SeedBlink Blog

After 18 years in banking, Serban became an entrepreneur in 2021. He is currently counseling a large spectrum of companies from different fields like health & beauty, medical, tourism and construction from a business development perspective, guiding them through budgets, sales and cash flow reports.

What does investing mean to you?

I believe "investing" means initiative, courage, knowledge, building a portfolio as a source of income, all of which with the associated risks assumed.

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

I started investing in 2020 and currently have 10 companies in my portfolio.

What motivates you to invest in startups?

I have always appreciated the bold companies that are innovative, stand out from their competitors, and keep going regardless of the challenges.

How would you describe your investor profile?

During the investment journey, the beginning was timid, then the appetite to invest in startups developed more and more. I started to get to know the market better and see which companies were nationally and internationally representative in different areas.

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

I believe that the Brio project is and will remain influential because the education sector is the most important resource of each of us.

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

For me, the people who founded the startup are very important. Then I look at their history in technology, their background, their successes or failures, the team they have, their business plan, their scaling in the national or/and international market. Lately, I also look closely at the name and portfolio of the VC or angel investor.

How important do you think it is to have a diversified investment portfolio?

I think a diversified portfolio gives you a high return opportunity and mitigates some of the risk of other startup investments. Optimistically, I think 1-2 startups in my portfolio will be successful.

Do you have any advice for early stage startup investors?

I think it is important for any investor to understand the terms used in this industry, (already) have a diversified investment portfolio (bank deposits, stocks or equity) and have a medium to high risk appetite.

But for a founder pitching for funding?

First of all, he should be well educated in the specific field of the startup, choose his founders and future team members very well, and know the competition very well (it is crucial to know how his product differs from others, both nationally and internationally).

Which tech vertical appeals to you and why?

Startups in education, healthcare and AI caught my attention and made me want to invest.

What is your greatest personal satisfaction since becoming a member of the SeedBlink community?

I think there are several:

- Knowing you have an investment alternative on a platform that gives you the information you need to invest in a startup.

- The opportunity to learn more about the industry and follow the trend of technological development in different areas of activity.

- The networking with other members of the SeedBlink community.

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