SeedBlink Blog

Stefan Sava is a Solutions Architect at FintechOS and part of the SeedBlink investor community.

With a passion for revolutionizing the banking and financial services industry, Stefan specializes in developing digital solutions and accelerators that make a significant change in customer relationships. His innovative approach and commitment to delivering transformative solutions has positioned him as a respected professional in the fintech landscape.

What does investing mean to you?

For me, investing is the opportunity to contribute to projects and businesses that create value for society. It is an opportunity to support and stimulate progress and innovation in different fields, to help develop innovative ideas and solutions, and to promote positive change. Personal satisfaction comes from being able to be part of the process of change and progress, where my investments make a real and lasting impact on business and society.

When did you start investing in startups, and what does your portfolio look like?

As a "non-sophisticated" early-stage investor, I started investing in startups recently and have a growing portfolio. I'm in a learning and exploratory phase in terms of investing in startups.

So far, I have made one investment in Bonapp.Eco, a startup that focuses on sustainability and innovation in the food industry. This was the first step in building my investment portfolio.

Going forward, I aim to expand my portfolio and explore opportunities in areas such as enterprise SaaS, AI, EdTech, and Cybersecurity. These are technology verticals with significant growth and development potential, and investments in these areas are particularly attractive to me.

What motivates you to invest in startups?

I see investing in a startup as a way to help build a future I would like to live in. By investing in startups, I can support projects and ideas that bring innovation and solutions to today's challenges.

This involvement helps me to connect with future directions and trends in areas such as technology, sustainability or health, and to ask myself questions about how I can personally contribute and evolve in such a future. It is an opportunity to be active in shaping and building the future and to contribute to the development of a society and environment where I feel truly fulfilled.

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

The founding team is a crucial factor in evaluating a startup. I analyse the experience, skills and dedication of the team members, looking for a complementary mix of skills and strong chemistry between them.

The idea is the foundation of the startup. I focus on innovation and the added value it brings to the market. I analyse whether the proposed solution solves a real problem and there is significant demand for it.

The industry in which the startup operates is another important aspect. Market assessment and analysis of current and future trends in the industry are crucial. I'm looking for a growing market with growth opportunities and a favorable environment for the startup's business.

At the same time, I consider exit opportunities, i.e. the possibility of attracting investor interest or being acquired by other companies in the industry.

Do you have advice for a startup investor at the beginning of their journey?

A valuable piece of advice for an early-stage startup investor is to be curious and build solid mental models. Curiosity will help him or her explore the startup investment world in-depth and understand the key issues. Building mental models will give him a structured framework for thinking and help him assess situations and opportunities in an informed and effective way.

In addition, an important personal motivation for me is the idea of forming a "personal board of advisors". In my circle of friends and acquaintances who have expertise in investments or specific industries, I find it essential to debate all opportunities before making an investment decision. This approach allows me to benefit from different perspectives, experiences, and knowledge, helping me to make more informed decisions and avoid potential pitfalls.

What trend or tech vertical appeals to you and why?

I am particularly attracted to the following trends and tech verticals: enterprise SaaS, AI, EdTecg, and cybersecurity.

Enterprise SaaS particularly appeals to me because of its remarkable scalability potential. The business model allows companies to deliver efficient and customised software solutions in an easy-to-use and affordable way.

EdTech has huge potential to revolutionise the existing education system. It is clear that the traditional model of education faces challenges related to scalability and adaptability to individual student needs. Innovation in EdTech can bring solutions that deliver personalised, high-quality education systems aligned to the aspirations of individual learners.

The CyberSecurity vertical particularly appeals to me because of the challenges it brings with technological evolution. In an increasingly digitised and interconnected world, information security and data protection become crucial issues for organisations and individuals.

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

My greatest personal satisfaction since joining the SeedBlink community is having the opportunity to interact and collaborate with passionate and talented people in the startup industry. The SeedBlink community is full of innovative entrepreneurs, experienced investors, and experts in various fields, and the opportunity to be part of this network of enthusiastic professionals is extremely valuable.

How would you describe the SeedBlink community, and what value do you feel it generates for you?

The SeedBlink community generates significant value for me by connecting me with inspiring and talented people, exposing me to learning and development opportunities, and providing a supportive and collaborative framework in the startup investment world. It is a dynamic and motivating ecosystem that contributes to my personal growth and amplifies my passion for startup investing.

SeedBlink is a full-service investment platform that enables everyday and accredited investors to access curated European tech startups through equity crowdinvesting and angel syndicates.

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