After four intense days of a study visit to London, a group of seven startup community builders from Moldova are bidding farewell to the vibrant city and heading back home with a wealth of insights, examples of initiatives, and valuable connections. This study visit, organized by Startup Moldova with the support of innovate Moldova, Usaid Moldova, Sweden, and UKAID, provided the opportunity for the Moldovan delegation to immerse themselves in one of the most impressive and developed tech startup communities in the world.
The Power of Learning and Networking:
The Moldovan team had a valuable opportunity to learn from and connect with renowned professionals in the startup scene in London. Through their meetings with Olivia Brooks from Founders Factory, Sasha Vidiborskiy from Atomico, and Eric Van der Kleij from EdenBase, they had the privilege of gaining knowledge from some of the most successful individuals in the industry. Each of these experts generously shared their experiences and wisdom in the startup field.
Olivia Brooks, with her experience at Founders Factory, provided the Moldovan team with a unique perspective on the startup ecosystem and the process of building a successful business. Undoubtedly, her teachings were valuable for the team and helped them better understand key aspects of startup development and management.
Similarly, Sasha Vidiborskiy from Atomico shared his experience from an investor’s perspective and gave the Moldovan team a deeper understanding of the investment process and managing relationships with investors. This direct and detailed feedback provided the Moldovan teams with greater confidence in their funding approach and business development.
Through the meeting with Eric Van der Kleij from EdenBase, the Moldovan team had the opportunity to see the dynamic and innovative offices of a London-based technology company. This provided them with a real perspective on the work environment and business culture in a successful startup. The experience of visiting the offices and interacting with the team added a practical and tangible dimension to their learning.
Furthermore, the meeting with Eugene Tsyrklevich from Parkopedia and Claire Whittaker from Techstars was an invaluable opportunity to learn from experienced professionals in the industry, also the team had the opportunity to enhance the WeWork space experience in London. Their perspectives on product development, talent attraction, and business management were certainly inspiring and useful for the Moldovan team.
Last but not least, the meeting with Ollie Purdue, Darren Murphy, and Zina Alfa from Antler Global added authenticity and inspiration. These successful professionals offered unique insights into startup success and generously shared their wisdom. Their feedback and unconventional approaches opened new horizons and stimulated creative thinking among the Moldovan team.
Meaningful Encounters and Milestones:
The study visit reached beyond company visits. The group had the honor of visiting the Embassy of Moldova in London, fostering a sense of connection and national pride. One standout event was their participation in an informal Growth Community meetup, thanks to the invitation from Elena Bersadschi. These interactions allowed the Moldovan delegates to establish personal connections and foster collaborations across borders.
Fueling the Moldovan Tech Startup Ecosystem:
The encounters in London have provided the Moldovan team with not only new tools and ideas but also a strong motivation to help elevate the Moldova tech startup ecosystem. Through the generosity of those they met, who shared their stories and knowledge, the delegates feel equipped to bring new perspectives and initiatives back to Moldova. As they prepare to embark on their journey back home, they carry with them a sense of excitement and determination to further develop the tech startup scene in their country.
Gratitude and Acknowledgment:
The success of this study visit was made possible by the collaboration and support of numerous organizations and individuals. The delegation from Startup Moldova extends heartfelt thanks to their friends at @yepmoldova, @dreamups, Mozaic, @fintechhub.md, @mitp.md, @xypartners.md, and @businessangelsmoldova. Their presence and engagement throughout the visit greatly contributed to the overall experience and camaraderie among the participants.
In Conclusion:
As the Moldovan startup community builders bid farewell to London, they do so with gratitude, inspiration, and a network of valuable connections. The impact of this study visit is sure to be felt as these individuals return to their homeland, armed with newfound knowledge and a shared vision for the growth and advancement of Moldova’s tech startup ecosystem.“The knowledge gained in London will empower us to drive positive change within our tech startup ecosystem back home.” – Moldovan Startup Community Builder
