting entrepreneurs, fostering growth, and driving meaningful impact.

Moreover, Diana discussed InnovX's recent recognition by The Financial Times, Statista, and Sifted as a Leading Startup Hub in Eastern Europe. She highlighted the significance of this accolade and what it means for InnovX and its vibrant community of startups and partners.

Watch the full interview on Aleph News to gain deeper insights into InnovX's journey, achievements, and future endeavors: https://youtu.be/3d57EUX3iIw

?? Daniel Dumitrescu, Co-founder and CIO, Represents InnovX at Flagship Events!

What an extraordinary start to the week for Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD. , Co-founder, and CIO of InnovX ! He had the esteemed privilege of representing InnovX at two prestigious events hosted by our valued partners: the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) and 微软 .

??? Speaking Engagements:

At #EICSUMMIT24 , recognized as the Champions League of Innovation in the EU, Daniel shared insights on "Accelerating the growth of European innovators through EIC Partnerships." He highlighted the remarkable achievements of the InnovX program and its alumni across Europe. Immense gratitude to Stéphane Ouaki ???????? and Agnieszka Stasiakowska , the vanguards of EIC, for their invaluable insights.

Daniel also expressed appreciation for the invaluable contributions of esteemed mentors:

?? Cristina Dragu ???????? for her support in scaling up European startups to the United Kingdom.

?? Nicu Iancu for his unwavering support in scaling up European startups in the cybersecurity sector.

?? Aimen Aldahash for outstanding collaboration.

?? Ioana David for her pivotal role in the Health-tech VC arena!

At 微软 AISummit, Daniel moderated the "Unveiling AI Innovation" session, engaging in discussions with pioneers like Bogdan Putinica and Sergiu Pop . Kudos to Alina Irma O. , Robert Pufan , Alexandru Baloi , Madalina Popa , Irina B. , Florentina Marilena Ionascu and others for enabling InnovX to scale beyond the EU!

?? InnovX | Egg by Eurobank Extroversion Program: Decoding Expansion to Romania??

As part of our commitment to cultivating a thriving ecosystem, InnovX facilitated a soft landing for these startups in the Romanian market, opening a gateway to a myriad of opportunities and bridging the Romanian and Greek Ecosystems. Our engagement with key stakeholders like investors, corporates and external trade commercial departments played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of these startups. We created an online bootcamp dealing with topics related to pitch preparation the educational part. Then, over a dynamic three-day span, InnovX curated four events in Bucharest, engaging key stakeholders in the ecosystem the matchmaking and internationalization phases.??????

We welcomed Greek startups to Bucharest, Romania! ???????? Dive into our article summarizing their transformative journey as they made waves in the Romanian market! ???? Here entire Bootcamp https://www.dhirubhai.net/company/35569317/admin/feed/posts/

??InnovX Academy program

Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD., representing our team, took the stage as the main speaker, addressing students from the Facultatea de Management on the vital fusion of Innovation and Leadership. The session sparked lively discussions on innovation, digitalization and sustainability, with engaged participants eager to make a difference. Heartfelt thanks to Adina Saniuta, Ph.D. and Radu Rugiubei for the invitation.

?? InnovX Academy had the absolute pleasure to participate in the Spring IT Careers Event organized by SiSC - Sindicatul Studen?ilor din Cibernetic?! Speaking in front of eager students was truly inspiring.

At the event, hosted by hashtag#BTStup we had the privilege to introduce the InnovX Academy initiative aimed at students interested in emerging technologies, where our goal is to present a plethora of alternative career options, fostering youth growth.Special thanks to Bianca P?curar for her engaging presentation and a big shoutout to Bogdan Moldovan, CEO of Axigen Messaging, for joining us as a guest speaker. Huge gratitude to Vlad Maftei for his unwavering support and invaluable insights shared from his own experience. Together, we delved into diverse career pathways and shed light on what start-ups look for when hiring students from events organised by InnovX.It's through collaborations like these that we can truly foster the youth and future generations of innovators. If you want to take part in InnovX Academy you can register here: https://lnkd.in/ekrS4XKq

Community Spotlight??

Elian Solutions and Finqware Forge Strategic Partnership for Real-Time Business Automation ??

ELIAN Solutions and Finqware have joined forces in a strategic partnership to enhance business automation through real-time reconciliation of receipts directly in ERP systems. Elian Solutions, known for its expertise in Microsoft Dynamics 365 Business Central ERP solutions, identified the rising demand for financial process automation. In collaboration with Finqware, a leader in financial operations automation, they aim to provide clients with integrated solutions that efficiently manage treasury and receipt reconciliation needs. This partnership marks a significant step towards operational efficiency and financial process optimization for businesses across various sectors. ????

??Celebrating Success at the 2024 Product Awards!

Pandatron ,one of our alumni has been honored at the 2024 Product Awards, hosted by Products That Count in partnership with Mighty Capital and 凯捷咨询 ! ???? Our alumni have received an award in the AI and Data category, recognized as one of the best products for product managers. Congratulations to the entire team for this outstanding achievement! ?? Discover more about the winners at the 2024 Product Awards here! ????

??ZIM Connections Co-founders Featured in Revista Ejecutivo

We're thrilled to announce that the co-founders of ZIM Connections , Irina Gheorghiu and Giulia Acchioni Mena , have been featured in an article by Revista Sector Ejecutivo ! The article dives into their journey with ZIM and highlights the importance of sharing experiences to inspire other women and foster entrepreneurship.

Read the full article here and join us in celebrating their achievements and dedication to empowering women in entrepreneurship! ????

?? Sigtree Technologies Acknowledged by PropTech Romania!

sigtree Technologies extends a heartfelt thank you to PropTech Romania for honouring them with an award! They express gratitude to their clients and partners for their unwavering support throughout their journey.

Congratulations to all the businesses recognized at the event! Sigtree Technologies looks forward to continuing their collaborative efforts in shaping the future of real estate.

Partners' Pulse??

Affidea Acquires MedEuropa Romania's Radiotherapy Centers! ????

Affidea Group, a major player in medical imaging, makes a significant move by acquiring MedEuropa Romania's four specialized radiotherapy clinics. This acquisition marks Affidea's entry into the radiotherapy segment, enhancing its services in the local market. ????

MedEuropa , known for its consistent growth and recognition as the most dynamic health company in Romania, operates clinics in four major cities. The addition of MedEuropa's expertise and infrastructure strengthens Affidea's commitment to providing top-quality healthcare services. ??????

The acquisition includes plans for a new MedEuropa clinic in Iasi, scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2024, further expanding access to advanced medical treatments. With a focus on oncology care, this partnership aims to offer comprehensive support to patients and contribute to the national healthcare system. ????

Philippe J. Co-Chairman of JACOBS HOLDINGS , expresses pride in MedEuropa's achievements and highlights the importance of integrated medical services for oncology patients. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and involves legal assistance from prominent firms. ????

This strategic move underscores Affidea's commitment to innovation and excellence in healthcare, positioning them as a leading provider in the region. Stay tuned for further updates as Affidea and MedEuropa work together to redefine healthcare standards in Romania! ????

Romanian Government's Recovery Equity Fund Backs BrightCap Ventures ??

In a recent decision, the Investment Committee designated by the Romanian Government for the Recovery Equity Fund (#REF) has approved the financing of another investment fund, BrightCap Ventures . This approval comes with an allocation of €10 million. BrightCap Ventures is set to primarily invest in Romania and Bulgaria, focusing on technology companies, including those specializing in artificial intelligence, deep tech, and IT solutions for medicine. With this decision, the total amount approved for the venture capital instrument funded through the #NRRP (National Recovery and Resilience Plan) now stands at €185 million for 9 private equity and venture capital funds dedicated to investing in Romania. ??????

Innovation Across Borders??

???? SaaStock Local Bucharest: Mastering Fundraising in SaaS

Mark your calendars for April 4th, 2024, from 6:00 to 10:00 pm, as SaaStock Local Bucharest presents an exclusive event on mastering fundraising in the SaaS industry, hosted at the 2Checkout (Now Verifone) office on Blvd. Dimitrie Pompei 10A, Conect 3 Building, floor 8, 020337, Bucharest, Romania.

?? Event Focus:

Learn the ins and outs of successful fundraising in the SaaS world from industry experts and thought leaders. Dive deep into strategies, insights, and best practices that can fuel your SaaS growth journey.

?? Featured Speakers:

- Cristobal Alonso: Global CEO of Startup Wise Guys

- Wolter Rebergen: VP of Revenue Operations at Younium

- Ulla Sommerfelt: CEO of Mother Hen Ventures

- Vladislav Podolyako: CEO of Belkins

?? About the Event:

Join us for an evening of insightful discussions, networking opportunities, and collaborative learning. Connect with industry peers, expand your knowledge, and unlock the keys to SaaS success. Don't miss your chance to be part of the SaaStock Local Bucharest experience and shape the future of SaaS innovation!

?? StartupGrind Silicon Valley 2024: Unmissable Networking Opportunity! ??

Prepare to connect with the global startup ecosystem at StartupGrind Silicon Valley 2024! Rub shoulders with hundreds of investors seeking the next big thing and discover support programs designed to propel your startup to success. Engage with teams tackling startup challenges in sales, marketing, product development, and fundraising.

?? Save the Date: April 23-24, 2024

??? Secure Your Tickets Here: https://startupgrind.tech/conference/tickets/

?? Don't Miss Out on World Summit AI Americas 2024! ??

World Summit AI Americas is the premier conference for anyone passionate about the rapidly evolving field of AI. Whether you're an industry leader or an early-stage startup founder, this event offers invaluable networking opportunities with fellow innovators.

Join workshops, gain valuable insights, and explore potential investment opportunities in AI technology.

??? When: April 24th to 25th, 2024

?? Where: Montréal, Canada

??? Register Now: https://americas.worldsummit.ai/tickets/

?? Unleash Your Potential at TC Early Stage 2024! ??

Join the tech community at TC Early Stage 2024, organized by TechCrunch , for a day of immersive sessions covering AI, fintech, SaaS, software security, sustainability, and space travel!

Whether you're a seasoned investor seeking innovation or a founder ready to take the next step, TC Early Stage provides the tools, insights, and networking opportunities to turn your vision into reality.

??? When: April 25th, 2024 | 10:00-17:10

?? Where: SOWA Power Station, 550 Harrison Avenue, Boston, Massachusetts 02118

??? Register Now: https://techcrunch.com/events/tc-early-stage-2024/

Tech Horizon??

?? Exciting Opportunity for Startups: EIT Urban Mobility Call for Proposals! ??

Hey there, InnovX community! We're thrilled to share an incredible opportunity for startups, especially those in Romania. EIT Urban Mobility is currently accepting proposals for piloting projects, offering funding to innovative startups.

??? City Challenges: Bacau and Brasov are participating in this call, presenting city-related challenges that startups can address with their groundbreaking solutions. Learn more about the challenges: Bacau and Brasov

Are you ready to take your startup to the next level and make a real impact in urban mobility? Don't miss out on this opportunity! Let us know if you're interested, and we'll provide you with more details to get started. ????

?? Insights from the CEE Startup Ecosystem Report 2024!

Exciting news from the tech world! The fourth annual report on CEE Startups has been released, presented in collaboration with UNIQA Ventures , Cogito Capital Partners and Vestbee , unveiled during the CEE VC Summit in Warsaw.

?? Key Findings:

- Ecosystem Growth: The CEE startup ecosystem has surged, now valued at an impressive €213 billion, marking a remarkable 2.4x increase since 2019.

- Funding Success: In 2023, 1,000 startups across 115 cities in the region secured a total of €2.1 billion in funding.

- Unicorn Growth: CEE proudly boasts 52 unicorn startups to date, reflecting the region's thriving entrepreneurial spirit.

- Headquarters Relocation: Nearly half of CEE's ecosystem value stems from startups that have relocated their headquarters, showcasing the region's attractiveness to global players. Notable relocations include companies like ElevenLabs , Pipedrive , UiPath , Grammarly and Mews .

- VC Investments: Since 2023, CEE VC investors have raised an impressive $1.9 billion, with notable names including Horizon Capital , OTB Ventures , Inovo.vc and Practica Capital .

?? Download the Full Report: Dive deeper into the comprehensive 45-page report to explore more insights and trends shaping the dynamic CEE startup landscape: Download Report

?? As we wrap up this edition of our newsletter, we're filled with pride and gratitude for the incredible achievements of our alumni and the continued success of InnovX . Continuing to look ahead, we remain committed to supporting and empowering the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Together, we will continue to push the boundaries of what's possible and shape the future of technology, business, and beyond.

Stay tuned for more exciting updates, events, and opportunities coming your way. Until next time, keep innovating, keep inspiring, and keep chasing your dreams!