SeedBlink Blog

Silviu Matei has a passion for technology, startups and financial independence. He has been working in IT for over 10 years and is currently working as a Senior Software Developer for a company providing software solutions in the field of biometrics, and in the past he worked as a developer of a banking application.

As one of our active investors, we wanted to find out what led him to invest in startups and what his approach is. Learn more about his investor profile!

When did you start investing in startups and how many companies do you have in your portfolio?

I started investing in April 2020 in the 3rd round on SeedBlink. I remember being in a place where there was no good phone signal and putting it in a special place because I knew I would be contacted.

I talked to Andrei Dudoiu, and he asked me if I really wanted to take this step and I was 110% convinced and very happy that I could do it. At the moment I have 11 companies in my portfolio, and this number will surely increase in the near future.

What motivates you to invest in startups?

I have always been attracted to startups and admire the courage of people to start their own businesses. I wanted to be a part of it, and SeedBlink fulfilled that wish for me.

What has been one of the best or most impactful investments you have made so far?

The best investment I have made is in myself by turning time into new knowledge. I recommend this investment to everyone because it's free and gives the best possible return.

What do you look for when evaluating a startup - what are the most important aspects for you?

The way SeedBlink has evolved, I have personally evolved and learned new things about startups and evaluating a startup. First, I watch a short pitch about the product/service the startup offers and wait for a feeling of "like it". Then I look at the other details like team, financial plans, etc.

Personally, I think the most important thing is the seriousness of the team and the dedication to the product or service they are developing.

Then I also think about what could hurt the company, its competitors and other things from the devil's advocate spectrum.

Finally, I allow myself a little time off without explicitly thinking about the startup, and when the smile returns after all that, I invest without regret.

Of course, I have also participated in rounds that lasted only a few minutes without having much time.

Do you think it's important to have a diversified investment portfolio?

Diversification of investments is very important. I think many people know the famous saying "Do not put all your eggs in one basket," and I apply it as well.

I also invest and save through other forms such as stock exchanges, ETFs, crowdlending platforms and real estate crowdfunding.

Right now, the risk percentage is higher than recommended by the experts, but I'm comfortable to live with that. The SeedBlink Club subscription helps me to invest diversified much easier by lowering the minimum amount.

What is your biggest personal satisfaction since joining the SeedBlink community?

There's a famous saying that startup teams say when pitching, "We make the world better in/for ...", and it's about the joy of changing the world with the product the team is developing.

I enjoy that to my heart's content because I can say I have made the world better X times, where X is the number of companies I have invested in.

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