What is an Investment Lighthouse
Investment Lighthouses are platforms driven by Business Angel Networks (BANs) aimed at fostering innovation and collaboration. They facilitate access to curated startups, provide essential resources, ensure regulatory compliance, and sustain success in the European financing ecosystem.
Who is it for?
Investment Lighthouses are designed for investors seeking high-quality opportunities and startups looking for funding and support. They also benefit BANs aiming to expand their networks and enhance investment activities.
What are Investment Lighthouses for?
– Facilitate access to curated dealflow and opportunities.
– Engage in events and forums to build relationships and share knowledge.
– Connect with a diverse and robust network of stakeholders.
– Stay informed about the regulatory landscape and gain access valuable
Romania’s startup and investment ecosystem has grown rapidly over the past decade, driven by a combination of local entrepreneurial talent, a strong technical workforce, and increasing engagement from investors both locally and abroad. The country benefits from a mix of private capital, venture funds, corporate innovation programs, accelerators, and business angel networks, supported by an active community of ecosystem builders and diaspora connections.
The ecosystem is strongest in technology-driven sectors such as SaaS, fintech, AI, e-commerce, MedTech, cleantech, and deep tech. Growth is fueled by Romania’s competitive cost base, high-quality engineering talent, and expanding integration into the broader Central and Eastern European innovation corridor.
While Romania still has room to improve in terms of state-backed incentives for early-stage investors, it has seen notable momentum from private initiatives and EU-funded programs that support startup growth and cross-border collaboration.
TechAngels, founded in 2013, is Romania’s first and largest business angel network and a central player in the country’s early-stage investment ecosystem. It brings together over 140 members from across Romania and the diaspora, including experienced entrepreneurs, senior executives, and seasoned investors.
The network focuses on technology-driven startups—particularly those with prototypes or established product–market fit—across sectors such as SaaS, fintech, AI, MedTech, cleantech, deep tech and hardware. Members invest individually or in syndicates, combining capital with mentorship, sector expertise, and international connections.
TechAngels plays a pivotal role in nurturing Romania’s startup ecosystem, collaborating with venture capital funds, accelerators, corporate innovation programs, and EU initiatives. The network is part of ESIL (Early Stage Investing Launchpad), supporting investor education, cross-border deals, and harmonization of angel investing practices.
In 2024, TechAngels members invested a total of €3.777 million, a 25% year-on-year increase. The second half of 2024 saw a particularly strong surge, with €2.757 million invested—nearly triple the first half’s activity.
The group reviews around 200 startups annually, with approximately 90 pitching during weekly or bi-weekly sessions. About 25–30 new companies are added to the collective portfolio each year, which now includes over 270 startups.
Investments typically range from €10,000 to €200,000 per company, with funding directed toward both new ventures and follow-on rounds for portfolio companies
Dealflow is supported by a structured process of startup scouting, regular pitch sessions, syndication-friendly deal structuring, and collaborations with regional VCs, accelerators, and corporate partners.
TechAngels facilitates dozens of engagement opportunities annually to connect startups with investors and strengthen the local ecosystem. These include:
– Pitching Sessions: Frequent events where selected startups present to members and receive feedback or investment offers.
– Investor and Founder Workshops: Training on startup assessment, valuation, deal structuring, and international market entry.
– Cross-Border Networking: Activities that connect Romanian startups and investors with European partners, diaspora communities, and other angel groups, fostering co-investments and regional integration.
As part of ESIL, TechAngels promotes angel investing and strengthens investor capabilities through:
– Investor Onboarding Programs: Guidance for new members on deal evaluation, syndication, and portfolio management.
– Founder Mentorship: Direct feedback and strategic advice for startup teams preparing for funding rounds.
– International Integration: Collaborations with European angel networks, venture funds, and innovation platforms to enable cross-border investments and scale-up opportunities.
While Romania’s state-backed incentives for angel investors are still developing, TechAngels actively engages with ecosystem stakeholders—including accelerators, startup hubs, and policy advocates—to improve the early-stage funding landscape.
The network contributes to discussions on tax and legal frameworks that could stimulate private investment and supports initiatives aimed at positioning Romania as a regional innovation hub.
– Syndication: A flexible co-investment model that allows members to pool resources and share risk.
– Venture Fund Partnerships: Collaborations with local and regional VCs to provide follow-on capital and support scaling.
– Corporate Innovation Links: Engagement with companies seeking startup partnerships in fintech, telecom, and technology sectors.
– European Collaboration: Active role in EU programs and networks to encourage cross-border dealflow and investor exchange.
