Over 3,500 participants had the opportunity to select their favourite sessions from 4 amazing stages: Center Stage, Impact Stage, Technical Workshops Stage, and Q&A Session Stage, where more than 50 leaders in business and technology shared their insights.

In addition, our event featured 5 workshops, was supported by over 60 partners, and benefited from the efforts of more than 50 hard-working volunteers. We couldn’t be more grateful to the entire Techsylvania community: participants, partners, speakers and volunteers for contributing to the success of Techsylvania 2024. 

We have some highlights below that you might want to read if you missed the event or if you want to refresh your memory. 

CENTER STAGE

Center Stage was the epicenter of activity on Day 2, hosting sessions that kicked off the day’s events. International leaders in business and technology shared invaluable insights for techsylvanians. 

Mircea Geoană, Deputy Secretary General of NATO was the first speaker of the day. He emphasized the transformative role of technology and innovation in the global landscape and the unprecedented speed and scale of technological advancements, particularly in AI and biotechnology, and their impact on various sectors, including national security, economy, and society. While acknowledging the immense potential of new technologies, Geoană also warned about the risks they pose and how important is the responsible use and ethical standards to prevent these advancements from becoming threats to security and stability.

He ended the speech by pointing out the necessity of collaboration between governments, private sectors, and civil societies to harness the benefits of technological innovations effectively. He mentioned initiatives like NATO’s Innovation Fund which supports startups and technological advancements. This collaboration is crucial to ensuring that innovations are used for the greater good and that societies can adapt to rapid technological changes.

Sacha Dragic, Founder and Board Member of Superbet was next on stage and he talked about the global expansion of Superbet into Latin America, highlighting the company’s strategic vision and adaptability. Despite initial challenges, including significant fraud issues in Brazil, the company managed to develop effective solutions and apply them globally.

This expansion underscores the importance of seizing opportunities and being prepared for the complexities of new markets. Sasha emphasized the critical role of hiring the right talent and fostering an innovative culture. He stated that he spends a significant portion of his time on talent recruitment and believes in combining diverse perspectives to drive innovation. Additionally, Superbet invests heavily in AI and technology, positioning itself to stay ahead of competitors and adapt to future industry changes.

“One of the secrets of success in the early days was discipline. It’s very easy as a founder and entrepreneur to get distracted because new ideas come every day. You need to be very disciplined, focus on your main goal, and continuously question your beliefs because what you think is true today may be totally wrong in a year or two.”

Drew Banin, Co-Founder dbt Labs talked about his journey in building a database in order to understand how databases work under the hood. Towards the end, he integrated music with the database in Google Sheets, demonstrating how data can be transformed into musical notes and played back, adding a creative and engaging dimension to the database’s functionality. He also talked about future plans: to build a query optimizer, get it distributed and then create a YouTube series on how to build your own database. Also, for those interested, he mentioned they are soon opening an office in Cluj-Napoca and hiring talented people. 

Giuseppe Castelbuono, Chief Digital and Information Officer at UniCredit Bank discussed UniCredit Bank’s digital transformation strategy, focusing on enhancing customer experience through improved technology and business processes. This transformation involves leveraging technologies like cloud computing and artificial intelligence to optimize both customer interactions and internal operations.

He emphasized that while banks must adopt new technologies quickly, they must also ensure security and compliance. Castelbuono envisions a future where banking services are simpler, more secure, and seamlessly integrated into customers’ daily lives. He highlights the importance of making banking processes as effortless as possible while maintaining stringent security standards.

“Artificial intelligence is not gonna replace humans but humans with artificial intelligence are gonna replace humans without artificial intelligence.”

Jonathan Rivers, Chief Technology Officer at Fortune Magazine talked about the transformation of Fortune Magazine under his leadership. The magazine underwent a significant transformation, including the development of new products and revenue streams. A notable achievement was the launch of a generative AI application that modernized the Fortune 500 data, turning it into a SaaS product. This initiative aimed to democratize access to financial data and improve user interaction through advanced data visualization and AI-driven functionalities. Rivers highlighted key lessons learned during the rapid development and deployment of the AI application. These include the importance of clean data, the necessity of focused and user-friendly AI applications, and the understanding that an MVP (Minimum Viable Product) is the starting point for further development. He emphasized that enterprise applications must meet high standards set by best-of-breed consumer experiences.

“The MVP is not the finish line; it is the beginning. It is the start of the marathon. You have done a warm-up; you are deciding if you are ready to even run the race.” 

Nigel Richardson, SVP and CIO Europe at PepsiCo, talked about how PepsiCo has leveraged AI and digital transformation to significantly impact their agricultural operations. By using machine learning for pattern recognition, they have been able to optimize farming practices. AI is also crucial in PepsiCo’s manufacturing processes. They use AI-driven applications to monitor and manage plant operations, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and addressing packaging concerns. By integrating AI solutions to predict and fix issues before they escalate, PepsiCo enhances operational efficiency and sustainability.

AI helps PepsiCo understand consumer preferences and behaviors, enabling better market segmentation and product assortment. By analyzing consumer data, they tailor products to different demographics and regions, minimizing waste and ensuring precise product distribution. This AI-driven approach aids in delivering the right products to the right places, enhancing customer satisfaction and reducing excess inventory.

“AI has made a massive impact for farmers because it can increase their yields, improve quality, reduce the amount of pesticides, and reduce water usage. It’s one of those examples of AI being a win-win for everyone that we couldn’t do before.”

Quharrison Terry, Growth Marketer at MarkCuban Companies talked about the startup culture in Japan. Currently, Japan is increasingly focusing on technology and AI to drive economic growth and innovation. The government is actively supporting AI initiatives and startups, aiming to become the most AI-friendly country in the world. The Japanese government has launched several initiatives to foster a vibrant startup ecosystem.

Traditionally conservative in their business practices, Japanese companies are beginning to embrace more risk-taking and innovative approaches. This shift is necessary to combat economic challenges such as an aging population and deflation. By fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and supporting venture activities, Japan aims to revitalize its economy and compete globally.

“The government basically said they want to become the most AI-friendly country in the world. The prime minister actually is pushing this and the chairman of the Democratic Liberal Party actually said Japan is not thinking of implementing strict regulations and it will be fewer regulations as possible when it comes to AI development.“

Suthen Thomas, Group CTO at Grab, talked about how at their company, the approach to technology, including AI, starts with the customer. The company focuses on identifying customer problems first and then finding the best technological solutions, which may include AI, to address these problems.

This method ensures that technological advancements directly enhance customer experiences and solve real-world issues effectively. Grab employs auto-adaptive systems that continuously adjust to changing conditions and user behaviors. These systems use feedback loops to evaluate and refine their performance over time. AI models at Grab are extensively used across various segments of the business, including mobility, deliveries, and financial services. These models are active in production environments, helping to determine pricing, predict ETAs, and ensure safety. This widespread application demonstrates AI’s versatility and critical role in optimizing Grab’s operations and services.

“At Grab, when we think about artificial intelligence, we treat it no different than any other technology. We start with the problem of the customer and then use AI to solve their problem.“

Michelle Rosa-Wolfe, Executive Vice President at VistaJet, declared that VistaJet heavily relies on technology to optimize its aviation operations. This includes developing new technologies to predict demand patterns and surge areas months in advance. By leveraging these innovations, VistaJet strategically positions its aircraft around the globe to meet growing business demands, such as recent expansions into Africa and India. The company focuses on enhancing customer experience through technological advancements.

This includes developing internal platforms that provide intelligence and optimize fleet management. These technologies enable VistaJet to offer seamless customer interfaces, allowing clients to book flights and manage services efficiently through user-friendly apps. The company has seen significant increases in aircraft movements in regions like Romania, reflecting its ability to flexibly expand operations based on emerging market dynamics and client demands.

“At VistaJet, we lean on technology because we need to learn, predict, and automate. We’ve invested significantly in internal platforms that not only provide intelligence but also optimize our fleet management, helping us place our assets strategically to meet business demands.”

Vladimir Dănilă, Founder and CEO of Linearity, talked about how he had this belief that success in the app market was quick and straightforward, akin to launching Flappy Bird. However, the reality of managing teams, aligning people, and understanding customer needs reset these expectations. The company now prioritizes simplicity in design and functionality, aiming to make complex technology accessible and user-friendly.

“I’ve learned that simplicity is key—not just in product design, but in how we approach technology. Complex technology should be made simple for the end user. That’s why I love the idea of using technology to make design accessible and powerful.”

Christyl Johnson, Deputy Director for Technology & Research Investments at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center, talked about how NASA is envisioning a future where humanity not only returns to the moon, but also establishes sustainable habitats on Mars by 2100. This involves overcoming significant technological challenges such as creating habitats, generating resources like oxygen and water, and managing energy effectively. NASA’s approach involves pushing the boundaries of technology across various fields. This includes advancements in AI for managing energy and agriculture on other planets, 3D printing for constructing habitats, and medical technologies like digital twins and robotic surgery, which are crucial for sustaining human life in extraterrestrial environments. NASA emphasizes the importance of diversity in thought and collaboration to solve complex challenges.

The agency has historically partnered with diverse industries and disciplines, from sports equipment manufacturers to medical professionals, to develop groundbreaking solutions that often have broader applications beyond space exploration.”In order for that to happen again, we have to think about everything differently today because we’re gonna have humans living on Mars by 2040. We’ve got to really start now ramping up the technology capability in order for us to get there.”

IMPACT STAGE

Smaranda Teleabă, Chief Digital and Marketing Office at L’Oreal, talked about how the company is pioneering the integration of technology into the beauty industry under her leadership. They have introduced concepts like green science chemistry and they are digitalizing the customer journey, which are transforming how consumers interact with beauty products. This innovative approach not only enhances customer experience but also underscores L’Oréal’s commitment to sustainability and personalized beauty solutions. By combining deep beauty industry knowledge with advanced technological expertise, L’Oréal is shaping the future of beauty, ensuring a sustainable and enriching customer experience.

Angus Keck, COO at AgUnity underscored the critical importance of adhering to deadlines, maintaining regular contact (without coming across as desperate or pushy), and mentioning other investors. Moreover, he stressed the belief that with self-confidence, anything is achievable. His advice emphasized the necessity of perfecting your pitch and avoiding assumptions that the deal is already secured.

Shravan Nageswaran, Co-Founder & CEO at Atman Labs, encouraged participants to challenge the consensus, learn from nature and invent from first principles. He believed that advancements across multiple deep learning disciplines beyond large language models will allow to take flight.

“Humans will coexist with benevolent AI. Challenge the consensus. Learn from nature. Invent from first principles. Advancements across multiple deep learning disciplines beyond LLMs will allow us to take flight.”

Peter Sandberg, Founding Partner at Nordic Secondary Fund has been at the forefront of pioneering liquidity options for startup stakeholders through secondaries. With over 35 years of experience in investment banking and asset management, including founding successful asset management firms and making impactful pre-seed and seed investments as a business angel, Peter brings a wealth of expertise to the table and talked at Techsylvania about Navigating Secondaries: Unlocking Liquidity Options for Startup Stakeholder.

Under his leadership, N2F has carved out a unique position in the Nordic market, raising €140M across two funds and completing over 30 secondary deals, resulting in five successful exits. His commitment to navigating secondaries has not only unlocked new liquidity pathways but also set a precedent for strategic investment in the region.

Masoud Al – Rawahi, Co-Founder & Partner at Phaze Ventures is a dynamic figure in the realms of entrepreneurship, investment, and technology. He talked about his whole journey, including details about working for over a decade in information technology within corporate settings.

Bogy Skowronski, Partner at Founder Partners, is a seasoned serial entrepreneur and influential figure in the technology startup ecosystem. With a distinguished background in capital transactions at UBS AG, EBRD London, and FFC Fincoord Ltd, she also thrives as an active venture capitalist and angel investor. Bogy’s commitment to global success is encapsulated in her title of presentation, “Building Global Success: Strategy, Support, and Capital.” This encapsulates her expertise in providing strategic guidance, robust support systems, and crucial capital to emerging ventures.

Sorin Anagnoste, Applied Strategy Professor is specialized in online business models and technology entrepreneurship. With a profound finance background of over 15 years in managerial roles, Sorin brings a wealth of practical experience to his academic efforts. He talked about how generative AI has reached peaked interest and the revolution is continuing.  He underscores concerns about overregulation stifling growth in this burgeoning field, advocating for balanced policies to sustain innovation and development.

Arnaud Collery, CEO of Humanava emphasized the importance of leadership in defining purpose, setting clear goals, and fostering a cohesive vision while promoting a culture of trust through meaningful rituals.

Arnaud’s diverse background includes coaching top tech CEOs and unicorn startups like Careem, leveraging his creativity and empathy to drive innovation and sustainable success. 

Adrian Pica, CPO Potters Maps, delivered a compelling presentation on navigating modern business challenges with strategic clarity. He emphasized understanding a business’s intrinsic value and the pivotal role of product leaders in integrating digital and physical elements for broad market appeal. Bica illustrated his points with examples such as the surge in food delivery services during economic crises, highlighting the importance of achieving a strong product-market fit. His analogy of “cooking your business recipe” underscored the potential of platforms like YouTube and Netflix for revenue generation, even in competitive landscapes.

Partner session with Dan Mihăescu, Founding Partner at GapMinder Ventures, Alex Popa, President at AXP Holding and Elena Vrabie, Moderator and Country Lead Romania at The Recursive. 

The speakers talked about the importance of choosing investors and Alex Popa emphasized that you should select investors based on their ability to contribute to your growth rather than just their capital. He also advised fostering strong relationships with investors to leverage their support effectively as your company scales.

Dan Mihăescu spoke about the importance of going to as many events as possible, having the right people besides you and learning from them. Then the next step is to focus on technology because proper technology can help you advance fast. 

During the day we also had some insightful Q&A sessions where attendees engaged directly with keynote speakers, actively posing questions and gaining deeper insights into the topics at hand. The speakers who attended the sessions where: Sasha Dragic – Superbet, Drew Banin – dbt Labs, Jonathan Rivers – Fortune Magazine, Quharrison Terry – Mark Cuban Companies and Suthen Thomas – Grab.

Techsylvania 2024 brought together over 3,500 participants and 50 leaders in business and technology across four main stages: Center Stage, Impact Stage, Technical Workshops Stage, and Q&A Session Stage. 

Attendees engaged directly with keynote speakers during Q&A sessions, asking questions that uncovered deeper insights into complex topics. This interactive format not only enhanced the conference experience but also fostered discussions on the cutting edge of technology and business strategy. Participants also benefited from practical learning in technical workshops, gaining new skills and strategies. 

As we reflect on the success of Techsylvania 2024, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to the entire community—participants, partners, speakers, and volunteers—who contributed to making this event a resounding success. We look forward to continuing this journey of business and technology exploration and discovery with you all in the years to come! 

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Here’s a brief overview of some of the highlights from the day’s sessions. 

CENTER STAGE

Shai Shalev from Mobileye has walked us through the evolution of AI and how self-supervised learning, particularly through large language models, revolutionized the field. For applications in the physical world, such as robotics and autonomous driving, learning from experience is crucial but challenging due to the risks and constraints of real-world testing. Simulations offer a safer alternative, though they may not perfectly replicate reality. 

Daniel Hume, Chief AI Officer at WPP, critiques the current use of the term “AI,” arguing that many systems labeled as AI are merely automation and not true artificial intelligence. True AI involves systems that can learn, adapt, and make decisions autonomously, rather than simply executing repetitive tasks. 

”You, the leaders, have to understand that AI is going to radically transform your business and is very important what you want to do. Ultimately, you want to create an organization that innovates.”, said Daniel. He has also addressed risks associated with AI, including micro risks (safe deployment), malicious risks (preventing misuse), and macro risks (potential existential threats). Effective AI implementation requires addressing these risks and ensuring AI is used ethically and responsibly.

Shervin Pishevar, Chairman & CEO of Edison Fund believes that ”As an entrepreneur, I understood that nothing can replace the human connection. Even if AI is moving thousand times faster, the value of people who have verbal communication skills, who can express things is going to go off now.” Yet, we are going to witness incredible advancements in Artificial General Intelligence (AGI), and Shervin encourages staying alive to witness these changes, suggesting that the next 20 years will bring significant breakthroughs in longevity and intelligence.

Angela Ivanova, Co-Founder & CEO at LAM’ON OOD, and Michiel Scheffer, President of the European Innovation Council (EIC) Board have talked about how your startup can thrive internationally.

Even if there are some  difficulties in securing initial funding, especially due to skepticism about the potential success and benefits, having angel investors and grants is vital for your business. 

Chris Mirabile from Novos has offered us a different perspective on what we think longevity means. Chris defines longevity not just as living longer, but more importantly as extending the period of life without chronic illness, referred to as healthspan. His deep knowledge in the field stems from a personal passion for longevity and health. This passion led to extensive reading of scientific studies and surrounding themselves with subject matter experts.

In the age of AI & digitalization, the power of working together has never been greater. Moderated by Elisabeta Moraru, Country Lead at Google, the discussion on Center Stage about ”How Can CEE Countries Leapfrog Leveraging Digital and AI?” has brought together visionaries like Patrick Warnking from Google, Bogy Skowronski of FounderPartners, and Sabin Sărmaș from the Romanian Parliament. Here are some takeaways: 

“We are all very busy but take some time and educate yourself on the latest AI tools that are all available for free.” (Patrick Warnking)

“We don’t have time for administration, we want to have time for strategies, for our organizations. So, governments play a crucial role on this topic.” (BogySkowronski)

“Which are the cultures that are performing best? I received this answer: wher ethe leadership of the country is at the highest level. I would like to have bold leaders that would assume a digital transformation of our country, not just a statement.” (Sabin Sărmaș)

Sumon Sadhu from Atman Labs believes that “The most ambitious company you can build is one that redefines a nation.” Seizing unique moments in history and raising the ceiling of ambition is crucial for transformative success. Flipkart capitalized on the rise of the Indian middle class and the shift from offline to online shopping, while DeepMind elevated the ambition for AI and contributed to global advancements. 

Exploring the virtual world of Metaverse might be fascinating but there are always two sides of a coin. Nina Jane Patel, Interpol’s Metaverse Expert emphasizes the rapid evolution and integration of technologies such as virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), spatial computing, AI, and blockchain into the fabric of our digital lives.

Nina highlights the complexities, challenges, and potential risks associated with virtual worlds. These include issues related to safety and security, such as online grooming, sexual exploitation, and other forms of metaverse-specific crimes. The importance of developing effective safety measures, educational resources, and regulations to protect users, especially children, in these digital environments is a key focus of her work. 

Yet, there are immense opportunities that virtual worlds and associated technologies present. From the significant growth forecast in the virtual world market to innovative applications in gaming, education, and entertainment, these technologies offer new ways to engage, create, and connect. Patel also discusses the need for long-term strategies that prioritize user empowerment and the continued innovation that drives the technological landscape forward.

The next generation of AI is going beyond the surface. Fernando Dominguez Pinuaga from SandboxAQ thinks AI is transforming healthcare by simplifying complex processes, such as interpreting heart data, making it accessible without extensive training. Additionally, AI is advancing encryption methods, enhancing data security, and accelerating the development of quantum computing, highlighting the interconnected progress in technology and AI’s role in driving these advancements.

How do we transform ourselves so we don’t lose who we are but at the same time become very competitive with these other services? This is a tough challenge, especially for a satellite radio company like SiriusXM.

Joe Inzerillo has had an interesting discussion with Quharrison Terry about the development and challenges of satellite radio. Joe highlights the experience with Disney, focusing on the company’s strategic shift to streaming with Disney+. This transformation was driven by the need to adapt to changing media consumption habits and compete with established streaming platforms like Netflix.

Slava Rubin from Humbition strongly believes that it is important to have a passion for what you’re doing and be committed to it for the long term.

The early stages are challenging and may not yield immediate rewards. However, continued dedication and willingness to endure these struggles are essential for eventual success. Startups often fail due to a lack of focus, trying to do too much, and not identifying the right market fit. Learning to say no to distractions and concentrating on a core idea is crucial for survival and success.

We have found out from John Caspers, Co-founder Adyen & Rootline, that despite not succeeding in the SME (small and medium-sized enterprise) market, the experience was valuable as it provided important lessons in product-market fit, operational optimization, and understanding customer segments.

Hiring talented individuals with a creative and entrepreneurial mindset, allowing them freedom and support to innovate within the company not only nurtured internal innovation but also contributed to the broader startup ecosystem, with former employees starting new ventures based on their experiences.

IMPACT STAGE

We have had the chance to explore other countries’ entrepreneurial environments as well as dive deep into how to scale and fund your company. All the captivating talks on the Impact Stage were hosted by Elena Vrabie, Country Lead @The Recursive.

Partha Nageswaran from Aabhra brings our awareness on data. Enterprises have a lot of data that is not analysed and analysts don’t have support from systems. Unifying the world’s data will expand the world’s knowledge. 

Rutger de Waard from Rootline had an interesting discussion with Elena Vrabie from The Recursive about sales, startups, tactics, and innovation. He agrees that there is a challenge to start from scratch but he strongly advises to “Listen to what the client wants. Sell your value before pricing. If you sell on pricing, it’s only about pricing.” 

Yosuke Kurosawa (Japan Facts Organization) and Quharrison Terry (Mark Cuban Companies) have explored Japan’s entrepreneurial environment. The culture startups in Japan are supported by the government yet, there are not a lot of Japanese people starting companies.

Michiel Scheffer and Elena Ungureanu from the European Innovation Council have discussed with Ioana Mihai (European Investment Bank) and Endre Hunnyadi, Business Development Manager Lumen, about funding your deep tech company to scale up in the European Union. It is important to identify, develop, and scale up high-risk, high-impact innovation across Europe.

The EIC prioritizes deep tech innovations that align with the EUs strategic goals and address major societal challenges.

Karel Obluk from Evolution Equity Partners believes that there are opportunities for new technologies . A product becomes a product only when a customer pays for it. Understanding the market is very important and many people underestimate this.

Nick Powell from Bolt has shared inspiring stories about Bolt’s evolution and emphasized the importance of expanding value for their customers such as adopting new features, services and options like Bolt Luxe, long-term car rentals, and Bolt business card expense management.

Andreas Cser (Fraser) and Thomas Cser (Pricefx) had a debate on tech, culture, and who’s right. We should see the value of failure. People should not be afraid to fail and start again because failure is an opportunity to grow. 

Andrei Hasna has talked about how we can remain competitive when AI has the potential to disrupt any business and what is the true cost of innovation. There are 3 pillars of innovation: collaboration, transformative and multidisciplinary. Andrei has made us thinking about this question: “Do we afford to live in a world where AI is how it is right now and do we need regulations?”

Andrei Bica from Profi said that the main goals of CFO’s in 2024 are continuous automation, using data to drive value, taking charge of digitalization, guiding the enterprise value and ncrease the value of the company using the technology. Profi focuses on 4 main pillars: Customer Engagement (next step after customer experience – Mobile App – 2.4 million subscribers ), Sustainable Expansion (AI tools to check the traffic), State of the art logistic (6 distribution centers ), Efficiency (dedicated team taking care of process information).

Pranay Prakash from Windsor.io was very honest and confessed to Elena and the audience that if there is something that he would have done differently, he would be more careful with the hiring, maybe implement a different hiring process.

Martina Vidakovic has 6 years of experience working at Happening. She told us that each market had problems: inconsistent implementation, increased development time, frontend overhead, and testing. Using KMP has some advantages like  shared codebase which allows consistency, simplified maintenance, flexibility, interoperability, scalability, consistency, seamless integration.

Amazing Q&A sessions, practical workshops & a lot of valuable networking

During the Q&A sessions, participants had the chance to interact directly with the keynote speakers, posing questions and gaining additional understanding of the discussed subjects. These sessions added a valuable interactive dimension to the conference, fostering deeper exploration and clarification of the ideas presented.

Regarding the workshops, each offered practical and interactive learning opportunities for everyone, enabling us to acquire new skills in specific areas of interest. 

1. Design Smarter: The Untapped Power of Product Simulation with Tamás Biró  & Dacian Lucaci (Accenture)
2. Leveling up the Medical, Legal, and Regulatory process in Pharma with Gen.AI with Radu Radocea, Bogdan Peltea, Mario Dumitru (Deloitte). They showed us how AI is supporting the pharmaceutical industry and how you can ask the model for formula if you are a chemist.
3. Making it all come together: How Critical User Journeys shape products that empower people long-term with Ilona Farkas , Dragoș Bardac, Daniel Chiș (Google). They talked about impactful user experience design.
4. Achieving Low Latency and High Throughput with Apache Kafka with Andrei Moldovan (msg systems Romania). Andrei shared strategies for optimizing data processing efficiency. 
5. Preparing and Using Data for AI with LangChain and OpenSearch® Sébastien Blanc & Tibs (Aiven)

See you on Day 2, dear techsylvanians!

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This year’s lineup of speakers promises to be nothing short of phenomenal, with some of the brightest minds in technology, business, and innovation taking the stage to share their insights and visions for the future.

Here are the top 5 speakers you won’t want to miss:

Nigel Richardson is a seasoned technology executive with extensive experience in leading digital transformation. As the SVP & CIO Europe at PepsiCo, he is accountable for all aspects of Information Technology and leading digital transformation. Prior to this role, Richardson served as CIO for PepsiCo’s East Europe region and CIO for UK, Ireland, and Sub-Saharan Africa. His insights on the future of digital transformation and its impact on business will be invaluable at Techsylvania 2024.

These five visionaries are just a few of the many incredible speakers lined up for Techsylvania 2024. With their combined expertise and insights, this year’s conference promises to be an unforgettable experience for attendees. Don’t miss your chance to meet and learn from these industry leaders and shape your vision for the future of technology and business.

Register for Techsylvania 2024 today and get ready to be inspired by the top speakers in the field.

[button link=”#https://techsylvania.com/tickets/” newwindow=”yes”] Buy your ticket![/button]

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Techsylvania Executive Experience isn’t just another networking affair; it’s a meticulously curated platform designed to propel your career to new heights.

Picture yourself amidst a select group of investors, executives, founders, managers, and CEOs, all gathered to expand their networks and portfolios in an exclusive setting.

[button link=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BCTEAeje59s&utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=aftermovie&utm_campaign=Executive+Ticket” newwindow=”yes”] Dive Into Techsylvania Executive Experience[/button]

But that’s not all. The Techsylvania Executive Experience goes beyond conventional networking events by offering access to a plethora of bespoke activities. Imagine indulging in guided tours, wine tastings, traditional dinners, and exclusive cocktail parties—all tailored to foster meaningful connections and explore potential collaborations.

At the heart of the Techsylvania Executive Experience lies the “Executives Pool“—a dynamic space where you can interact with a diverse array of professionals, each interaction opening doors to unprecedented growth and development opportunities.

Here, you’re not just a participant, you’re a catalyst for change and deal-making, shaping the future of the tech industry with every exchange.

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Techsylvania 2024 is calling, and trust us, you won’t want to miss this tech rendezvous!
This year’s edition is more than just an event – it’s a personal journey. Picture visionary leaders and industry titans shaping the future of technology, all gathered for an unforgettable experience on June 26-27.

Join us in the heart of Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca, for an exciting, personal exploration into the future of tech.

Picture this:

Shai Shalev-Shwartz, the CTO of Mobileye, takes center stage. Recognized as one of the 100 most influential researchers worldwide in 2016, Shalev-Shwartz is no stranger to groundbreaking achievements. His contributions to machine learning have not only earned him accolades but have also paved the way for a future where car accidents are a thing of the past. The recipient of the prestigious Michael Bruno Award in 2020, Shalev-Shwartz is on a mission to make our roads safer through cutting-edge technology.

Next up, we have Cosmin Nicolaescu, the CTO of Brex, a true force to be reckoned with in the world of financial technology. With a track record of driving innovation, Cosmin has played a pivotal role in the development of Brex, supporting entrepreneurs on their financial journeys.

But that’s not all – before his time at Brex, he led teams at Stripe, contributing to the creation of Stripe Terminal and building engineering teams across the globe. Starting his career at Microsoft, Cosmin played a key role in launching Azure and Office365. Talk about a tech heavyweight!

Still not convinced? Check out the Techsylvania 2023 aftermovie for a sneak peek into the electrifying atmosphere.

Hit the button, catch the vibes, and prepare for a journey into the future of technology.

Techsylvania 2024 is not just an event; it’s a portal to the tech revolution. Secure your spot now and be part of shaping the tomorrow of tech!

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Let’s dive into the latest trends that are shaping the future of technology.

Artificial Intelligence.

Unleash the power of AI. Dive into machine learning, computer vision, and natural language processing. Discover AI’s impact on industries and its limitless potential for innovation.

Driving Societal Change Through AI Innovation

Yossi Matias is on the leadership team of Google Research. He is the global lead of Google’s Health AI and Climate Crisis AI, and leading pioneering efforts in Conversational AI.

Yossi Matias – Vice President of Engineering at Google

Computing Large Foundational Models

At Stability Tom is designing and implementing solutions using collective intelligence and augmented technology that will transform the world and usher in a new era of personal creativity.

Stability runs one of the largest HPC centers for AI researchers, currently featuring over 4000 Nvidia A100 GPUs on AWS Cloud

Tom Mason – CTO at Stability AI

Panel: Advancing AI for Everyone

Dan Oros (Google)
Ioan Iacob (FLOWX.AI)
Diana Borsa (Google DeepMind)
Ovidiu Cîmpean (State Secretary – Ministry of Investments and European Projects)

F(o)unding.

Discover the art of masterful fundraising and the captivating quest for investors! Unearth the hidden gems of entrepreneurial terminology that can be the make-or-break of your business journey.

Scaling and Fundraising for Marketplace, Consumer, and SMB Software Companies in a Downturn

Getting Past 93 VC Rejections

Product.

Talks related to product management, marketing, growth hacking, industry trends, and ideation, but also related to building up a company from an organizational perspective (culture, management, operations)

Mapping the Future with Lars Rasmussen, Founder, and Angel Investor

Following the Steps of the Start-Up Nation: How to Scale-Up the Romanian Ecosystem

Reuven Azar – Ambassador of Israel to Romania

Designing for Impact: Harnessing Collaboration and Innovation

Don’t miss out on the opportunity to expand your tech knowledge and learn from the top experts.

Join our Patreon community and choose the membership tier that best suits your appetite for innovation.

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In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, UniCredit Bank stands at the forefront of digital transformation, embracing innovation while ensuring the security and stability of its digital platforms. As a Platinum partner of Techsylvania 2023, the bank’s collaboration with this cutting-edge tech event has not only enriched its digital prowess but also propelled it into a league of market trendsetters. Let’s delve into the insights shared by Andrei Stamatian, Director of Alternative Distribution Channels at UniCredit Bank, as he unveils the bank’s strategies, successes, and aspirations in the realm of digital banking.

Unleashing Synergies – UniCredit Bank and Techsylvania 

UniCredit Bank’s partnership with Techsylvania is rooted in the recognition of the transformative power of fintech. According to Andrei, “New technologies pioneered by fintech and other digital players have produced significant changes in the way we do banking, at a very rapid pace. The partnership between banks and fintechs is the answer to today’s technological challenges.” This collaboration allows UniCredit Bank to remain informed about the latest trends and technologies that are reshaping the industry.

Pioneering Trends – UniCredit’s Digital Roadmap 

To be a market trendsetter, UniCredit Bank recognizes the need to swiftly adapt to evolving customer preferences. Andrei emphasizes, “We as a banking institution must move quickly in capturing the new style of successful offering that helps us to be a market trendsetter in our industry.” Rapid technological advancements, including artificial intelligence, blockchain, and big data analytics, provide opportunities to enhance efficiency and elevate customer experiences. UniCredit Bank’ s swift adoption of these technologies underscores its commitment to staying ahead in the dynamic digital banking landscape.

In a digital era, security remains paramount. Andrei underscores the significance of customizing solutions to meet the specific needs of the local market. He explains that collaboration with the Digital Foresight team at UniCredit Group helps identify optimal solutions for local deployment. Incorporating on-the-ground feedback is crucial. This strategy begins with identifying needs in a significant market and subsequently adapting these solutions for local deployment in suitable geographies. This approach not only ensures customer data security but also nurtures a culture of innovation.

Empowering Through Knowledge – UniCredit Bank‘s Employee Transformation

In the pursuit of digital transformation, UniCredit Bank understands that employee upskilling is paramount. Andrei Stamatian shares, “Internal digital training platforms deliver adequate training for all new digital offerings for our employees.” This commitment ensures that the bank’s workforce is well-prepared to support new digital offerings. Additionally, through experience exchanges between head office and global teams, UniCredit Bank fosters a culture of continuous learning and knowledge sharing.

Their commitment to digital readiness extends beyond training programs. Andrei further explains, “UniCredit Bank‘s head office digital teams have regular experience exchanges with the teams in other countries where the group is present and we discuss market news with the Digital Foresight team.” This engagement ensures that employees are not only equipped with skills but also engaged in shaping the bank’s digital journey.

Navigating the Digital Horizon – UniCredit Bank‘s Vision 

UniCredit Bank’s vision transcends the present, with an unwavering focus on future trends and technologies. Stamatian highlights, “UniCredit looks at digital adoption and penetration of the product sales. Whenever we launch a new digital offering we see an initial spike in digital sales from the digital early adopters that were already waiting for the product to come in digital format.” Navigating through the complex landscape of regulations, UniCredit Bank aims to harness nimble technologies that drive efficiency and innovation.

UniCredit Bank’s journey portrays an institution that stands as a pioneer of digital transformation. The bank’s ability to marry innovation with security, empower its employees, and navigate the digital landscape with foresight underscores its dedication to shaping the future of banking. As UniCredit Bank continues to pioneer trends and embrace partnerships, its journey remains a beacon of inspiration for the financial industry’s ongoing digital evolution.

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Blu Capital Partners (BCP) is an entrepreneurial investment banking advisory firm that specializes in providing comprehensive services to technology entrepreneurs. As an investment banking advisory firm, BCP offers a range of expertise, including M&A Advisory, Financing Advisory (Equity and Debt), and CEO & Board Advisory. These core areas encompass strategic guidance on mergers and acquisitions, assistance in securing financing through equity or debt, and tailored advice for CEOs and boards to optimize their decision-making processes.

As Techsylvania 2023 approaches, BCP is ready to showcase its unique approach and commitment to technology entrepreneurs. Let’s explore how BCP’s participation highlights its distinctive qualities through the words of Tudor Mafteianu, Founder and CEO of the company and Dragos Tudose, Senior Manager.

Expertise and Market Intelligence:

BCP has carved a niche for itself by focusing solely on the technology sector, understanding its unique needs, trends, and challenges. According to Tudor Mafteianu, “Our deep expertise with both product and service Technology firms allows us to fully apprehend the value that our clients bring to the market.” BCP’s relentless focus on technology enables it to provide tailored advice that no other investment banking advisory firm can match. With their comprehensive proprietary database and extensive research capabilities, BCP leverages data to drive exceptional results for its clients.

Success Stories:

BCP has successfully supported its technology clients in various areas, including M&A, strategy, and financing advice. Tudor Mafteianu highlights a few examples: “We recently guided a Technology firm through a crucial Series A funding round, connecting them with an array of investors globally.” BCP’s expertise in structuring complex debt financing deals was instrumental in helping a FinTech company in the Baltics balance growth and profitability. Additionally, BCP facilitated a successful M&A transaction for an Eastern European software development company, accelerating their expansion into new markets. These success stories exemplify BCP’s ability to deliver tailored solutions and maximize client potential.

Proactive Approach:

In the rapidly evolving technology sector, BCP proactively identifies key opportunities and challenges for its clients. Dragos Tudose (Senior Manager) acknowledges the dynamic nature of the industry, stating, “We often see clients grappling with finding suitable investors who understand their product, navigating regulatory complexities, or deciding on the right time for an exit.” BCP leverages its data-driven approach, extensive network, and industry experience to help clients overcome these challenges and seize opportunities. By staying ahead of regulatory shifts and providing strategic guidance, BCP empowers its clients to navigate the ever-changing landscape of the technology sector.

Building Strong Client Relationships:

BCP’s client-centric approach revolves around building strong, long-lasting relationships based on trust, integrity, and transparency. They consistently communicate with clients, deliver tailored advice, and prioritize their interests. BCP’s alignment of interests ensures that the firm’s compensation is directly tied to client outcomes, fostering a seamless partnership.

As Techsylvania 2023 approaches, Blu Capital Partners is poised to showcase its expertise, market intelligence, and client-centric approach. With a track record of successful transactions and a proactive stance in navigating the evolving technology landscape, BCP is committed to empowering tech entrepreneurs and driving their success. As Tudor Mafteianu states, “Our deep expertise, proactive approach, and strong client relationships are the cornerstones of our firm’s philosophy.” Through their participation at Techsylvania 2023, BCP aims to expand its reach and make an even greater impact within the technology sector.

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Excitement is reaching its peak for the highly awaited Techsylvania event, where Happening, a leading player in transforming the way sports fans engage with their favorite games, is set to captivate attendees with innovations in the sports entertainment industry. As a Gold Partner at Techsylvania`s 10th edition, Happening is prepared to make an impression with its state-of-the-art technology and revolutionary experiences.

Giuseppe Madonna, the Chief Product Officer at Superbet and Managing Director at Happening is an expert in product experience and a driving force behind Superbet’s success. He shares his excitement for the event:

“We are thrilled to participate in Techsylvania. It provides us with an outstanding platform to expand our network, engage in current conversations, and stay updated on the latest trends in the tech industry. Additionally, as we’re actively hiring in Romania, we’re confident that we’ll meet skilled professionals who share our passion for innovation and technology.”

Unleashing the Power of Technology

By leveraging advanced data analytics and captivating platforms, Happening offers sports fans an unprecedented level of engagement, elevating their experience of their favorite sports.

Giuseppe elaborates on Happening’s tech-driven approach:

“With a focus on user-centric design, innovation, and leveraging technology and data, Happening is uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in this evolution. By staying ahead of technological trends and industry shifts, we will continue to shape the betting and gaming industry, delivering exceptional experiences that redefine user engagement and satisfaction.”

Happening serves as Superbet’s dedicated technology hub, powering all three consumer brands within the Superbet Group: Superbet, Napoleon Sports & Casino, and Lucky 7. Leveraging the latest technology, Happening strives to provide the best sports entertainment experience across these brands.

Connecting with Visionaries and Industry Leaders

Happening capitalizes on the possibilities presented at Techsylvania, the event that, each year, attracts a diverse community of industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and tech enthusiasts. Through its participation and booth in the expo area, Happening will connect with like-minded individuals and showcase its innovative solutions. Through meaningful discussions, Happening strives to foster collaborations and build valuable relationships with industry leaders who share a mutual objective of shaping a brighter future.

Inspiring the Future of Sports Entertainment

Through its presence at Techsylvania, Happening aims to inspire and challenge the status quo in the sports entertainment industry. By showcasing innovative solutions and sharing their visionary outlook, they hope to foster a community of forward-thinking individuals who believe in the transformative power of technology in revolutionizing the sports experience.

Giuseppe emphasizes the significance of Techsylvania in advancing their mission:

“Techsylvania stands out as one of the most prominent tech events in Romania, bringing together a diverse group of tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators. It provides us with the ideal platform to showcase our innovative technological solutions and the complexity of our product, while also enabling us to learn about the latest trends in the technology industry and establish valuable relationships in Romania.”

Meanwhile, on the main stage, Tijana Kovačević (VP of People @Happening) will discuss what it takes to preserve the startup spirit and culture at your company, and how to avoid bureaucracy as you scale up. Don’t miss the chance to experience Happening’s remarkable presence at Techsylvania and be part of the revolution that is reshaping the sports entertainment industry.

Techsylvania serves as a catalyst for innovation and collaboration, and Happening is poised to make an unforgettable impression at this year`s edition. With their advanced technology, fascinating experiences, and visionary approach to the future of sports entertainment, Happening is set to revolutionize the way sports fans engage with their favorite games. As they connect with industry leaders, exchange ideas, and inspire others, the impact of Happening’s involvement at Techsylvania will resonate throughout the tech landscape.

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As part of their accelerated growth plan, Betfair Romania Development is on their way to reach 1.600 employees by the end of the year. The company is already the largest technology hub of its parent company, Flutter Entertainment plc., and their focus is being ready for what the future holds.
Today, we’re talking to Ioana Popa, General Manager Betfair Romania Development, and we’re delving into the company’s commitment to help their employees be prepared for a future that requires new skills and even more adaptability.

Ioana, with the current predictions about the future of work, how do you ensure your company is future-ready in terms of skills and capabilities?

„We have always tried to stay ahead of the curve, if I may say so. Our employees have not only benefited from a flexible work environment before the pandemic, but we’ve also created spaces where learning happens in various forms and builds a wide range of expertise and life skills. Anticipating their needs is the result of us listening to our employees, and making sure they are supported both personally and professionally.
At a global level, companies are still learning and testing different ways of working while trying to offer their employees the best experience. People are at the center of our organization, and our approach revolves around fostering a culture of continuous learning, by providing our employees with the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. I believe we have successfully integrated that into our Talent and Development programs that suit different learning goals and styles: self-driven, on-the-job learning, as well as career courses, available both offline and online.”

Can you give us a sneak peek into the learning opportunities available at Betfair Romania Development? What are the options for someone looking to gain new skills?

„Absolutely! We believe that learning is no longer something done in a meeting room, nor does it rely solely on taking notes. Learning comes in many forms, and I’m very proud to say that we have what we like to call, a playground full of opportunities.

Apart from a wide range of career growth courses and online platforms, we are offering a yearly ‘Self-Development Fund’ of 1.000 EUR to every employee. As you can probably tell by its name, this fund gives employees the freedom to choose how they want to invest in their growth: by attending a masterclass, joining an event, or buying a ticket to a conference, anything is possible.

And because we were talking about being future-ready in the rapidly changing world of work, we have implemented a series of ‘Skills for the Future Masterclasses’. Each session is led by industry experts and is designed to equip our employees with the essential abilities needed to succeed: critical thinking & decision making, system thinking, sensemaking and more.

Predicting what the future holds is an impossible task, but it’s in our power to offer our employees options and flexibility, so that they’re empowered to take decisions to the best of their abilities. With this in mind, we have created the ‘Job Swing’ programme. I think we have all wondered at least once what it would be like to join a new team for a while and learn on the job? Well, our Job Swing programme does exactly that! It allows our colleagues to try out a different role in another field, with the purpose of learning new skills, changing career paths or just experiencing other areas of the business.”

We know that the right guidance can do wonders, especially in times of uncertainty. How are managers encouraged to invest in their growth at Betfair Romania Development?

„Our managers are the backbone of our company, and we power them to guide their teams and lead them to success. We understood that even though we look at global trends and insights to gain knowledge on what the future brings, the best way to be prepared is by focusing on our business and workforce, learning what our employees need and adjusting our offer in a way that is relevant for them.
To support managers who take on a new role, we have built a dedicated programme that equips them with the know-how, skills, and tools to be ready for their new journey. They receive training and guidance along the way, plus plenty of resources to help them succeed.
Once in a manager role, leadership practices and pragmatic approaches are key, but learning to apply these has no ‘one-size-fits-all’ formula. We sensed a need for tailored courses, with a curriculum that adapts to everyone’s specific learning goals.
Lastly, we rely on each other. We do that through regular Managers Forums which are internal events around thought leadership topics, where our colleagues in management roles can connect, exchange views and experiences.”

With such a diverse range of offers and given Betfair Romania Development now has more than 1.400 employees, how do you measure the impact of your learning initiatives?

„It’s true that our dedicated team works relentlessly to curate both industry-related courses, as well as relevant workshops and courses. We believe in data-driven decision-making, and we wouldn’t be able to find the best options without measuring the impact of our initiatives.

Collecting feedback through surveys and assessments has been effective, but in parallel we also track employee satisfaction, skills acquisition, and career progression. This data helps us refine our programmes, identify areas for improvement, and ensure that our learning and development initiatives align with our employees’ needs and current working environment.”

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