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The documentary "Romanian Startups: Roaring Tigers of Europe", made by the start-up.ro team, spans across 33 years of history, from the first entrepreneurs in the transitional years to the initial technology company transactions that brought Romania into the international spotlight.
Romanian Startups: Roaring Tigers of Europe - The Extended Series will present the people who built the Romanian ecosystem and who discussed with the VideoCorp and start-up.ro team for this documentary. In this series you will find the extensive interviews and find out the stories of those who built entrepreneurship in Romania.
”I would say that there are not so many female founders in technology. I think there are less than 2%, 3%. So it's a very, very low number in technology. It's something to do with culture and education. Because, for example, in high school, we don't teach entrepreneurship. It's not necessarily something that you tell your girl, your daughter, you have to have your own company”, Carmen Sebe, President of BoD SeedBlink, told us during our interview for the Romanian Startups: Roaring Tigers of Europe documentary.
With a background in engineering, another field traditionally male dominated, Carmen reflected on her career journey, highlighting the challenges and opportunities within the engineering and technology sectors, particularly in Romania.
She discussed her initial motivations for choosing engineering, influenced more by practicality than passion, and touched on the difficulties she faced during her studies.
“When you start something, you are doing it to the end. Quitting is not an option. Even if the initial journey is challenging, like my five-year engineering degree, the value lies in the perseverance and commitment to see it through. Education shapes our resilience, and every struggle is a step toward growth”, mentioned Carmen while talking about perseverance in education.
Our conversation addressed the underrepresentation of women in technical fields and the importance of encouraging girls to pursue careers in engineering and technology.
“We must encourage girls to pursue technical fields. The reality is that cultural norms often discourage them, yet entrepreneurship is not confined to technical skills alone. Women bring unique strengths in collaboration and leadership that are vital in technology. Education must evolve to instill confidence in young women to chase their ideas.”
Carmen Sebe also shared with us her professional evolution, detailing experiences in software support and marketing, and her eventual return to Romania after spending time in the UK and Silicon Valley.
She emphasized the significance of workplace culture and conditions, which attracted her while working alongside Radu Georgescu (you can watch his interview for the Romanian Startups: Roaring Tigers of Europe documentary here).
We’ve also discussed her transition into entrepreneurship, her involvement in the startup ecosystem, as a cofounder of SeedBlink, and her commitment to mentoring emerging tech companies.
“The growth of the startup ecosystem in Romania reflects a broader trend where access to funding and mentorship is vital. Startups are not just born from youthful ambition; they thrive on experience and a supportive network. Sustainable growth hinges on education in finance and strategic planning, especially in uncertain economic climates.”
We’ve discussed at length with Carmen Sebe for the Romanian Startups: Roaring Tigers of Europe documentary.
- Education and career choices: Carmen’s journey reflects a common narrative where practical considerations outweigh passion in career choices. This suggests a need for educational systems to cultivate interest in engineering from an early age, promoting it as a viable and exciting career path for all students, especially girls.
- Gender representation in tech: the underrepresentation of women in technical fields is a persistent issue. Carmen highlights cultural barriers and the need for educational initiatives that promote entrepreneurship among girls. By fostering a more supportive environment, the industry can benefit from diverse perspectives and innovations.
- Cultural differences in work environments: Carmen’s experiences in the UK and Silicon Valley showcase the importance of workplace culture in attracting talent. This insight underscores the need for Romanian companies to adopt better practices to compete internationally and retain skilled professionals.
- Growth of the startup ecosystem: her account of the transformation in Romania’s startup ecosystem over the past two decades illustrates a significant shift. Successful startups can act as role models, inspiring future entrepreneurs and creating a ripple effect throughout the economy.
- Funding landscape: the challenges of securing funding for startups in Romania remain a significant barrier. Carmen Sebe notes that while there have been improvements, there is still a critical need for more investment, particularly in early-stage companies. This highlights the importance of creating financial support systems, like venture capital and angel investments.
- Mentorship as a catalyst for growth: the Seedblink cofounder’s and board member involvement in mentoring startups demonstrates how experienced professionals can play a crucial role in nurturing new ventures. This mentorship can bridge the gap between education and practical application, helping entrepreneurs navigate complex challenges.
- Navigating economic challenges: The conversation touches on the current economic climate and its impact on startups. The advice to maintain a cash reserve and be prepared for fluctuations reflects broader economic realities, emphasizing the need for startups to be resilient and adaptable in uncertain times.
- By addressing gender disparities, fostering a supportive startup ecosystem, and enhancing education in entrepreneurship, significant strides can be made toward a more inclusive and thriving tech landscape. Carmen’s journey serves as both an inspiration and a call to action for current and future generations in the field.
Roaring Tigers of Europe is a production by start-up.ro and Videocorp, part of the Romanian publishing company InternetCorp, active for almost 20 years on the market. The documentary was made with the support of partners BCR, Orange, and 2Performant. Community partners included Guran Consulting Global, How to Web, Launch, Impact Hub Bucharest, Flaviu Simihaian, Rubik Hub, SoftServe, and the Romanian-American University.
Watch the entire documentary in the video below: