More than 300 tech startups are active in Moldova, generating revenues of over €39.5 million in 2025, creating over 1,200 jobs, and attracting €15 million in investment—double compared to the 2024 total
This was announced by the Startup Moldova foundation, which builds and supports the entrepreneurship and innovation ecosystem in Moldova. As noted in the announcement, startups in Moldova are experiencing a phase of accelerated growth, supported by local organizations and development partners, such as the EU through the EU4Innovation East project, as well as by the local infrastructure created in recent years for founders and innovation teams. A key player in this evolution is the Startup Moldova foundation, whose mission is to accelerate the growth of the startup ecosystem and digital innovation in the country through mentorship, the creation of a favorable environment, access to essential services, and international visibility. Growth is also supported by new funding opportunities—targeted funds, grants, and development programs—that contribute to the consolidation of the sector, which will be the focus of the Startup Moldova Summit 2026, the largest event to date. In this context, more and more international and regional publications are beginning to follow the development of the startup ecosystem and the scale of the summit in Chisinau, dedicated to the theme "Born in Moldova. Built for the World." Moldova is currently home to over 300 tech startups, which in 2025 generated over €39.5 million in revenue, created over 1,200 jobs, and attracted €15 million in investment—double the previous year's total. This growth is also supported by a range of tools that connect local founders with capital, expertise, and external markets. The EU4Innovation East project, the lead partner of the Startup Moldova Summit 2026, plays a key role. Funded by the European Union, co-financed by the Government of France, and implemented by Expertise France, the project supports the development of the startup ecosystem in the Eastern Partnership countries by strengthening founders' capacities, expanding access to finance, and connecting them to regional and European innovation networks. In Moldova, EU4Innovation East supports founders and those interested in entrepreneurship and innovation, strengthens local startup support organizations, supports key ecosystem events, and opens the door to international recognition and connections with the EU innovation ecosystem. In partnership with the Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP), the project supported the creation of the Startup and Innovation Fund. Concurrently, EU4Innovation East is allocating €1 million for incubation, acceleration, talent development, and preparing startups for investment. Thanks to these efforts, startups in Moldova are equipped with the necessary tools for growth, and the ecosystem is becoming increasingly competitive. Against this backdrop, Moldova is gaining increasing visibility in the international press in the lead-up to the Startup Moldova Summit 2026. Olga Melniciuc, Executive Director of the Startup Moldova Foundation, noted that the Startup Moldova Summit is a gateway to the Moldovan startup ecosystem, connecting founders with sources of capital, expertise, international markets, and decision-makers to contribute to building a more competitive economy based on innovation. "In recent years, we have seen a clear shift from potential to results. "As Moldova moves toward European integration, its startup ecosystem is strengthening thanks to targeted support mechanisms and improved access to capital: from the launch of the Fund of Funds, which attracts investment in startups and high-growth companies, to new co-financing programs and the development of Moldova HiTech Park as a bridge between academia, startups, and companies," she emphasized. This year's theme, "Born in Moldova. Built for the World," reflects this evolution and focuses on startups created in Moldova for global markets, while the local ecosystem is increasingly integrated with international networks, investments, and opportunities. Charles Mathiaux, Deputy Director of EU4Innovation East, noted that Moldova is rapidly developing, with an increasing number of startups emerging, the ecosystem continually improving, and connections to international markets expanding. Through the regional project EU4Innovation East, the European Union is strengthening local capacity, expanding access to finance, and connecting Moldovan startups with broader regional and European networks. "We support the Startup Moldova Summit because it brings together founders, investors, and ecosystem participants, creating opportunities for collaboration, learning, and international exposure. Our goal is to develop a resilient and competitive ecosystem that fosters sustainable growth and closer integration into the European innovation community," he emphasized. Startup Moldova Summit 2026 will bring together over 2,000 participants, 150 startups, 60 speakers, and over 50 investors in Chisinau, making it the largest event in the summit's history. The summit provides direct access to startup founders, investors, and international tech industry leaders, creating a platform for networking, sharing experiences, learning, and connecting with specific funding and development opportunities. Startup Moldova is a foundation that builds and supports the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in Moldova. Through startup support programs, access to funding, events, international partnerships, and public policy initiatives, Startup Moldova unites tech startup founders, investors, and corporations around a common goal: a Moldova where good ideas have resources and markets. Startup Moldova Summit is the ecosystem's flagship event, organized annually by Startup Moldova to inspire, connect, and support the next generation of entrepreneurs building global companies from Moldova. // 09.04.2026 – InfoMarket
