Is Romania a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Romania has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Romania gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Romania

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Romania offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

Romania's early-stage funding scene is dynamic, supported by several active players. Notable VC firms like GapMinder VC, Early Game Ventures, and Catalyst Romania are key investors, often focusing on tech and early expansion stages. Angel networks such as TechAngels Romania and Transylvania Angels Network also play a crucial role in connecting startups with individual investors and providing mentorship. The government contributes through programs like Start-Up Nation, offering non-reimbursable grants to new businesses, with a significant budget allocated for 2024-2025. Despite this support, challenges persist, including a notable seed-stage funding gap where a large number of pre-seed rounds account for a small fraction of total invested capital. Bureaucracy in accessing public funds can also be a hurdle. While overall investment saw a decrease in 2023 compared to the peak in 2021, 2024 showed signs of recovery and increased transaction numbers, particularly in the pre-seed segment.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Romania has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

Romania has a growing startup and innovation ecosystem, particularly in tech hubs like Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca, Timișoara, and Iași. Coworking spaces are prevalent in these cities, offering flexible workspaces and community for entrepreneurs. The country hosts numerous tech events and conferences, fostering networking and knowledge exchange. While entrepreneurial activity is present, the rate of early-stage entrepreneurs is slightly below the average for participating GEM countries. The ecosystem provides support through various accelerators, incubators, and programs, many of which are designed to help early-stage founders with mentorship, resources, and refining business models. There's also a growing network of angel investors and VC firms actively investing in early-stage startups. While standardized programs exist, there are also initiatives offering tailored support and aiming to connect founders with investors and expertise. However, early-stage funding can still be a challenge.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Romania can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Romania, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Romania is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

Romania has a strong pool of talent for startups, particularly in technology and engineering, with around 202,000 to 220,000 IT professionals. The country boasts numerous technical universities renowned for rigorous STEM programs, producing graduates with strong technical and mathematical skills. Romanian talent possesses industry-specific skills in areas like software development (Java, Python, C++, C#, JavaScript), cloud computing (AWS, Azure), data science, AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity. Many are also multilingual, often fluent in English, which aids collaboration with international startups. Local talent supports entrepreneurial growth through a skilled workforce, contributing to a dynamic tech ecosystem with growing hubs in cities like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca. Incubators, accelerators, and community initiatives further nurture this talent and the startup environment.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Romania can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Romania boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

Romania offers a growing ecosystem for startups, supported by various infrastructure and systems. Key resources include numerous incubators and accelerators like Techcelerator, Spherik Accelerator, and Innovation Labs, providing mentorship, workshops, and networking opportunities. Co-working spaces are also prevalent, particularly in tech hubs like Bucharest and Cluj-Napoca. Government initiatives play a significant role. The "Start-Up Nation" program offers substantial non-refundable grants to new businesses, with recent editions providing up to €50,000 per project. European Union funds, channeled through programs like the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR), also provide significant financial support and aim to strengthen the private equity landscape. These resources collectively help startups validate ideas, refine business models, access funding, and scale their operations.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Romania. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Romania Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Romania provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in Romania face several hurdles. Competition exists, though the ecosystem is still developing compared to Western Europe. While the cost of living and labor can be lower, which is attractive to investors, recruiting and retaining skilled talent can be challenging due to emigration and competition. Regulatory issues are significant, with a complex legal system, frequently changing tax laws, and administrative complexities posing difficulties for startups. Navigating these regulations and ensuring compliance requires careful attention.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Romania or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Romania offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash