MoonShotX Program Officially Launched: Introducing Our Onboarded Companies
On the 18th of September, we celebrated a significant milestone with the official launch of the MoonShotX Program. The event was a resounding success, featuring a dynamic line-up of speakers and an enthusiastic audience that set the stage for a transformative journey ahead. The insights and inspiration shared at the launch have set a high standard for innovation and collaboration.
We are thrilled to announce the exceptional companies that have joined us as inaugural members of the MoonShotX Program. These organizations represent a diverse range of industries and bring a wealth of expertise and vision to the program.
Meet the Companies of the MoonShotX Program: htss, Restart Energy, Alumil Romania, WALDEVAR, RAP Group, MASTERBUILD - General Contractor, Euro Team Gb Spedition, Depozit Virtual, RebelDot, Ivatherm, Bento - Intellectually Curious, Softia, Hydrosystems SRL, Eco Garden Construct, Safetech Innovations, Essensys Software, GRAPHEIN, Lasting Software, SmartWrap Romania, CODE932, ASCENDIA S.A., Zaleco.
We look forward to introducing each of these remarkable companies in detail and showcasing the incredible contributions they will make to the MoonShotX Program.
Thank you to everyone who made the launch event memorable and to our new program members for embarking on this exciting journey with us. Together, we are poised to achieve great things and drive innovation forward.
High Tech Systems & Software (HTSS)
htss is a distinguished leader in developing enterprise-level business applications that span a broad range of platforms, technologies, and devices. Their commitment to advanced technological research is evident in their focus on data management, transport infrastructures, mobile platforms, and cloud computing.
HTSS excels in bridging the gap between business needs and technical solutions, delivering innovative solutions aligned with industry-wide standards. Their expertise is not limited to just providing enterprise-grade solutions; HTSS also has a significant presence in IT support and embedded devices.
What sets HTSS apart is their dedication to building lasting value for their customers. Rather than merely focusing on projects or cost reduction, HTSS emphasizes helping clients achieve their business objectives through superior execution and prompt service.
Restart Energy
Restart Energy is a leading company in the energy sector with a mixed Romanian-American capital. With over 15 years of expertise from its management team, Restart Energy plays a significant regional and local role in helping businesses optimize costs and enhance profitability through sustainable green energy projects.
Restart Energy's commitment to innovation and sustainability has been recognized with several prestigious awards, including the Energy Transition Award from The Diplomat, the Transformational Leadership award from Business Review, and the Excellence in Energy Award from Club Antreprenor.
Alumil Romania
Alumil Romania stands as the largest subsidiary of the Alumil S.A. group. Alumil S.A. is renowned as one of Europe's largest aluminium extrusion groups, distinguished by its extensive production and distribution network. The company is a leading supplier of branded aluminum systems for architectural applications and finished products, including entrance and interior doors.
Alumil Romania benefits from the group’s commitment to quality and innovation. The aluminium systems produced are designed and developed in the Group’s Research & Development Department and undergo rigorous testing and certification by internationally accredited institutes and laboratories, such as Ift Rosenheim (Germany), A.A.M.A (USA), and Instituto Jordano (Italy).
WALDEVAR Energy
WALDEVAR is a leading Romanian EPC contractor at the forefront of the renewable energy sector. With a robust 12-year history, WALDEVAR specializes in the design, construction, and operation of advanced renewable energy systems, establishing itself as the largest general contractor of photovoltaic (PV) power plants in Southeast Europe.
The company distinguishes itself with an impressive building capacity of 2 MW per day and a formidable fleet of over 60 ramming machines. Supported by a dedicated workforce of more than 500 professionals, WALDEVAR Energy SRL is committed to delivering environmentally responsible and economically competitive photovoltaic plants.
RAP Group
RAP Group is renowned for its customized and integrated engineering solutions across a diverse range of industries. Specializing in industrial processes and construction, RAP Group provides comprehensive solutions in general works, including sanitary, thermal, electrical installations, and process technology.
With a robust presence in Romania and a track record of international projects in 40 countries across 6 continents, RAP Group has successfully delivered complex assignments to hundreds of businesses worldwide. Their expertise spans multiple sectors, including food, beverage, tobacco, pharmaceutical, personal care, and chemical industries.
For over 25 years, RAP Group has leveraged its extensive experience and capacity to manage multidisciplinary projects, offering solid engineering solutions to key global players.
** MASTERBUILD**
MASTERBUILD - General Contractor has been transforming landscapes and communities since 2005 by delivering top-notch, iconic developments across various geographies. Their expertise spans several sectors, including industrial and logistics, production facilities, commercial and retail spaces, office buildings, and residential projects.
MASTERBUILD is also skilled in special works such as clean rooms, earthworks, facades, and roofing.
EURO TEAM GB SPEDITION
Founded in Romania in 2015, Euro Team Gb Spedition specializes in Full Truck Load (FTL) and Less-than-Truck Load (LTL) services. With over 7 years of experience, the company provides comprehensive solutions for international road transport across Europe and beyond.
EURO TEAM GB SPEDITION is committed to understanding and adapting to clients' operational needs, anticipating industry changes, and offering advanced solutions.
Depozit Virtual
Depozit Virtual specializes in providing construction materials with an emphasis on cost-effectiveness and quality. Whether you're building a new project or renovating an existing one, Depozit Virtual offers a comprehensive range of materials at competitive prices. Their focus is on delivering affordable solutions with the best price-to-quality ratio, making them a reliable partner for all construction needs.
RebelDot
RebelDot, recognized as one of the Best Places to Work 2023 and a FT 1000 Europe company, is dedicated to shaping the future with sustainable technology. For over a decade, their team of product designers and software engineers has been at the forefront of helping global brands design, develop, and launch innovative digital products.
Rebeldot's comprehensive product development process encompasses all stages necessary for creating human-centered web and mobile applications, from design and development to launch and customer experience. Their expertise spans more than 20 industries, including financial services, green and sustainable technology, parking, social and entertainment, health and telemedicine, investment and portfolio management, and more.
Ivatherm
Ivatherm is more than a skincare brand; it’s a journey towards healthier, more radiant skin. Originating in Romania, Ivatherm blends the ancient healing properties of Herculane thermal water with advanced dermatological science to create products designed to nurture and transform even the most sensitive skin.
Ivatherm’s philosophy centers on helping individuals feel confident and comfortable in their own skin. Their nature-inspired formulations reflect a dedication to innovation and excellence, continually pushing the boundaries of skincare to offer not just improved skin, but a renewed sense of self.
Bento - Intellectually Curious
Bento - Intellectually Curious is an IT consulting and software development company powered by a team of young, ambitious entrepreneurs with outstanding technical expertise. Driven by a passion for innovative technologies, Bento is committed to building strong, future-ready businesses.
Their approach is rooted in intellectual curiosity, constantly striving to learn more and solve complex challenges. This thirst for knowledge and determination to figure things out is what fuels Bento’s ability to create cutting-edge solutions that simplify and enhance business processes.
Curiosity, often seen as disruptive in their early years, is now the core of Bento's growth strategy. They continuously ask questions, seek the right answers, and develop solutions that make life a little easier for their clients.
Softia
As a premier software development company, Softia serves as a strategic partner for leading businesses in the US and EU, driving them to new heights through innovative technology and multidisciplinary teams.
Softia thrives on solving real-world challenges with cutting-edge solutions. Specializing in languages such as PHP, JavaScript, Java, Kotlin, Swift, Python, .NET Core, and using frameworks like Laravel, Symfony, Django, and Spring for backend, as well as VueJS, ReactJS, Angular, and more for mobile and web development, Softia is prepared to meet the complex needs of their clients.
What sets Softia apart is their commitment to fostering partnerships and friendships through innovative thinking, continuous learning, and a nurturing work environment. They are relentless in their pursuit of new technical approaches, always ready to tackle challenges and transform them into opportunities.
Hydrosystems SRL
Hydrosystems SRL is a dynamic team dedicated to excellence, driven by principles like honesty, proactivity, trust, ambition, and teamwork. With a strong commitment to "Better Everyday," they consistently seek new challenges to improve their offerings and relationships.
As a provider of complete water transport solutions, Hydrosystems specializes in four key areas: installations, agriculture, pools, and industry. Their product range is vast, featuring premium products from top Western European manufacturers, and they ensure fast delivery through strategically placed warehouses across Romania.
With over 15,000m² of state-of-the-art storage facilities, Hydrosystems guarantees optimal product quality and a reliable supply chain.
Eco Garden Construct
Eco Garden Construct is renowned for its passion for creating harmonious landscapes that seamlessly blend with nature. Their portfolio of beautifully designed gardens showcases a dedication to sustainable and regenerative urban development, contributing to a greener future.
With a mission to deliver successful landscaping projects both nationally and internationally, Eco Garden’s work aligns with environmental protection standards, ensuring that each project not only enhances the aesthetic but also promotes long-term sustainability. Whether commercial or residential, Eco Garden's services integrate nature into every space for a more balanced, eco-friendly world.
Safetech Innovations
Safetech Innovations has been a trusted provider of cybersecurity services, offering customized solutions to fit the unique needs of each organization. Their extensive range of services includes governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) consultancy, as well as security testing, vulnerability management, and outsourced security services.
In addition to these services, Safetech has developed proprietary cybersecurity software and collaborates with key industry players like Check Point, Darktrace, Microsoft, and Splunk. Safetech Innovations is committed to safeguarding its clients with cutting-edge security solutions and expert guidance.
Essensys Software
Essensys Software offers comprehensive web, mobile, cloud, and GIS solutions, making them a go-to partner for end-to-end software services. From business analysis to product maintenance, Essensys supports various industries with integrated software and custom enterprise solutions.
Their expertise spans software architecture, UX/UI design, geospatial consulting, and enterprise software. Essensys boasts a strong European and US client base, working with major brands like Xerox, ING, Microsoft, and more. What sets Essensys apart is their commitment to consistently delivering high-quality results, fostering loyalty, and ensuring customer satisfaction.
Graphein
GRAPHEIN is a young and dynamic company focused on becoming a leader in geodesy across Europe. With 80% of its projects based in Romania and 20% in countries like England, Israel, Cyprus, and France, Graphein is committed to continuous development.
The company excels in various fields including engineering topography, 3D scanning, BOMA standards, forest cadastre, and road projects. By investing in top-tier human resources and state-of-the-art equipment, GRAPHEIN ensures efficiency, precision, and cost-effectiveness in every project.
Lasting Software
Lasting Software specializes in providing top-tier software engineering consultancy, development services, and quality assurance. With a rich history in telecommunications, graphics, mobile, IoT, and analytics, Lasting Software has a proven track record of delivering tailored solutions across diverse industries. Their expertise includes custom software development, project implementation, and advanced quality engineering. LastingSoftware is dedicated to embedding quality assurance throughout every stage of their projects, ensuring exceptional performance and reliability in their solutions.
SmartWrap
SmartWrap Romania specializes in high-performance flexible packaging solutions. They provide custom packaging that combines economic efficiency, effectiveness, eco-sustainability, and ease of use.
Their range includes standard packaging solutions for stretch palletizing, group packaging of heavy products, and lightweight product wrapping. They also offer high-performance options for rapid, automated packaging, including our eco-friendly SmartGreen film, which reduces carbon footprint and is recyclable.
Additionally, they supply a variety of packaging machinery, from manual to fully automated systems, designed to optimize processes and minimize costs.
Code932
CODE932 has been helping partners grow their digital presence and meet their KPIs by providing team augmentation and comprehensive project services. They offer rapid scalability and swift deployment, leveraging a large pool of skilled engineers to support various project needs. Their services include everything from business analysis to development, testing, maintenance, and ongoing support.
Ascendia
ASCENDIA S.A., the first eLearning company listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange, boasts over 17 years of experience in digital education and training. They are dedicated to helping companies harness the benefits of eLearning, offering guidance throughout the development process. Their team of experts ensures high-quality advice and solutions.
Ascendia’s main offerings include LIVRESQ, an advanced eLearning authoring tool; CoffeeLMS, a robust Learning Management System designed to keep employees engaged; eJourneys, a collection of over 200 off-the-shelf eLearning courses; and bespoke eLearning content tailored to specific client needs. Their products and services are crafted using the latest technologies and trends in the eLearning industry.
Zaleco
Zaleco is an industrial service provider specializing in smart engineered packaging solutions for various sectors including automotive, telecom, electronics, and aeronautics. They offer creative packaging designs using materials such as cardboard, foam, plastics, felt, and wood, handling projects from initial design through to mass production.
Based in Oradea, Romania, Zaleco benefits from strong road and air connections to Western Europe, located approximately 500km from Vienna's major transport interchange. Their clients value Zaleco for delivering tailored, high-quality packaging solutions at cost-effective prices.
The MoonShotX Program Launch Event, celebrated the start of a new chapter for the Romanian companies selected to participate in this ambitious initiative. The MoonShotX Program, organized by InnovX in partnership with Raiffeisen Bank Romania aims to accelerate the growth of these businesses by helping them expand regionally and internationally, transforming local companies into competitive global players.
Zdenek Romanek, President and CEO of Raiffeisen Bank Romania, underscored the program’s focus on turning local businesses into competitive international entities. He shared, **“MoonShotX is designed to support companies in their regional expansion.” **
Cristian Marius Sporis , Head of Corporate Banking and Vice President of Raiffeisen Bank Romania , emphasized Romania's current economic strength but stressed the importance of seeking new markets. He highlighted the need to test local products and services internationally, stating, **"It's time to search for new markets and consumers." **
The event also featured a notable appearance by Olympic swimming champion David Popovici, who likened his personal journey to the ambitious goals of the program. "Everyone has a dream and a burning desire to succeed," he said, drawing parallels between his achievements and the business world’s need for strong teams and hard work.
Ana Bobirca , CIO at InnovX and Program Manager of MoonShotX , highlighted the significance of adaptability and the right information in achieving international success. "If you're successful in Romania, you'll be successful abroad with the right ecosystem of information," she said.
Speaking at the event, Giles Portman , Ambassador of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Romania, expressed his country's ambition to become Romania's top tech hub partner in Europe, stating, "I believe we have an opportunity for partnership through Romanian ingenuity and British opportunity."
Laura Mihaila , Director of Marketing, Communication, and CX at Raiffeisen Bank Romania, pointed to the importance of building a business culture that encourages international expansion. She noted, **“We aim to create a pipeline of models so that multiple success stories become a habit, with MoonShotX playing a pivotal educational and financial support role.” **
Sorin Suciu , Executive Director of Mid Corporate and Public Sector at Raiffeisen Bank Romania , added that the program is about identifying companies with the potential to scale beyond their traditional markets, noting the significant role of sectors like IT. “We believe there are many industries where Romanian entrepreneurs can bring value internationally,” he shared, pointing to the discovery of companies capable of breaking into global markets.
Marian Dinu, Partner at DLA Piper, took a broader perspective on Romania's transformation. Reflecting on the country’s growth, he said, “Romanians have what it takes to achieve extraordinary things.” He encouraged the nation to embrace leadership on both regional and global levels, adding that MoonShotX is the right step towards such an ambitious but achievable goal.
Alina Irma Orban , Senior Director for ISV Partners at Microsoft in Central and Eastern Europe, expressed her enthusiasm for the program, noting that its bold vision inspired her. “The name MoonShotX itself shows the courage needed for such a business program,” she said. Orban underscored that by bringing together financial strength and a broad geographic reach, the program instills confidence that companies can aim higher and overcome conservative mindsets driven by the fear of risk.
Maximilian Schausberger , General Director of Elevator Ventures, emphasized the importance of collaboration between large corporations and startups. He reflected on his initial vision to make Raiffeisen a partner for startups in the region, stating, "I was confident that we could achieve this at Raiffeisen." He highlighted that Elevator Ventures has invested over 50 million euros in regional startups and is committed to supporting their growth, including those in Romania.
Mr. Akos Koeszegvary, Chief of the Division of Public-Private Partnerships at UNIDO, in his remarks, Mr. Koeszegvary highlights the critical role of public-private partnerships in driving meaningful development and emphasizes the importance of integrating SDG 9 into business strategies to contribute to more inclusive and resilient societies globally. Watch it here: https://youtu.be/54FlIOLTyuw
This launch event showcased the collective ambition behind MoonShotX, reinforcing its potential to be a significant driver of Romanian companies' global growth.
For more details and to read our press release highlighting the event and the official program launch, please follow the link below: https://www.zf.ro/moonshotx/timpul-antreprenorii-romani-caute-piete-desfacere-extinda-nivel-22490682
If you want to watch last night’s event, you can catch the live recording here: https://lnkd.in/dephAqjB.
The Diagnostic Sessions for MoonShotX have marked the beginning of the program, these sessions were a significant milestone, with each company receiving individualized attention and guidance from a remarkable team of mentors. These sessions provided the companies with tailored insights into their business models, growth strategies, and expansion opportunities. The support they received from an expert panel was instrumental in addressing their specific challenges and setting them on a path for success in their regional expansion efforts.
A huge thank you goes out to the dedicated mentors who participated across these sessions: Adela Tapurin, Bogdan-Ionut Lazaroiu, Mugurel Gheorghe, Andreea Porojan, Cristina Bucur, Ruxandra Mateescu, Catalin Gavrizescu, Adrian Lungu, Simona Turiga, Raluca Moica, Luminița-Mirela Mușat, Emilia Mazararu, CFA, Laura Ionescu, Cristina Kalinov, Raluca Moise, George Mucibabici Jr., Ioana Dumitrescu, Alina Saiu, Mihai Christian, Cosmin Toader, Karina Andreea Ogica, Mircea Moraru, Madalina Ciinaru, Cristina Bucur, Nicu Iancu, Romeo Ţintilă - Neacşu, Laura Carp, Madalina Vilau, Dan Mocanu, Alexandru Baloi, Flavia Ștefura, Cristina Kalinov, Romulus Mircea, CFA, PRM, Brindusa Popescu, Nicu Iancu, Cătălin Dragomir, Iulia Radu, CFA, Raluca Stanciu, Oana Lupan, Dragos Badea, Roxana Barbato, MBA, Ingrid Edmund, Alexandru Baloi, Gioga Constantin.
These mentors brought together a wealth of knowledge and expertise from diverse fields, providing personalized guidance and contributing significantly to the success of the companies involved. From strategic business development, financial structuring, and operational efficiency to marketing, leadership, and governance, every aspect of the companies' operations was addressed.
Their collective efforts ensured that each company was better equipped to thrive and grow in an increasingly competitive and globalized market. The MoonShotX Program, through these sessions, proved to be a powerful catalyst for the transformation and scaling of Romanian businesses.
As the MoonShotX Program continues to propel these innovative companies toward new horizons, the Diagnostic Sessions mark just the beginning of their journey. With the valuable insights gained from our outstanding mentors, these companies are now better equipped to tackle the challenges ahead and scale their businesses beyond borders.
Thank you team for bringing this event over the moon, kudos Livia Fericean, Laura Ionescu, Andreea Porojan, Anca Luca, Bianca Păcurar, Maria Neacsu, Nicoleta Staicu, Ionuț-Adrian Drinceanu, Pacuraru Macedoniu-Nicolae, Ramadan Omar, Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD., Liviu Mihai & Diana.
Stay tuned for more exciting news and updates from the upcoming Bootcamp, which will take place from October 7-11, where even more transformative experiences and learning await! This will be another crucial step in empowering these companies to reach their full potential and make a lasting impact on the global stage.