Risky Business / Spherik

Overview

Joined Romania's first pre-seed fund and accelerator after my own startup journey — helping portfolio startups refine ideas, prepare for pitching, and implement technical strategy.

The Challenge

After City365, I wanted to learn the other side: how accelerators and VCs evaluate startups, guide product development, and help founders succeed.

The Solution

Joined Spherik/Risky Business as Product Apprentice — working hands-on with startups on product refinement, pitch preparation, and technical strategy. Also helped organize Techsylvania and Startup Avalanche, judged pitching competitions, and scouted talent at hackathons.

Impact & Outcomes

• Part of the team recognized by CEE Awards as best entrepreneurship program in Romania
• Helped startups like Ebriza (€70K investment at €500K valuation), Clever Taxi, ChatX.ai, Skillview, ZigZad, BounceMatch, NiftyLearning, and Mushin
• Judged pitching competitions and scouted new talent at student hackathons across Romania
• Worked alongside advisors from LiveRail (€500M exit to Facebook) and Skobbler (€24M exit to Telenav)
• Full circle: when Yayzy launched years later, the team proudly celebrated it as a win for the whole community — 'our very own going on to do impactful things'

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