A total of 71.6% of Romanian startups are bootstrapped – fully self-funded, with no external investments – according to The State of Romanian Born Early Stage Startups 2025 report by Launch Romania powered by BCR.
Moreover, Romanian founders are no longer chasing funding alone, they are building startups with a clear product vision, financial autonomy, and long-term sustainability. The recurring revenue model (47.5%) is becoming the dominant approach.
The data highlights a new generation of founders who understand that success doesn’t come from quick funding rounds, but from solid, step-by-step construction. “It’s the clearest proof that the Romanian startup ecosystem has entered a stage of maturity,” says Andrei Cojan, Head of Launch Romania.
Interestingly, over 40% of startups are already in the MVP or Beta stage, showing a growing focus on testing and market validation. Female founders also have a stronger presence than in 2024.
The main challenge remains growth & commercialization (37.1%), yet the overall trend shows increasing commercial skills and better market understanding. Despite financial pressures, Romanian founders prioritize clarity, sustainability, and autonomy.
