🚀Red Flags for Startups🚀

Last Saturday was truly inspiring! I had the pleasure of presenting at YEP Moldova’s Creative Accelerator Startups on Red Flags.

During the session, we explored the essentials of creating a compelling Pitch Deck: what to include, what to avoid, and how to make the most of post-pitch time. I emphasized a crucial point- investors are human too, and effective communication relies on making effective connections.

Here are some key takeaways:
– Ideal Initial Team: Start with a CEO and CTO. This combo is essential in the beginning phase.
– Unique Value Proposition: Remember, investors don’t have your idea. The potential lies with your ability to speak clearly and direct.
– Know Your Audience: Understand who you’re talking to- anything helps, from their favorite music to their cat’s name. 🔍
– Focus on Your Strengths: Acknowledge your competition, but always present it to your advantage.

The future of Fintech, Today!!!
What is the importance of digital transformation of financial activities for SMEs, would it increase profitability, customer engagement, management efficiency, and how ready are the market and customers for this important transformation.

I was delighted to share my experience on the topic, although as usual my lecture was more about asskicking to push the audience of their comfort zone, and realize the importance of accelerating whatever they have in mind to do tomorrow, to do today! Keep moving forward, be creative, validate yourselves and go for the money🙂
I also moderated the panel hosting the leading Fintech startups and companies Moldova has to offer, sharing best practices and answering some hard questions of mine as well as of the audience.

No doubt Moldovan Fintech is major and center for the country’s economy as well as for the benefit of Moldovans. As in most countries, Fintech needs to be prioritized by the government and win special benefits and support, both in funding as well as in regulation and market accessibility.

I wish to thank Stefan Nistor- Fintech Moldova Founder, for your kind invitation. To my experts panel that did a tremendous job and showmanship in tackling the hard questions, with kindness and smartness. And to the engaged audience, for your support and involvement.

I call Fintech associations globally, so engage in discussion and sharing of experience and networking.

Social anxiety and fear of judgment, can make engaging with others challenging. Cultural expectations, communication barriers, and past experiences also play a role. It’s essential to remember that these obstacles can be overcome with self-awareness, practice, and support.

Taking small steps outside your comfort zone, can be one of the ways to build confidence and improve your social skills and capability of presenting yourself authentically and connecting with others in meaningful ways.

🇲🇩I was delighted to share my know-how with 20 participants at OFFF 2024 Workshop organized by Artcor Creative Center.
Training artists is a challenge I learned to handle as a mentor of Creative Accelerator YEP Moldova https://yepmoldova.org/

Participants got the secrets of how to effectively present themselves & their business to foster partnerships during networking sessions at the festival and in general.

🤝Shared with them essential tips for crafting pitches, including timing, storytelling, and adapting to diverse audiences.
Reach out for help if you need it- your journey to self-assurance starts now.

I was delighted to conduct the workshop “Closing the Deal: Sales Strategies for the Digital Era” for ATIC members. The workshop focused on practical and effective sales strategies adapted to the current digital environment as well as to AI applications related to improving sales.

Main takeaway: The personal touch and human empathy are of utmost importance and critical in engaging with customers!

I wish to thank Marina Bzovîi – Executive Director of ATIC and to Oxana Fulga-Barbaroş – Policy Manager of ATIC for your kind invitation as well as to Stoyan Yankov, international coach, book author, podcaster and global speaker, that kept the audience engage and ready for me 🙂 as well as to Steinar Hoel Korsmo, founder of Seed Forum Global, top entrepreneur and business investor.

The event was held at Tekwill with the support of the project “Strong Enterprises and Communes for Moldova”, funded by the Governments of Germany and Switzerland, implemented by GIZ Moldova.

Startup Moldova Summit 2024 lived up to expectations and provided a wide diversity of opportunities to gain experience from local and international experts, to mingle with successful startupers, innovation leaders, VCs & investors as well as to showcase personal and technological values and resilience.

Personally, I enjoyed the opportunity to meetup with friends and colleagues as well as to share my experience and skills with an enthusiastic audience that kept engaged and supportive.

I wish to thank FTA, Startup Moldova and my many Moldovan friends for your support, hospitality and for making Moldova one of my favorite ecosystems, to which I’m committed to grow, promote and help to become successful, thriving and sustainable.

Inspiring Minds in Moldova: A Day of Innovation and Empowerment!🌍

I was delighted to have the opportunity of conducting two sessions with Moldovan youth.🇲🇩

🌐Democracy Tech – Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders
My 1st session was at YEP Moldova, meeting the team #Marmoris, a #DemocracyTech startup led by 4 brilliant teenagers. The meeting was conducted as part of the team preparation towards the Democracy Summit in Copenhagen in May 2024. Some of the topics covered under democracy tech are: electoral, consensus, accountability, participatory, deliberative and egalitarian aspects.

We had a fruitful brainstorming session and geared up to make an impact

Thanks Viorica Cerbusca, founder and CEO of YEP Moldova, for your invitation and long time friendship. I admire your determination and thrive for entrepreneurship and tech innovation in youth, women and creative industries. Good luck in launching the next cohort of Creative Accelerator.

🔍Exploring the Roots of Innovation
My 2nd session was at Liceul de Limbi Moderne si Management infront of 15-17 year old students. I shared with them some facts about the history of innovation, from Leonardo da Vinci and Galileo Galilei to Tomas Edisson, JP Morgan, Tesla and Westinghouse:) Connecting the dots between the past and the present, we explored how entrepreneurs, throughout history, needed supporters to bring their dreams to life. Thanks Diana Memeț for your invitation.

💡Building the Future, One Idea at a Time
Highlighting the essence of startups, innovation, and the importance of investors, we discussed how collaboration fuels progress. Moldova’s young minds are on the brink of something incredible, and it’s exciting to witness their dedication to transforming ideas into reality.

🌈Self-Love and Character Building
Emphasized the significance of self-love and resilience in the journey towards success. Remember, validation from within is the true catalyst for character development. Moldova’s youth, you’ve got what it takes – believe in your potential!

🙌Gratitude to Moldova’s Future Leaders
A big thank you to everyone who participated and engaged in these conversations. Moldova’s future is undoubtedly in capable hands. Let’s continue to nurture innovation, support each other, and make waves in the world of tomorrow!

Near departing to Moldova earlier this week, I had the pleasure of meeting Eli Kol Payoneer Partnerships Manager, for coffee and better acquaintance with Payoneer services, as well as to discuss growing our cooperation and business offering to startups, accelerators and #businessOwners in my Network.

Payoneer is a NASDAQ listed global cross border payments platform that helps 5 Million + entrepreneurs receive B2B payments from payers/marketplaces in 200+ countries.

The Payoneer account is a full stack payments solution, offering multi-currency IBANs (just like a bank, but better), multiple payment methods, physical/virtual master card & a lot more…
So regard this post as an open call for those interested to learn more about Payoneer, tag Eli or me in comments or DM us for additional information.

Opening a Payoneer account is quick, easy and secure.

I was delighted to join ATIC Moldova Fintech Committee meeting.🇲🇩
The agenda included discussions regarding 2024 challenges for the Fintech sector in attracting investments and implementation of instant payments and the integration of instant payments, as well as the implementation of open banking and optimal solutions to these challenges.

It was a great opportunity to meet in person with the prominent Fintech companies, founders and C-Level managers.

✨I was glad to learn about the plans for 2024, to support the Fintech ecosystem and facilitate collaboration between stakeholders.

Thank you dear Oxana Paladiciuc FinTech Hub Director for your kind invitation as well as to Marina Bzovîi ATIC Executive Director and companies representatives.
Looking forward to a fruitful cooperation and acceleration of your businesses.

🇲🇩 My last roadshow of 2023 was to Moldova, under my mission with FTA Moldova, and it was filled with exciting and rewarding events, the crown jual being Dreamicon- One in a Thousand Startups conference.

📌The main events included:
– Engagement and Sales Workshop for XY Partners startups at Fintech Hub
– Lecturing to Economy & Business students at Moldova Tech University (UTM)
– Building Dream: Chronicles of my Life Odyssey at Mediacor
– Lecturing at UN Women about self value and inner love
– Customer’s retention- Lecture to MoldCell marketing & sales teams
– Workshop to AFAM ladies about self presentation- art of storytelling
– Keynote Speakers and Moderator at Dreamicon- One in a Thousand Startups conference
– I also have a debt from earlier visit where I participate in AFAM conference and conducted a workshop

To those who are still asking what’s in Moldova, what can it offer related to startups and innovation, do they have an ecosystem and what the future holds in terms of growth, tech and human capital, I can say in a word YES.✅
You should have joined me and get most of the answers within one week.
So, to keep it short and engaging, if you’re looking for a market filled with opportunities, where regulations are less strict, with capable workforce and abundance of fresh minds, look up the Moldovan startup ecosystem as well as the business arena.

👏🏻Thank you to Ms. Maia Sandu- Moldova’s President and Mr. Dumitru Alaiba- Deputy Prime Minister of Moldova for your kind words and delightful exchange of thoughts.

Many thanks for all my friends, partners and colleagues, supporting my mission and inviting me to share my experience for the success, sustainability, growth and expansion of tech innovation, motivation, education and ambition.

2024 stands to offer new challenges and opportunities, but the proof remains in the pudding and only when moving forward can one look back and evaluate the distance covered.

Tal Catran brings an exciting workshop with our top mentor, Startup Weekend Moldova – Learn How to Pitch!

What you will learn:
– Practical strategies for an effective presentation
– How to gain confidence during your presentation
– Helpful tips and tricks for pitching
– The opportunity to connect with other entrepreneurs
Regardless of your experience, this workshop will help you improve your presentation skills.

Final reflections of my last visit to Moldova include two events conducted on Saturday.

My morning started with a workshop for 8 startups, carefully selected to participate in TechCrunch Disrupt 2023 in San Francisco next month as well as conducting 1 on 1 meetings with potential investors, customers and distributors. The delegation is organized and led by #FTA Cristian Cerneanu and Mary Nemciuc Technovator platform.

️The workshop highlighted best practices on preparing for the mission, as well as how to conduct the face to face meetings, breaking the ice, creating an impact and raising the success chances of achieving goals.

📌Takeaways:

I wish the delegation good luck and a productive trip.

📌Takeaways:

Looking forward to my next mission, hopefully in September, otherwise in October.

I realize that it’s hard for some to engage, for others cooperate, and for most it’s hard to decide. Well if you will not do it, no one will probably do it for you!