Are you an investor or a startup founder? Do you like to get your hands dirty and explore new cultures, cuisines, and wines while creating opportunities and meaningful interactions?
After four years of pause, TechVillage is back in the picturesque village of Butuceni, Moldova.
What is TechVillage?
TechVillage is a three-day startup event offering a blend of business interaction, deal-making, adventure, cultural fusion, and outdoor networking.
Scheduled between September 6 – 8, the event will take place in Butuceni, one of the most beautiful villages in the Republic of Moldova.
Here are a few reasons why you should attend the TechVillage event.
#1 Discover and invest in Rising CEE Startups
The startup ecosystem in Moldova and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) is developing and growing. New startups are being launched, while others are expanding into international markets.
To reach their full potential, these startups require assistance and investments. This event aims to discover talents from CEE and assist startup founders in securing funding.
By participating, you can contribute to the growth of the first Moldovan unicorn. Creating two unicorns by 2030 is one of the Republic of Moldova’s goals outlined in the National Strategy for Digital Transformation.
Also, Moldova IT Park offers the most optimal taxation level in Central and Eastern Europe.
With a single tax rate of 7 per cent on sales income, which replaces all tax payments owed by the company and employees, the resident company is exempt from corporate income tax, any payroll taxes owed by the employee and employer, local taxes, property taxes, and road taxes.
#2 The return of TechVillage
The event aims to gather 50 international investors and 50 business founders from CEE countries (Romania, Ukraine, and Moldova) to transform the CEE startup ecosystem and revitalise rural Moldova.
It is targeted at angel investors and pre-seed investors ready to commit between $50,000 and $200,000 to promising startups.
#3 Unique setup
Butuceni, one of Moldova’s most beautiful villages, will serve as the venue for TechVillage. This idyllic rural setting provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Imagine trading fancy hotels and conference rooms for meetings under a tree, campfire talks, and networking on the hills.
The idea is to blend relaxation and foster deeper connections among participants through a unique environment setup.
#4 Boosting the rural economy
During the three-day event, participants will engage in various cultural and nature-based activities, including village quests, wine tasting, and trying traditional cuisine.
The event is an unconference type that’s focused on interaction between participants rather than sitting through speeches and panel discussions under roofs and walls.
#5 Quality over quantity
TechVillage prides itself on its curated selection of participants and event formats.
The program will include one-on-one sessions, a pitching marathon, and other deal-making activities.
“We focus on quality, that’s why to ensure good matchmaking between the startups and investors, all applicants will go through a selection process before payment,” says TechVillage’s website.
#6 Resurrecting Moldovan villages
Severe demographic and economic problems characterise the rural areas in Moldova. A trend of mass population exodus has left numerous villages desolated and forgotten.
As a result, the TechVillage event in Butuceni is an attempt to help resurrect Moldovan villages.
More events like TechVillage will bring business to the rural areas and help them develop and maintain their demographics.
Schedule for TechVillage event
Day 1
08:00 – Departure to Orheiul Vechi
10:00 – Check-in
10:30 – Village Quest | Fun and exciting ice-breaking activity in the village, perfect for networking and bond-making
12:30 – Traditional lunch at a locally owned restaurant
13:30 – Official Opening
14:00 – Investor Pitch Presentations
16:00 – Break: explore, experience, and find energy from your peers
16:30 – Startup Pitch Presentations
19:00 – Dinner: enjoy great music, delicious food and community vibes
Day 2
08:00 – Breakfast: the freshest local eggs, farm dairy, homemade bread, and the most flavored organic fruits and vegetables
09:30 – One-on-one sessions
12:30 – Lunch: discover the delicious taste of our local cuisine
13:30 – One-on-one sessions
16:00 – Break: go for a bike tour through rural neighborhoods or take a walk down the stunning river valley
16:30 – Office Hours
19:30 – Dinner, Wine Tasting & Fireside Chat at Vila Agricultorului Varzari
Day 3
08:00 – Breakfast & check-out
09:30 – Dealmaking/ Free Networking
12:30 – Lunch: unveil interesting facts about Moldova’s national dishes
13:30 – Dealmaking/ Free Networking
15:30 – Official closing: say goodbye and raise a glass for the amazing experience
16:00 – Departure to Chisinau
If you are a startup founder, you can book your seat at €350/prs. If you are an investor, you can book your seat at €600/prs.
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