Catalyst Romania Newsletter – January Highlights
January has been a good start for us at Catalyst Romania, and we are happy to share some highlights of this month with our subscribers. For 2024 we’ve set ambitious goals and we are looking forward to announce in the following months new additions to our portfolio! The hard work of our team members and partner companies has set the tone for what promises to be a remarkable year for business.
ESX ends 2023 with a €10 million turnover
In a grand conclusion to 2023, ESX has reported a 250% growth in turnover, reaching from €4 million to €10 million, proving the company’s resilience and successful implementation of its business strategy. This financial milestone highlights ESX’s commitment to excellence and innovation in its respective industry.
ESX has received a significant capital injection of 2 million euros from Catalyst Romania Fund II and has navigated various challenges and opportunities, showcasing adaptability and a robust business approach. The €10 million in revenue not only reflects the company’s financial strength but also signifies the trust and confidence that clients and partners place in ESX.
As we look forward to the future, ESX remains dedicated to delivering high-quality products and services, driving growth, and fostering lasting relationships within the business community. You can also read more here.
This month marks 4 years of SeedBlink
2023 has been a transformative year for SeedBlink as well, with significant strides in their journey as a leader in the European technology investment and equity management landscape. Last year, SeedBlink has successfully funded 53 startups, mobilizing a total of €180 million in the innovation ecosystem, including €10 million invested directly by their network. In the past four years since inception, SeedBlink has raised €342 million for private firms out of which €67 million via its “community of investors”.
Their agility in navigating market challenges, strengthening SeedBlink’s core offerings, defying the downward trend in venture capital, and entering new markets continues to set them apart. Moreover, since its launch in June 2023, Nimity has made impressive progress, integrating over 8,000 company representatives and stakeholders, and deploying over 1,700 company capitalization tables.
For a more in-depth perspective of SeedBlink’s trajectory and milestones, click here.
Adservio – the engine propelling schools digitalization in Romania looks back at a year of expansion and innovation
Adservio experienced a transformative year in 2023. The primary focus was on expanding the sales of our preschool education platform within the framework of PNRAS (National Program for Reduction in School Dropout) programs. Despite encountering challenges related to financing issues, their Sales Department effectively onboarded 149 new schools, adding a significant 73,990 licenses to their portfolio.
At the organizational level, Adservio completed a reorganization initiative, particularly enhancing the efficiency of the Software Development department. This strategic move is aimed at boosting delivery capacity and improving predictability in terms of roadmap and costs.
In a landmark development, 2023 witnessed the creation of a new product – the Adservio for Universities platform, Adservio Campus. This product has already been successfully implemented at four universities in Romania, with ongoing feedback processes in place.
Looking ahead to 2024, their strategic objectives encompass accelerating the onboarding of new public schools funded through PNRAS, as well as private schools and kindergartens. The heightened competitiveness of the Adservio platform in this niche positions them for success.
SmartBill talks about the future of invoicing through e-Factura
In a recent debate led by Radu Hasan, the co-founder and CEO of SmartBill, exciting revelations were made about the company’s performance in January 2024. Radu shared that the influx of clients during this period has soared, surpassing previous figures by over five times. This surge in clientele reflects the growing popularity and trust that businesses are placing in SmartBill’s services.
As the CEO expressed his enthusiasm for the company’s current trajectory, he hinted at ambitious plans for the year ahead. SmartBill aims to conclude the year with a substantial growth rate, underscoring its position as a leader in the industry.
This noteworthy development signifies not only the success of SmartBill but also the increasing reliance on innovative solutions in the realm of invoicing and financial management. The debate provided valuable insights into the dynamics of the market and the strategic direction that SmartBill is taking to meet the evolving needs of its clientele.
For an in-depth exploration of Radu Hasan’s perspectives and the full context of the discussion, we encourage you to read the complete article here.
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