This year marked the launch of the MoonShotX Program, an ambitious initiative designed to propel mid-corporates from Romania into new markets and toward unprecedented growth. Backed by Raiffeisen Bank Romania in partnership with InnovX , MoonShotX has already demonstrated its potential to be a transformative force for innovation, international expansion, and entrepreneurial excellence.
The program offers a unique approach: blending immersive bootcamps, diagnostic sessions tailored to each company's specific challenges, and expert-led workshops, all crafted to empower participants with the tools and strategies they need to succeed globally.
Meet the Pioneers of MoonShotX
This inaugural cohort is comprised of 21 dynamic companies, each bringing innovation and determination to the forefront of their industries. The participants of MoonShotX include: htss ,Restart Energy ,Alumil Romania,WALDEVAR Energy ,RAP Group ,MASTERBUILD - General Contractor,Euro Team Gb Spedition,Depozit Virtual,RebelDot,Ivatherm,Bento ,Softia ,Eco Garden Construct,Safetech Innovations,Essensys,GRAPHEIN ,Lasting Software ,SmartWrap Romania,CODE932 ,Ascendia ,Zaleco
These companies represent a diverse range of industries, from energy and software to innovative construction and advanced technology solutions. Together, they form the foundation of the MoonShotX vision: fostering innovation, growth, and market expansion in the CEE region and beyond.
Infographics
The Impact in Numbers
Since its inception, MoonShotX has brought together an impressive network of participants and experts. The program's launch event welcomed 143 attendees, setting the tone for an engaging and impactful journey. During the diagnostic sessions, 11 deliverables were created over 17 hours with the involvement of 26 mentors, providing companies with a clear roadmap for addressing their unique challenges.
The in-person bootcamp featured 61 participants, 73 mentors, and 21 deliverables designed in Canva to support the companies’ growth strategies. Over 63 one-on-one mentoring sessions have been facilitated, ensuring tailored guidance for each company. These sessions, built on insights gathered during diagnostic sessions and bootcamp activities, connected participants with mentors whose expertise matched their unique challenges and growth objectives.
The program has already led to significant milestones for the participating companies. Among their achievements are four new partnerships with Microsoft and eight enrollments in the UK Department of Business and Trade programs, opening new avenues for growth and international collaboration.
Looking ahead, 16 companies from the MoonShotX cohort are set to apply for EIC grants, with applications to be completed by March.
The Launch of the MoonShotX Program: A Bold Step Toward Global Expansion
One of the most pivotal moments of 2024 was the official launch of the MoonShotX Program on September 18th. This unique event marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey for Romanian companies, setting the tone for a year of innovation, growth, and international collaboration.
Organized by InnovX in partnership with Raiffeisen Bank Romania, the launch event brought together visionaries, industry leaders, and key stakeholders from diverse fields. It served as a powerful platform to inspire, educate, and empower entrepreneurs to dream big and aim higher.
Key highlights from the launch included:
Zdenek Romanek , President and CEO of Raiffeisen Bank Romania , who underscored the program’s mission of transforming local businesses into global players. His message resonated deeply with the audience: "MoonShotX is designed to support companies in their regional expansion."
Zdenek Romanek
Cristian Marius Sporis , Head of Corporate Banking and Vice President of Raiffeisen Bank Romania , spoke passionately about the importance of Romanian businesses seeking opportunities beyond local markets, emphasizing that “now is the time to test local products and services internationally.”
Cristian Marius Sporiș
Giles Portman, UK Ambassador to Romania, highlighted the synergy between Romanian ingenuity and British opportunities, expressing his vision of a strengthened tech partnership between the two nations.
Giles Portman
Ana Bobirca , CIO at InnovX , encouraged adaptability and leveraging the right ecosystem for success abroad, affirming that “if you’re successful in Romania, you’ll be successful internationally with the right support.”
Ana Bobircă
Special guest and keynote speaker Olympic champion David Popovici shared his personal story of dedication, resilience, and teamwork, drawing a compelling parallel between his journey to global excellence and the bold ambitions of the MoonShotX participants.
David Popovici
Laura Mihaila , Director of Marketing, Communication, and CX at Raiffeisen Bank Romania , stressed the importance of cultivating a business culture that supports international growth. She explained that the program aims to create a pipeline of successful models to make international success a consistent habit.
Laura Mihăilă
Sorin Suciu , Executive Director of Mid Corporate and Public Sector at Raiffeisen Bank Romania , emphasized the program’s focus on identifying companies with the potential to scale globally, particularly in sectors like IT. He noted that Romanian entrepreneurs have the capacity to bring value to international markets.
Sorin Suciu
Marian Dinu , Partner at DLA Piper , provided a broader perspective on Romania’s transformation and leadership potential. He reflected on the country’s growth and encouraged bold ambitions, describing MoonShotX as a significant step toward achieving regional and global leadership.
Marian Dinu
In a highly inspiring speech, Alina Irma Orban , Senior Director for ISV Partners at Microsoft in Central and Eastern Europe, shared her enthusiasm for the program's bold vision. She highlighted that MoonShotX’s combination of financial strength and geographic reach enables companies to aim higher and overcome risk-averse mindsets.
Marian Dinu
Maximilian Schausberger , General Director of Elevator Ventures , emphasized the importance of fostering collaboration between startups and large corporations. He reflected on his initial vision for Raiffeisen to become a regional player partner and noted that Elevator Ventures has already invested over 50 million euros in regional companies, including those in Romania.
Maximilian Schauberger
Mr. Akos Koeszegvary, Chief of the Division of Public-Private Partnerships at UNIDO , delivered impactful remarks on the importance of integrating sustainability into business strategies: _"Public-private partnerships are critical for driving meaningful development and achieving more inclusive and resilient societies globally." Watch his moment here:
These powerful insights, paired with the program's ambitious vision, set the tone for what was to come: a truly amazing year of growth and collaboration.
The event was more than just a celebration it was a rallying call for entrepreneurs to embrace a global mindset. It also reflected the collective ambition of partners and speakers to support Romanian companies in scaling their operations to new markets.
Participants of the Launch Event
In the months that followed, the Diagnostic Sessions became a cornerstone of the program. These personalized consultations provided participating companies with an unparalleled level of support. Guided by an exceptional line-up of mentors from diverse industries, the sessions delved deep into growth strategies, business models, financial planning, marketing approaches, and leadership frameworks.
Each session was meticulously tailored to address the unique challenges and opportunities of the businesses involved, ensuring that no stone was left unturned. With a robust network of expertise, ranging from strategic business development and financial structuring to governance and operational efficiency, companies emerged better prepared to navigate the complexities of regional and international markets.
The impact of these sessions went beyond individual guidance - it fostered a culture of collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and bold thinking. The mentors, drawn from fields as diverse as tech, finance, and marketing, played a pivotal role in shaping the future trajectories of these companies. Their collective wisdom equipped participants to tackle global challenges with confidence and resilience.
This combination of visionary leadership, hands-on mentoring, and a clear focus on international growth solidified the MoonShotX Program as a game-changer in the Romanian entrepreneurial landscape.
With such a powerful launch and strong foundations, the program set the stage for participants to not only dream but achieve big, driving them closer to their ultimate goal of becoming global innovators.
The MoonShotX Bootcamp: Empowering Companies for Regional and Global Leadership
Following the successful launch of the MoonShotX Program, the next critical step in accelerating the regional and international expansion of Romania's mid-corporate champions was the MoonShotX Bootcamp. Held from October 7-11, 2024, at Raiffeisen Bank Romania's headquarters in Sky Tower, the bootcamp brought together 21 companies with a combined revenue of 233 million euros in 2023.
Participants of the MoonShotX Bootcamp
With 60 senior decision-makers in attendance, 33% of whom were women, the program offered an unparalleled environment for learning and collaboration. Supported by 34 Raiffeisen Bank experts and 20 InnovX mentors, participants received tailored insights and guidance to help them scale effectively.
Throughout the intensive five days, 62 speakers shared their expertise, covering themes ranging from innovation and leadership to intellectual property protection and global market strategies. Contributions came from a diverse lineup of experts, including diplomatic representatives, international lawyers, technology leaders, financial specialists, and executives from multinationals, startups, and unicorns.
The bootcamp underscored the global ambitions of the participating companies, reflected in the completion of the MoonShotX Canvas (an InnovX methodology developed especially for this program and a strategic tool to outline market expansion goals) by all participants. Target regions included Austria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Moldova, and beyond, extending to the UK and the US.
Day 1: MoonShot Thinking
The first day of the MoonShotX Bootcamp, hosted at Raiffeisen's Sky Tower, set the tone for the week with a focus on “MoonShot Thinking” the mindset of setting bold goals. The day was expertly moderated by Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD., Chief Innovation Officer, InnovX .
Daniel Dumitrescu
Laura Mihaila, Director of Marketing, Communication & CX, Raiffeisen Bank Romania, opened the sessions with a compelling presentation on the role of innovation in marketing and communication, stressing the importance of adapting strategies for international markets.
Laura Mihăilă
Regional and Global Leadership
The panel addressed the maturation of Romanian mid-sized companies and their immense opportunities for regional expansion. Raiffeisen Bank highlighted its role in enabling this growth through financing solutions and its extensive regional network, positioning Romanian companies to compete internationally.
Cristian Marius Sporis, Head of Corporate Banking Division, Member of the Board of Directors, Raiffeisen Bank Romania ,Sorin Suciu, Executive Director - Mid Corporates & Public Sector, Raiffeisen Bank Romania , Ana Bobirca, Chief Investment Officer, InnovX
Cristian Marius Sporiș, Ana Bobircă and Sorin Suciu
A Journey to Regional Leadership
In a discussion with Daniel Dumitrescu, Oana Neamtu, General Manager South Central Europe, JDE Peet's emphasized the importance of understanding cultural nuances when expanding into new markets. She noted that values such as responsibility, clarity of objectives, and adapting products to cultural specifics are key to successful international growth.
Oana Neamtu and Daniel Dumitrescu
####The MoonShotX Canvas - Mission Section
The first workshop of the bootcamp introduced the MoonShotX Canvas, where participants worked on defining their missions. Supported by mentors, teams received hands-on guidance to apply insights gained throughout the day.
Mentors for Day 1 included: Anca Luca, Daniel Ilie, Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD., Catalin Gavrizescu, Delia NECULA, MBA, Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD., Laura Ionescu, Adrian-Aurelian Raducan, RALUCA MOICA, Ruxandra Mateescu, Ioana Dumitrescu, Cosmin Toader, Madalina Ciinaru, Mihai Christian
####Securing Intellectual Property Before Scaling-Up
A dynamic and insightful panel on intellectual property protection, moderated by Anca Luca, Chief Growth Officer, InnovX , featured a discussion stressed the critical importance of protecting intellectual property (copyrights, trademarks, and patents) at the early stages of business growth. IP safeguards a company’s competitive edge while minimizing legal risks. Roxana Guiman (Drilea), Partner, PrivacyON in alliance with Biris Goran
Romeo Ţintilă - Neacşu, Managing Partner, Țintilă Rădulescu & Asociații
Roxana Guiman, Romeo Țintilă and Anca Luca
A Journey to Global Leadership
Closing the day, Anca Luca moderated a session with Andrei Văcuţ, PMP , EMEA Sales Engineering Chief of Staff, UiPath during which Andrei shared UiPath's inspiring journey to global leadership, underscoring the significance of people over products. He emphasized that building an international team requires hiring capable individuals who are aligned with the company’s values and culture. Success, he noted, lies in a passionate team and a strong organizational culture.
Andrei Văcuț
Day 2: Financing Your MoonShotX Launch
The second day, held at Raiffeisen Sky Tower, centered on financial strategies critical for scaling companies. From exploring innovative funding instruments to understanding mergers, acquisitions, and financial projections, participants gained invaluable guidance on how to navigate financial challenges and seize growth opportunities for long-term success.
New Financial Instruments for Growth
During this session, the speakers delved into emerging financing solutions tailored to help Romanian mid-corporate companies scale regionally and globally.Ana Bobirca, Chief Investment Officer, InnovX , opened the day with a discussion on innovative financial instruments, featuring a distinguished lineup of speakers: Teodora Elena Preoteasa, State Secretary, Ministry of European Investments and Projects, Radu Hanga , President of the Board of Directors, Bucharest Stock Exchange / Bursa de Valori Bucuresti (BVB), Ekke Van Vliet, Investment Coordinator, European Commission - European Innovation Council (EIC) Fund, Ramona Dragomir, CFA, Principal Banker, EBRD ,Sinziana Enache, Head of Project Finance, Leveraged Buyouts and Public Infrastructure, Raiffeisen Bank Romania
VC & PE Investments for Scaling Up
A compelling panel discussion moderated by Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD., Chief Innovation Officer, InnovX , focused on venture capital (VC) and private equity (PE) strategies. The session offered actionable strategies for attracting investors, with a clear emphasis on helping local companies achieve international growth.
Panellists included: Suleiman A , Investment Principal, Elevator Ventures , Simona Gemeneanu, Co-Founder, Morphosis Capital and Alin V. Stanciu, Partner, Catalyst Romania
MoonShotX Canva - Finance Section
The day’s interactive workshop centered on the Finance Section of the MoonShotX Canva. Participants worked on building their financial roadmaps, supported by a team of experienced mentors, including:Anca Luca, Simona-Loredana Harpa, Emilia Mazararu, CFA, Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD., Veronica Moise, Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD., Adriana Petrov-Lungu, Issabela-Cella Raileanu, Adrian-Aurelian Raducan, Ioana Dumitrescu, Catalin-Adrian Dragomir, RALUCA MOICA, Laura Carp, Cristina Kalinov, Ruxandra Mateescu, Anca Ghiuță , Iuliana Elena Pascu, Cristina Dragu 🇬🇧💰🚀, Diana Ivan, Madalina Ciinaru, Ailyn Abibula, Tudor Popp.
**Merger & Acquisition Strategies - Exploring M&A as a Path to Growth and Innovation **
A workshop led by DLA Piper Romania explored mergers and acquisitions (M&A) as key tools for growth and innovation. The session featured presentations from: Tudor Nedelea ,Bogdan Buta, Cristina Bucur, Razvan Pele
Tudor Nedelea
Bogdan Buta
Karina Ogica
The panel addressed critical considerations like due diligence processes, efficient tax structures, and legal strategies. Adding to the discussion, Karina Andreea Ogica, Director, Raiffeisen Bank Romania - Investment Banking M&A provided insights into collaborating effectively with M&A specialists.
Drafting Financial Projections - Workshop on Financial Planning
Bogdan Năforniţă (Co-founder & CEO, Profluo ) and Alina Rus, CFA (Chief Financial Officer, Raiffeisen Bank Romania ) led an interactive session on drafting financial projections. They emphasized the importance of creating clear, actionable financial forecasts as the foundation for successful scaling. Participants then joined finance-themed working sessions, guided by Raiffeisen Bank’s Romania Growth Supporters and the MoonShotX mentors.
Bogdan Naforniță
Alina Rus
Creating Your Path to Scale in CEE - The Scaling-Up Journey of AskWire
The day concluded with an inspiring session moderated by Anca Luca , Chief Growth Officer, InnovX , featuring: Pavlos Loizou, Founder and CEO, Ask Wire, Liviu Munteanu , Partner, Founders Bridge
Pavlos shared key lessons from AskWire's scaling journey, underscoring the need for strong local networks and clear motivation when entering new markets. Liviu encouraged participants to remain persistent in their networking efforts. Anca closed the day with a reminder to simplify processes and stay focused, emphasizing that success comes from balancing persistence with clarity.
Pavlos Loizou, Liviu Munteanu and Anca Luca
Day 3: Sustainable Investments and Leadership
The third day of the MoonShotX Bootcamp at Raiffeisen Sky Tower centered on sustainable investments and leadership, highlighting the increasing importance of responsible business practices in today's evolving economy.
Sustainability as a Path to Profitability
The day opened with a panel discussion moderated by Anca Luca, Chief Growth Officer, InnovX , featuring: Florin IRIMESCU, CEO, Bluana Foods, Cristian DAVID, Managing Director, Klap
Anca Luca, Florin Irimescu and Cristian David
Panelists emphasized the importance of incorporating sustainability into business strategies as a driver of both innovation and profitability. They highlighted the need to educate consumers and offer products that meet market demands. While affordability remains a priority for many, younger generations show greater openness to sustainability initiatives. Clear communication about the advantages of sustainable solutions was noted as key to influencing public opinion.
UNIDO - Private Sector Partnership
Dr. Josef K., Director of the Division of Regional Bureaus and Field Coordination, Special Representative for Europe and Central Asia, UNIDO , shared insights into UNIDO's efforts to promote sustainable industrial innovations. He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), with a particular focus on SDG 9, which underscores the need for industry and innovation to foster inclusive and sustainable development.
Dr. Josef Karl Pelikan
EU Green Deal’s Financial Opportunities
Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD., Chief Innovation Officer, InnovX and Pawel Bochniarz, General Partner, Radix Ventures led a session on leveraging the EU Green Deal for financial opportunities. They explored ways businesses can address challenges and capitalize on the EU's sustainability-focused investment frameworks to foster growth.
Daniel Dumitrescu and Pawel Bochniarz
MoonShotX Canva - Sustainability Section
Participants worked on their sustainability-focused action plans during the third MoonShotX Canva session. Mentors included: Anca Luca, Nicu Iancu, Simona Turiga, Daniel Ilie, Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD., Razvan Tudor, Delia NECULA, MBA, Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD., Adrian-Aurelian Raducan, Ruxandra Mateescu, Isabela Patulea, Cristina Dragu 🇬🇧💰🚀, Madalina Ciinaru, Oana Lupan.
EIC Grants - A Case for Sustainable Growth with LAM’ON
The session featured Gergana Stancheva, Co-Founder & COO, LAM'ON® Compostable Films and Alexandru Dincovici, Chief Sustainability Officer, InnovX , who discussed EU funding opportunities for sustainable innovation. The conversation centred on the challenges and opportunities of scaling sustainable solutions like LAM’ON, a producer of compostable bioplastics for packaging.
Gergana Stancheva and Alexandru DIncovici
Becoming Tomorrow’s Leader through SDGs
The day concluded with a panel on sustainable leadership moderated by Andreea Porojan, Sustainability and CSR Manager, Raiffeisen Bank Romania . Panellists included:
Roxana Barbato, MBA ,Director ESG & Sustainability, Raiffeisen Bank Romania, Alina Saiu, Sustainable Finance Department Manager, Raiffeisen Bank Romania, Romulus Mircea, CFA, PRM, BTRM, Head Of Treasury, Raiffeisen Bank Romania
They shared strategies for aligning leadership goals with sustainability principles, emphasizing the role of financial institutions in fostering sustainability through responsible investments.
Becoming Tomorrow’s Leader through SDGs Panel
Day 4: Converging Future Technologies
Day 4 of the MoonShotX Bootcamp, hosted at Microsoft HQ, focused on the transformative technologies driving exponential growth, including AI, IPA (Intelligent Process Automation), and CLOUD solutions.
Keynote: The IT Core of Every Company
The day commenced with a keynote by Alina Irma Orban ,Senior Director ISV Partners & Startups, Microsoft , emphasizing that every company is, at its core, an IT company. She underscored the importance of SaaS solutions in scaling efficiently, encouraged attendees to foster curiosity and collaboration, and showcased how OpenAI and Microsoft are propelling innovation through cutting-edge consulting hubs.
Alina Orban
AI: The New Electricity
Andrei Văcuţ, PMP ,EMEA Sales Engineering Chief of Staff, UiPath , delivered a powerful session, comparing AI to the transformative impact of electricity. Drawing on UiPath's success, he clarified the differences between AI and machine learning, and demonstrated how IPA can automate processes and expand market reach. A live demonstration of Generative AI autopilots highlighted the practical applications of these technologies.
Andrei Văcuț
####Cybersecurity in the AI Era
Ovidiu Pismac ,Senior Security Cloud Solution Architect, Microsoft , explored critical cybersecurity trends, focusing on the rising threat of data-destroying AI-driven cyberattacks, with projected costs reaching $13 million by 2028. He introduced Microsoft’s complimentary list of common vulnerabilities for Romanian organizations and advocated for a zero-trust security approach. To enhance engagement, Ovidiu included a mini-game where participants identified real versus AI-generated images, fostering an interactive discussion on the implications of AI in cybersecurity.
Ovidiu Pismac
Microsoft Copilot: Amplifying Productivity
Daniel Rusen ,Business Applications Lead - Central Europe, Microsoft , introduced Microsoft Copilot, illustrating how AI enhances user experiences by assisting with content creation and data analysis. His message was clear: “**AI doesn’t replace you; it amplifies you.**” The session showcased how Copilot empowers teams to achieve higher productivity and efficiency.
Daniel Rusen
Consolidating through Startup Ecosystems
A panel featuring Aimen Aldahash ,Partner Development Manager - ISV, Microsoft and Todi Pruteanu ,Managing Director, FintechOS, shed light on the importance of startup ecosystems. They shared insights into how Microsoft’s B2B marketplace and strategic partnerships are driving innovation, enabling startups to scale rapidly through collaboration.
Aimen Aldahash
Todi Pruteanu
Integrating New Technologies
An engaging workshop led by Robert Sumarocov ,Development Guild Lead, Raiffeisen Bank Romania , Alin Nedelcu, ACCA ,Head of Advanced Analytics, Raiffeisen Bank Romania and Razvan Cristea ,Sr. Solutions Sales Lead, Microsoft , focused on integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and automation into business strategies. Participants gained practical insights into adapting to an evolving tech landscape.
Integrating New Technologies Panel
MoonShotX Canva: Technology Section
The fourth MoonShotX Canva session invited participants to refine their strategies, leveraging technology to shape the future of their businesses.
Growth through Startup Collaboration
Delia NECULA, MBA ,President of MedTech Committee, InnovX , presented the SanoPass FIT case study, emphasizing the mutual benefits of corporate-startup partnerships and the strategic importance of having a Board of Advisors.
Delia Necula
Fundraising and Investor Relations
The day concluded with an energetic session by Sergiu Negut ,Co-Founder, cleverage.vc, who provided a crash course on fundraising, building a board of advisors, and managing investor relations. Despite being the last session, the room remained animated, with the audience's energy fuelling an engaging and thought-provoking Q&A session.
Sergiu Neguț
Day 4 encapsulated the power of technology and collaboration in driving future growth, leaving participants inspired to innovate and integrate advanced solutions into their business strategies.
Day 5: Internationalize Your MoonShotX Project
The final day of the MoonShotX Bootcamp was dedicated to providing participants with the tools and knowledge needed to scale their projects internationally.
Kickoff: Opportunities for International Growth
Emanuel Cernat, Chief Internationalization Officer, InnovX , opened the session, leading discussions that spotlighted key opportunities for expanding into various global markets.
Invest Croatia
Her Excellency Ambassador Marija Kapitanović (Croatian Embassy) reflected on Croatia’s post-EU journey, focusing on the transition to the euro and the Schengen zone in 2023. She highlighted growth sectors such as digital services, R&D, and cleantech, supported by government-backed initiatives.
Marija Kapitanović
Advantage Austria
Christoph Grabmayr ,Head, ADVANTAGE AUSTRIA ,presented Austria’s strengths, including its strategic location and skilled workforce, positioning it as a gateway to the broader German market. He emphasized Austria’s vibrant startup ecosystem and recommended resources like the Austria Business Agency.
Christoph Grabmayr
Invest in the UK
Cristina Dragu 🇬🇧💰🚀 , Director, Foreign Direct Investment CEN, British Embassy in Bucharest , shared insights into the UK’s robust innovation landscape, boasting over 150 unicorns and support for startups in green energy, technology, and construction. She invited participants to connect with UK networks and shared expertise in scaling businesses. Virginia Zetu, CEO, FiberCon , complemented these insights with her experience navigating the British market.
Cristina Dragu and Virginia Zetu
Select USA
Ricardo Pelez ,Regional Senior Commercial Officer, U.S. Department of Commerce and Capat Alina Daniela ,Commercial Specialist, US Embassy Bucharest, Romania , outlined strategies for entering the expansive U.S. market, stressing the importance of networking and leveraging strategic scaling programs. Cristian Marius Sporis contributed with insights on financial opportunities in the U.S.
Cristian Marius Sporiș, Razvan Pele and Alina Daniela
Case Study: Lessons from Plant an App
Bogdan Litescu ,Founder, Plant an App ,shared his journey in the U.S., emphasizing the shift from selling services to products, the importance of first impressions, and adapting to a capitalist mindset to succeed in the U.S. market.
Bogdan Lițescu
Round Tables with Embassies & Chambers of Commerce
Participants engaged in personalized discussions with representatives from Croatia, Austria, the UK, and the U.S., receiving tailored advice to suit their scaling needs. Key representatives included Mateja Horvat , Christoph Grabmayr , Cristina Dragu 🇬🇧💰🚀 and Manuel-Iulian Cazac, U.S. Relations Manager, AmCham Romania .
Round Tables with Embassies & Chambers of Commerce
Overcoming Internationalization Challenges
The closing panel, moderated by Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD. , featured insights from Silviu Toma, Executive Director, Raiffeisen Bank Romania , Konstantinos Kalogerakis ,Group Business Development Manager, Printec Group and Ciprian Ladunca ,Managing Partner, LCL Advisory . The discussion addressed securing financial resources, navigating cultural differences, and building advisory boards for sustainable growth.
Overcoming Internationalization Challenges Panel
Marketing Plan for International Scaling
Laura Mihaila ,Director of Marketing, Communication & CX, Raiffeisen Bank Romania , concluded the day with a workshop on creating effective marketing strategies. She underscored the emotional power of branding and the importance of clarity and consistency in messaging. Participants completed the final sections of the MoonShotX Canva—Regional Scaling Up and Branding—guided by a stellar team of mentors: Anca Luca, Bogdan Stefan, Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD., Bogdan Hristescu, Delia NECULA, MBA, Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD., Laura Ionescu, Adrian-Aurelian Raducan, Adela Tapurin, Ruxandra Mateescu, Alexandru Cristescu, Cristina Dragu 🇬🇧💰🚀, Madalina Ciinaru.
Laura Mihăilă
Building a Solid Foundation: The Business Plan Sessions
After the intense and insightful journey of the MoonShotX Bootcamp, the program transitioned seamlessly into a vital new phase: the Business Plan Sessions. These workshops, held on November 5th, 7th, and 13th, focused on equipping the participating companies with the tools and strategies needed to create impactful, scalable, and investment-ready business plans.
Led by the experienced guidance of Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD. , CIO of InnovX , the first two sessions laid a strong foundation. Daniel shared his expertise in structuring compelling business plans, emphasizing clarity, scalability, and the ability to attract investors.
For the final session, Bogdan Năforniţă , CEO & Co-Founder of Profluo , brought a financial lens to the discussion, offering invaluable advice on navigating financial complexities and building sustainable business models.
These sessions represented a critical milestone in the MoonShotX journey, as participants worked to solidify their strategies for entering new markets, attracting investment, and achieving long-term success.
Elevating Business Growth with Expert Insights
Building on the momentum of the business plan sessions, the MoonShotX Program reached another milestone with its final event of 2024:
Next-Level Growth: Strategies to Scale, Lead, and Succeed
Organized in collaboration with Raiffeisen Bank Romania and InnovX , this event provided an exceptional platform for Romania’s business leaders and innovators to gain critical insights into scaling businesses, navigating international markets, and managing mergers and acquisitions.
The lineup of distinguished speakers brought diverse expertise to the table: Andra Ion – Executive Director of Personal Financial Planning, Raiffeisen Bank Romania ,George Mucibabici Jr. – Head of Investment Banking, Raiffeisen Bank Romania ,Sorin Suciu – Executive Director for Mid Corporates & Public Sector, Raiffeisen Bank Romania ,Alexandru Cristescu – Director of Private Banking, Raiffeisen Bank Romania ,Iulian Trandafir – VP, Regional General Director for Romania, Czech Republic, and Lithuania, Alliance Healthcare ,Tudor Postolache and Catalin Butnariu – Representatives of Amber ,Corina Mîndoiu – Partner, EY ,Adrian Cighi – Co-Founder, Pago
Special acknowledgment goes to Anca Luca, who expertly moderated the event, ensuring a seamless and engaging experience for all attendees.
The event wasn’t just about learning; it was a celebration of innovation and resilience. The speakers delivered practical strategies and inspiring success stories, highlighting adaptability and innovation as essential traits for overcoming business challenges. The day concluded with a vibrant networking session, fostering new connections and setting the stage for future collaborations.
With this event, MoonShotX continues to empower businesses with the tools, knowledge, and community they need to excel in today’s competitive landscape. Up next, we’ll hear directly from the companies themselves, as they share their transformative experiences and key takeaways from this ground-breaking program.
Unlocking EU Funding: Your Guide to Innovation Success
As part of the MoonShotX Program, participants engaged in a transformative session dedicated to navigating the complexities of EU funding opportunities. The event brought together experts and EIC ambassadors to provide a deep dive into the financial resources available through EU, EIC, and EDF programs.
The session offered practical guidance on eligibility criteria, upcoming open calls, and strategies for successful applications. Through compelling case studies like Hydrovolta and the ECYBRIDGE project, participants witnessed how EU support can fuel innovation and drive scalable, technology-forward solutions.
Participants of the Event
Moderated by a distinguished panel of mentors, including George Brik , Nicu Iancu , György Bodó, PhD , Elena Barsu , Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD. and Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD. , the event underscored the critical role of EU funding in empowering entrepreneurs and fostering collaboration. InnovX, as an official partner of the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency, continues to play a pivotal role in guiding innovators to access the vast opportunities available on the European Funding and Tenders platform.
This session highlighted the program’s dedication to equipping participants with the tools and insights necessary to shape the future of innovation across Europe.
Testimonials from MoonShotX Bootcamp Participants
The MoonShotX Bootcamp has been an incredible journey for the companies that participated, offering them not only the opportunity to scale their operations but also to innovate, network, and gain valuable insights that will guide their growth. With the support of InnovX and Raiffeisen Bank Romania, this program has empowered mid-sized Romanian companies to take their businesses to the next level, helping them expand beyond borders and thrive in international markets.
As part of the MoonShotX experience, the companies involved have had the chance to connect with industry experts, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs. Through tailored coaching, workshops, and an immersive bootcamp experience, they’ve been able to fine-tune their strategies, refine their innovation processes, and prepare for the challenges of scaling up. But don’t just take our word for it—let’s hear directly from the companies themselves.
In this section, we’ll share some insightful testimonials from key participants, starting with Simona Pavelescu , CEO of htss . Her perspective highlights the value of the program and its significant role in the company’s international expansion plans. Let’s dive into her experience and see how MoonShotX has supported htss on their journey towards scaling globally.
Now, let's explore Simona Pavelescu's thoughts on MoonShotX and the future of htss.
Simona Pavelescu, CEO of HTSS:
"The MoonShotX experience has been extraordinary for us. What truly sets it apart is the opportunity to grow as a team, not just as individuals. Scaling up is a complex process that requires substantial change management. The program has allowed us to involve our entire team in this journey of innovation and expansion."
Simona also emphasized the importance of learning from experts who have already gone through the scaling process: "One of the greatest lessons we learned is how to structure our expansion into new markets. MoonShotX offers not just theoretical knowledge but practical insights from specialists who have been through it themselves."
Her feedback highlights the immense value of the program, not only for the opportunity to innovate but also for the network and strategic guidance it provides for scaling businesses beyond local borders. Watch here the full interview.
Rucsandra Hurezeanu, Founder Ivatherm
Rucsandra Hurezeanu , founder and CEO of Ivatherm , spoke about the importance of innovation and sustainability in Ivatherm's rapid expansion. As a leader in dermatocosmetics, Ivatherm is successfully scaling, particularly in international markets such as Asia and the Middle East.
Regarding the MoonShotX Program, Rucsandra shared, “The MoonShotX Program has been invaluable to us. It has given us a deeper understanding of financing and strategic growth, while also reinforcing our commitment to sustainability and innovation. It has helped us shape the next steps in our mission to grow responsibly and internationally.”
Ivatherm has also focused on achieving B Corp certification as part of its dedication to social and environmental performance, aligning with the growing demand for transparency in the cosmetics industry. Watch the full interview here
Razvan Bocaeti , CEO of Lasting Group, highlighted the importance of participating in the MoonShotX program, which supports businesses with a turnover between 5 and 50 million euros in their international expansion. Lasting Software, a part of the Lasting Group, is focusing on the aerospace field, with a spin-off dedicated to satcom technologies, working closely with the European Space Agency.
On the benefits of MoonShotX, Răzvan said, "What we seek through participating in MoonShotX is access to markets. In Romania, we cannot discuss a significant market for satcom, where we are active. What we want is to reach international markets through MoonShotX and identify strategic partners in the US and the UK."
MoonShotX has helped the Lasting Software team refine their pitching skills and structure the necessary steps to scale their business internationally. Răzvan Bocăeți adds, "The MoonShotX bootcamp provided us with a structured approach and an important network of contacts that will support the international growth of our business." Watch the full interview here
MoonShotX 2024: A Launchpad to Global Success
As 2024 draws to a close, the MoonShotX program has proven to be more than just a launchpad for the selected companies: it has been a catalyst for growth, innovation, and global expansion. This year, businesses with a turnover between 5 and 50 million euros have received the tools, knowledge, and networks to break beyond borders and scale internationally, setting the stage for what promises to be an even more thrilling journey in 2025.
From high-tech ventures in the aerospace industry to cutting-edge software companies, the diverse group of participants has been working tirelessly to refine their strategies, pitch their ideas, and prepare for global outreach. Through intense bootcamps, expert mentorship, and invaluable networking, these companies have already started to take the first steps toward becoming international players.
And if 2024 was the beginning of an exciting ride, 2025 is shaping up to be nothing short of spectacular. For the businesses involved, the year ahead will be packed with a series of international missions to explore new markets. Think of it as a globe-trotting adventure, one that will take them from the bustling tech hubs of the United States and the United Kingdom to other leading innovation hotspots across Europe, such as Austria, Czech Republic or Croatia. With MoonShotX paving the way, these companies won’t just enter new markets, they’ll conquer them, for sure.
But it’s not just about traveling to new destinations. The journey is about making meaningful connections, securing strategic partnerships, and positioning themselves as global leaders. The MoonShotX program’s immersive experience will continue to offer valuable insights, hands-on opportunities, and the chance to showcase their innovations to a worldwide audience.
In 2025, these businesses are not just going places, they’re going places with purpose, ambition, and the support of an entire ecosystem behind them. The MoonShotX program has already shown its potential to transform the trajectory of these companies, and next year, they’re ready to take that to the next level.
2025 is set to be an extraordinary year for MoonShotX. Get ready for an exclusive journey where your company will break through borders, explore new international markets, and scale like never before. From global networking to tailor-made strategies, this is the growth opportunity you’ve been waiting for.
Are you ready to go beyond the moon?