July kicked off with purpose, celebration, and powerful connections. From the US Embassy Bucharest, Romania's Independence Day reception to the 4th of July Party, we were reminded that innovation thrives on people, partnerships, and shared ambition.
On July 2, Anca Luca and Bianca Păcurar represented InnovX at the US Embassy Bucharest, Romania celebration, reconnecting with partners together (Sorin Suciu, Laura Ionescu, Bogdan Buta, Tudor Nedelea, Cristina Bucur) and alumni together (Christian Leonte, Bogdan Urdea, Mihail Vlad). The next evening, MoonShotX joined the AmCham Romania party with a Prosecco twist, thanks to the energy and coordination of Laura Mihaila and Livia Fericean. Special thanks to the full InnovX & Raiffeisen Bank Romania delegation who brought vision and momentum to every conversation.
July might’ve started with fireworks, but what followed was just as bright: new programs launched, new voices joined our team, and new chapters began.
📩 Didn’t get a chance to read our past editions? Catch up here and follow the full InnovX journey from the beginning.
💡What does your business need most to scale?
We asked. You answered. And the results were loud and clear.
📊 In a recent InnovX poll, 60% of founders said “funding” is their biggest need right now. Another 27% want strategic partnerships, while the rest are seeking access to new markets and hands-on mentorship.
The good news? That’s exactly what we’re building toward, together. Whether you’re a founder, a scale-up, or an innovation leader, every growth lever you named is already woven into our ecosystem.
STARTUPsX: Built to Scale What Matters
When we asked founders what they need most to grow, the answer was clear: funding, partnerships, access, and know-how.
That’s exactly what STARTUPsX was built to deliver.
Developed by InnovX and recognized among Europe’s top accelerators by Financial Times x Statista, STARTUPsX is a hands-on growth platform designed to help early and growth-stage startups go from promising to proven. We support tech innovators across Europe and beyond with the right tools, strategic guidance, and access to capital and opportunities that move the needle.
Here’s how we do it:
- Funding. Direct investor matchmaking with VC funds, business angels, and corporate investors.
- Strategic partnerships. Curated introductions with corporate innovation teams and EU-backed projects.
- Access. To Europe’s top innovation hubs, demo days, and international acceleration opportunities.
- Mentorship & know-how. From operators, advisors, and seasoned scale-up leaders across sectors.
But it doesn’t stop there.
STARTUPsX is a platform that connects the full spectrum of the startup ecosystem: Startups looking to raise, validate, or scale, Corporates scouting tech for open innovation, VCs hunting the next breakout.
So far, our investor and funding network includes players like:
- ROCA X, LAUNCHub Ventures, Impact Ventures, Catalyst Romania, and Sparking Capital – leading the way in regional and growth capital
- SeedBlink, Bravva Angels, Transylvania Angels Network (T.A.N.), Growceanu, and WIT Angels Club – bridging early-stage founders with curated capital
- Fortech Investments, Eleven Ventures, Karma Ventures, cleverage.vc, and BrightCap Ventures – supporting deep tech, digital health, and sector-focused growth
- Elevator Ventures, DEPO Ventures, Inovo.vc, Presto Ventures, ZAS Ventures, Trind Ventures, and SMOK Ventures – pan-European players with cross-border portfolios
- Bravva Angels, Traction Keys, Radix Ventures, Fiedler Capital, and Lemonade Stand – pushing forward inclusive innovation and bold bets on emerging talent
Whether you’re building your MVP or preparing your next market entry, STARTUPsX meets you where you are and scales with you.
Make sure to apply by August 26! Your Startup can be the next one to scale!
📍Curious to learn more about the journey and what's next? Explore the full STARTUPsX journey here and book a call with our team.
MoonShotX: A Journey Worth Watching
After wrapping the first edition with a global finale in London, MoonShotX has continued to make waves throughout July on stage, on screen, and through the voices of those who lived it.
📺 On July 17, MoonShotX went live with Ziarul Financiar for a special edition of ZF Live, exploring what it takes to scale a Romanian company internationally, and why the MoonShotX model works. Together with Raiffeisen Bank Romania, we unpacked how business excellence, diplomacy, cross-border readiness, and investor-facing strategy can unlock growth for mid-corporate companies.
🎙️We also released a series of in-depth interviews from the internationalisation phase, featuring strategic voices from:
- Raiffeisen Bank International AG and Raiffeisen Bank Romania, on investment preparedness and international structuring
- DLA Piper, on legal readiness for global expansion, IPO frameworks, and corporate governance
- And members of our alumni cohort, reflecting on their own transformation and growth during the program
These interviews offer practical insights for any business leader thinking globally.
🌍 A recent feature in HotNews highlights the impact of the first edition of MoonShotX, showcasing it as a powerful example of how strategic collaboration between the private sector and banking can support the international growth of high-potential Romanian companies.
We’re proud to congratulate the five alumni who have already taken their first concrete steps toward global expansion: ASCENDIA, Depozit Virtual, Euro Team GB Spedition, Softia, and Waldevar Energy. Behind each of these companies stand driven founders and visionaries - Cosmin Raileanu, Mihail Vlad, Aurel Șerban, Dragoș Brudiu, and Marius Neagu, who embody the spirit of innovation, resilience, and cross-border ambition that MoonShotX was built to empower.
For more perspectives on the MoonShotX journey and what’s ahead, don’t miss our recent feature on ZF Live, available here.
📖 Want to see what scaling really looks like? Read their stories, get inspired, and if you’re ready, apply to be part of the next MoonShotX delegation.
Open Horizons: Clarity, Community and Cross-Border Growth
This July, we hosted the second Info Day Call of the Open Horizons Project: an open, hands-on session designed to guide women-led startups through the application process. We covered everything from eligibility and funding to partner challenges and success strategies, all in the spirit of practical support and transparency.
If you missed it, you can still catch the full recording here.
Open Horizons is a European Union–funded program supporting women founders building in digital and deep tech - whether it’s AI, robotics, clean tech, or advanced software solutions. The project offers cascade funding, tailored mentorship, real corporate challenge briefs, and the backing of a strong, international consortium: Sploro, Migros Ticaret, PEDAL Consulting, and InnovX.
Applications are now open. If you’re building something bold and want to grow across borders, this is the moment to take that next step.
Hurry up! The deadline is August 21. Learn more and apply here.
InnovX Podcast: Startup Hustle
The InnovX Podcast is back! And this time, we’re diving deep into the startup mindset that turns big ideas into global businesses.
In this new episode, Adrian Seceleanu (Editor, Business Hi-Tech) sits down with Kamil Sterna, CEO of Autosymed, for an honest, behind-the-scenes conversation on building a med-tech startup in Romania, going from concept to traction, and navigating the real challenges of innovation in the health space.
If you're a founder dreaming big or building in deep tech, this is the kind of story that reminds you why it’s worth it.
🎧 Watch the full episode here.
And if you're ready to turn your own story into the next one we feature, STARTUPsX applications are open until August 26 - apply now.
ECYBRIDGE: Cyber Resilience at the Civil–Defence Crossroads
In July, we took a deeper look at one of Europe’s most ambitious cybersecurity projects with a new article titled “ECYBRIDGE: Cyber Resilience at the Civil–Defence Crossroads.”
The piece explores how ECYBRIDGE is tackling one of the EU’s most urgent challenges: aligning civil and military cybersecurity strategies to respond faster, smarter, and together. From tabletop exercises and strategic training to knowledge transfer across sectors, the project is already shaping new standards for resilience across Europe.
If you’re curious about how policy, defence, and innovation intersect in this space, this is essential reading.
📖 Read the full article here: ECYBRIDGE: Cyber Resilience at the Civil–Defence Crossroads
Partners' Pulse
We’re proud to collaborate with partners who don’t just invest in companies, but in ecosystems, progress, and the future of European innovation.
A Big Win for Early-Stage VC in Romania
One of our trusted investor partners, Sparking Capital, just marked a major milestone—Fund II has been selected for investment by the Recovery Equity Fund of Funds Romania, a mandate powered by the PNRR and managed by the European Investment Fund (EIF).
This achievement strengthens Sparking Capital’s position as a leading early-stage VC in Romania, with a clear mission: backing bold founders and breakthrough technologies with the potential to scale across Europe.
We're proud to work alongside visionary teams like Vlad Panait, Cristian Negruțiu, Vlad Șarca, and Roxana Gureanu, who continue to shape the funding landscape for the next generation of innovators.
FieldOS Targets International Expansion
At ZF Tech Day, Ionuț Gavrilescu, Founder of FieldOS, shared how the company is preparing for the next stage of growth: international expansion. Their vision? Scaling a Romanian-born platform into a European leader in maintenance management, with a strong focus on digitizing operations for the hospitality, healthcare, and food service sectors.
We’re proud to see FieldOS, a long-standing InnovX partner, continue to grow and push the boundaries of operational tech made in Romania. Read more about it here.
Renergia Shares Expert Energy Advice on National TV
As Romania's general energy price cap came to an end on July 1, Dr. Eng. Alexandru Mureșan, co-founder of Renergia, joined B1TV to share practical advice for households on how to improve energy efficiency and cut costs.
These tips aren't just theory; they're actually integrated directly into the Renergia mobile app, available for free on both the App Store and Google Play. The app empowers residential consumers to take control of their energy use with smart, accessible tools.
🎥 Watch the full interview on YouTube
Join the Digital Nomad Program in Shibuya, Tokyo
Calling all founders, innovators, and startup ecosystem builders heading to Japan this fall. Applications are now open for the Digital Nomad Program in Shibuya, running from September 1–30, 2025.
Hosted at Shibuya Bridge and aligned with major events like Global Startup EXPO 2025, EDCON, and Tech Osaka Summit, the program offers more than just a desk. Participants will gain free office access, event invites, accommodation discounts, and curated insights into Tokyo’s startup and cultural scene.
This is an incredible opportunity to plug into Japan’s innovation ecosystem while connecting with an international cohort of change-makers.
📅 Check the latest September event updates
Note: The program is designed for visitors (not residents of Japan) and does not provide a visa.
Alumni Community
Our alumni don’t slow down after the program ends - they scale, lead, and keep making headlines. From international awards to major funding rounds and strategic partnerships, here’s what some of our standout alumni have been up to this month.
LAM’ON Expands into Italy with Canapack
Sustainability meets smart distribution as LAM'ON® Compostable Films announces Canapack as its official distributor in Italy. With deep expertise in eco-packaging and strong regional roots in Emilia-Romagna, Canapack will support the launch of PACK’ON Crystal, PACK’ON Haze, and PACK’ON Shrink - perfectly timed with the latest BIOREPACK and EPR regulations.
As Co-Founder Angela Ivanova puts it, “They know what works on the ground, not just on paper.” We’re excited to see this partnership bring next-gen packaging innovation to a new European market.
LAM’ON Joins the EIC Impact Circle in Belgium
This July, Angela Ivanova, Co-Founder of LAM’ON, also headed to Boom, Belgium, to represent the company at the EIC Multi-Corporate Day - a high-impact gathering connecting Europe’s most promising startups with global innovation teams.
Selected to join the EIC Impact Circle, LAM'ON® Compostable Films is presenting its bio-based, compostable packaging solutions to major players like AB InBev, The Coca-Cola Company, and Procter & Gamble. From reverse pitches to 1:1 meetings, it’s an opportunity to show how sustainable materials can drive meaningful change at scale.
We’re proud to see our alumni helping shape the future of packaging, one conversation at a time.
Synaptiq.io Takes 1st Place in Germany
We’re proud to share a major achievement from one of our MoonShotX alumni, Synaptiq.io, who just won 1st place at the Start.up! Germany Tour Grand Final in Düsseldorf.
Chosen from a cohort of 13 exceptional European startups, Synaptiq.io impressed the expert jury not just with their tech, but with their vision for the future of med-tech and AI-driven imaging. But as the team shared, the biggest takeaway, beyond the trophy, it was the community, conversations, and connections built along the way.
Congratulations to Diana Andritchi & the entire Synaptiq.io team for representing Romanian innovation on the international stage once again.
Profluo Makes E-Invoicing Smarter
Profluo, one of our standout alumni, continues to simplify e-invoicing for Romanian businesses navigating the evolving eFactura.info landscape.
Their AI-powered solution helps companies process invoices faster, more accurately, and with full compliance, freeing up teams to focus on what really matters. As the Romanian e-invoicing system scales up, tools like Profluo are proving essential for keeping workflows lean and future-ready.
They’ve also released a comprehensive market study on the first year of e-invoicing adoption in Romania. If you're working in finance, compliance, or digital transformation - this is a must-read. 📥 Download the study here
Bento Powers Digital Transformation at ExpoApa 2025
This June, Bento - Intellectually Curious brought strong energy and even stronger solutions to ExpoApa 2025, one of Romania’s key events for the utilities and water sectors.
With every edition, their presence grows, and so does the openness of the industry to digital innovation. Through Bento FSM and Bento LIMS, the team is helping utility companies streamline operations, boost transparency, and improve service delivery across the board.
It’s great to see Bento not only leading on tech, but also becoming a trusted partner for transformation in one of the country’s most vital sectors.
InPhocal Secures €5M to Scale Deep Tech Innovation
Big news from inPhocal: the company has successfully closed a €5 million Seed+ round to accelerate the global roll-out of its groundbreaking laser marking technology.
This is a strong vote of confidence in their mission to redefine industrial marking with a cleaner, faster, and more precise laser beam. InPhocal’s unique approach to laser tech is already capturing the attention of global manufacturers looking for scalable, sustainable alternatives to traditional labeling and printing methods.
We’re proud to see our alumni making deep tech that’s not only innovative, but built to scale.
Fagura Doubles Revenue and Pushes for Digital Reform
Momentum is building for Fagura, one of the standout members of RoFintech, as they’ve doubled their recurring revenue in just six months and are now preparing for a €3–4 million investment round this fall.
But growth isn’t their only focus. In a recent interview with Ziarul Financiar, CEO Tudor Darie - also VP of RoFintech, shared a powerful vision for a digital-first Romania. From a government Super App and e-ID system to a unified cloud platform, RoFintech’s proposals aim to reduce bureaucracy, increase transparency, and boost national efficiency by up to 5% of GDP.
📺 Watch the full interview here
Fagura is showing how fintech can scale sustainably while shaping policy for the digital future.
From global milestones and program launches to alumni wins and bold new partnerships, July reminded us that the ecosystem never really slows down, it just shifts gears.
Whether you’ve been with us from the start or are just getting to know InnovX, we hope these stories spark ideas, open doors, and remind you that you’re part of something bigger.
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Until next time - stay curious, stay bold, and stay connected.
The InnovX Team 💡