The assessment emphasises that while the immediate danger of losing investment grade status has receded, significant fiscal risks remain. The agency warns that if Romania fails to achieve convincing fiscal consolidation, or if economic stagnation undermines the government’s plans, a downgrade remains possible within the next two years.

Government’s Fiscal Package: Tax Hikes and Spending Cuts

In mid-2025, the Bolojan government introduced a comprehensive fiscal package aimed at consolidating public finances and addressing a projected cash budget deficit that could have exceeded 8.5% of GDP without intervention. Key measures include:

• Raising the standard VAT rate from 19% to 21%, with reduced rates also going up to 11%, effective August 1, 2025.
• Extending health insurance contributions to pensions over 3,000 lei until 2028.
• Freezing pensions and public sector salaries in 2026.
• Increasing taxes and duties, notably for the gambling sector.
• Implementing reforms to special pensions, retirement ages, and management of state-owned enterprises.
• Downsizing and optimising public sector structures through decentralisation and digitisation.

The package, valued at about 5% of GDP, is recognised as Romania’s most ambitious fiscal adjustment effort since the global financial crisis. While designed to address immediate risks, the measures will bring short-term economic pain: anticipated slower growth, higher inflation, and potential job losses.

Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan took full responsibility for the reform package, acknowledging the unpopularity of the measures but assuring Romanians that this difficult period will be limited in time. He emphasised the need for reforms to ensure long-term stability and called for cooperation from coalition partners and the opposition.

On the other hand, Finance Minister Alexandru Nazare highlighted positive signals from international partners in response to the government’s fiscal actions. He noted that there’s a high degree of certainty that Romania is headed in the right direction. Still, he warned that the work is not yet over, with continued monitoring and further reforms necessary.

The Broader Context and Implications

• Without corrective measures, Romania risked not only a credit downgrade but also the suspension of critical EU funds worth over €28 billion.
• The government has committed to further consolidation packages, targeting broader reforms in public administration, governance, and fighting tax evasion throughout 2025 and beyond.
• The retention of Romania’s investment grade gives the government breathing room, but Romania remains under scrutiny from both markets and European institutions. The path forward requires discipline, transparency, and full implementation of the agreed fiscal roadmap.

The latest evaluation reflects cautious optimism: Romania remains, for now, out of “junk” territory, but the threat lingers if fiscal discipline is not enforced. The Bolojan administration’s willingness to pursue unpopular but necessary measures and its public commitment to accountability signal a new chapter for Romanian fiscal responsibility, one that investors, EU institutions, and the Romanian public alike will closely watch.

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The acquisition involved Intesa Sanpaolo purchasing a 99.98% stake in First Bank S.A. First Bank operates 40 branches across Romania and holds assets worth approximately €1.5 billion. The bank primarily serves small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and retail customers, and it has been actively investing in digital technologies and mobile banking applications.

Strategic Implications for Intesa Sanpaolo

Doubling Presence in Romania: Before the acquisition, Intesa Sanpaolo was already present in Romania through its subsidiary, Intesa Sanpaolo Bank Romania, which operates 34 branches and serves around 60,000 customers. This acquisition effectively doubles the bank’s operational capacity in Romania, enhancing its service capabilities and market reach.

Strengthening CEE Position: The move aligns with Intesa Sanpaolo’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in the CEE region. The bank’s International Subsidiary Banks Division (ISBD) manages 11 commercial banks in the CEE region and Egypt, and this acquisition further consolidates its market position, providing a solid base for future growth and profitability in the region.

Supporting Italian Businesses Abroad: with its strong economic growth and close ties to Italy, Romania presents a lucrative market for Intesa Sanpaolo. The acquisition supports the internationalization of Italian companies, offering them better banking services and financial support in Romania.

Market and Economic Impact

Romanian Banking Sector: The acquisition of First Bank by Intesa Sanpaolo is a significant development in the Romanian banking sector. It marks the exit of J.C. Flowers & Co., a major US-based private equity firm, from the Romanian market. Given Intesa Sanpaolo’s established reputation and financial strength, this shift is expected to bring more stability and growth opportunities to the sector.

Economic Growth in Romania: Romania’s GDP growth is projected to surpass 3% over the next two years, making it one of the fastest-growing economies in the EU. Intesa Sanpaolo’s expanded operations in the country will likely contribute positively to this growth, mainly through enhanced support for SMEs and retail banking customers.

Digital Transformation

First Bank’s ongoing investments in digital technology and mobile banking are expected to complement Intesa Sanpaolo’s digital initiatives. Earlier this year, Intesa Sanpaolo signed an agreement with IBM to adopt innovative technology infrastructures, aiming to launch new digital banking services. This synergy is anticipated to accelerate digital transformation in Romania’s banking sector, providing customers with improved and more efficient banking solutions.

Intesa Sanpaolo’s acquisition of First Bank S.A. marks a significant milestone in the bank’s strategic expansion in the CEE region. Intesa Sanpaolo can leverage the country’s economic growth and strengthen its support for SMEs and retail customers by doubling its presence in Romania. The acquisition enhances the bank’s market position and underscores its commitment to capturing value-driven opportunities and fostering organic growth. As the transaction is completed in early 2024, all eyes will be on how Intesa Sanpaolo integrates First Bank’s operations and accelerates its digital transformation journey in Romania.

This strategic move is poised to benefit both the bank and its customers, driving profitability and contributing to the overall growth and stability of the Romanian banking sector.

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In this context, one of the most experienced foreign lawyers specializing in investing in Romania, Mr. Nicholas Hammond, shared his thoughts on best practices to approach and mistakes to avoid when investing in Romania as a foreigner. His firm, Hammond Partnership, was the first foreign law company to open an office in Bucharest, and this was quite an adventure, as he remembers.

As a Romanian law firm with a wide range of clients from major industry leaders to small startups, we see our role as Romanian lawyers in Bucharest as to guide, lead, and sometimes contradict our clients and point out potential issues to be resolved.  As a solicitor fresh out of London, I came to Romania to open a Romanian law firm, and it was a new experience.  Opening the first foreign law office in Romana after 1989 was an adventure. To still be here some 30 years later is a success for my firm, and I am proud of it. There have been some missteps on the way, but as we emphasize to all our Romanian and international clients, Romania is still a wonderful place to do business.    

Nicholas Hammond, Senior Partner at Hammond Partnership

According to Nicholas Hammons, it is essential to understand the local laws and society and how Romanian business works before going into business. Romanian company law differs from company law in England and the United States. The ways of doing business are vastly different.

The legal liability of Romanian company directors (administrators) differs from that of an English company director. The responsibilities of a director are different, as are their powers. The structure and authority in business are different, as is the thinking behind the law. It would be best if you had a clear explanation of the liabilities of an administrator before taking on this responsibility. This is not to advise you not to become a director of a Romanian company but to emphasize that you need to understand what it entails. A Romanian company’s taxation rules appear straightforward, but again, take advice. 

Nicholas Hammond also approached one sensitive topic: why Romanian lawyers are not so successful in certain situations when foreign investors need advice on opening a business in the country.

There are many Romanian lawyers who, unfortunately, do not understand the thinking of a foreign investor and, therefore, misadvise them. Too often, assumptions are made regarding their client. It is natural for investors to assume that if someone speaks English, the Romanian lawyer or the Romanian law firm delivers advice in the same manner and with the same understanding as they would receive in England. Just like any other relationship, the relationship between a lawyer and his client is based on trust and clear communication. Still, often, there is a vast difference between what is said and what is understood. Words used by a natural English speaker often do not mean the same for a Romanian speaker. Context can produce disastrous miscommunication. For example, “I want“ in Romanian is a translation of “I would like.” This can have an entirely different impact in English and on a native English speaker.

Nicholas Hammond on why is better to choose an adequate law firm when investing in Romania

He advises that when you come to Romania to invest, write as many questions on paper as you can, ask your Romanian lawyer the questions, and seek to understand the answers. The price for fully answering their questions could save you higher fees. Do not choose your lawyer on price but on an evaluation of the advice that they give now and can give in the future. 

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This comprehensive article delves into SALT’s unique offerings, history, and potential impact on the Romanian financial ecosystem. It explores the reasons why you should consider making SALT your new bank and the ways SALT changes the financial environment in Romania and worldwide.

What is SALT Bank?

SALT is a digital-only bank operating exclusively through its mobile application. Unlike conventional banks with physical branches, SALT leverages technology to provide a seamless and user-friendly banking experience. It is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Banca Transilvania, Romania’s most significant financial group, ensuring stability and credibility for its users.

Banca Transilvania is the most solid Romanian bank and ranks in the top 3 internationally by brand strength.

History of SALT

SALT’s journey began in 1998 under the Romanian International Bank (RIB). In 2014, it was acquired by Idea Bank, a Polish institution.

In 2021, Banca Transilvania took ownership and rebranded it as SALT in November 2023.

This strategic move signifies Banca Transilvania’s commitment to digital transformation and catering to the evolving needs of tech-savvy customers.

Key Features of SALT

• 100% Digital Experience: SALT eliminates the need for physical branches, allowing users to manage their finances entirely through smartphones. This provides unmatched convenience, especially for those who value mobility and ease of access.
• Competitive Interest Rates: SALT offers an attractive 3% annual interest rate on current account holdings, making it a compelling option for saving money. This stands out compared to traditional banks, where interest rates on checking accounts are often minimal.
• Spaces: This innovative feature allows users to create separate accounts within the main account for specific goals, promoting better budgeting and financial planning. For instance, you can create a “Space” for your holiday savings or another for an upcoming down payment.
• Multicurrency Card: The SALT card facilitates transactions in 17 different currencies, catering to individuals who frequently travel or conduct international business. This eliminates the need for multiple cards or currency exchange hassles.
• Founders Program: A unique feature is that the Founders Program grants early adopters the opportunity to become shareholders in the bank upon a potential future initial public offering (IPO). This incentivizes early users and potentially allows them to benefit from SALT’s future growth.

Partnership between SALT and Starling Bank

SALT has partnered with Starling Bank, a prominent British challenger bank, to leverage their state-of-the-art cloud-based banking platform, {Engine by Starling.

This collaboration positions SALT to deliver a robust and scalable digital banking infrastructure. Engine by Starling is known for its reliability and security, ensuring a smooth and secure banking experience for SALT users.

The Future of SALT

SALT’s arrival marks a significant development in the Romanian financial sector. Its focus on innovation, user-centricity, and competitive offerings positions it to capture a significant share of the digital banking market.

As financial literacy and smartphone penetration continue to rise in Romania, SALT is well-positioned to become a dominant player, shaping the future of banking in the region.

Investment Opportunities in SALT

While SALT is not publicly traded, the Founders Program offers a potential future investment opportunity. Early adopters who sign up during the initial launch phase may be granted the chance to acquire shares in the bank if it decides to go public through an Initial Public Offering (IPO).

This program incentivizes early users and potentially allows them to benefit from SALT’s future growth.

Comparison with Other Neobanks on the Market

The Romanian neobank landscape is developing, with few established players. However, some potential competitors include Revolut, a global neobank offering currency exchange and international payments, and Bunq, a Dutch neobank known for its sustainable practices and focus on social responsibility.

Here’s a table comparing SALT with its potential competitors:

Why You Should Make an Account with SALT

Here are some compelling reasons to consider opening an account with SALT

• Early Mover Advantage: Be among the first to experience a revolutionary new banking platform built for the Romanian market. By joining SALT early, you can shape the bank’s future and potentially benefit from exclusive features or rewards offered to early adopters.
• Competitive Interest Rates: Earn a compelling 3% annual interest rate on your current account balance, maximizing your returns. This is a significant advantage compared to traditional banks in Romania, where interest rates on checking accounts are often negligible. You can watch your savings grow faster by putting your money in a SALT current account.
• Innovative Features: Enjoy features like “Spaces” for better budgeting and the Founders Program for a potential future investment opportunity. “Spaces” allows you to organize your finances effectively and allocate funds towards specific goals. The Founders Program offers the chance to be a part of SALT’s growth journey and potentially reap financial rewards if the bank goes public.
• Security and Stability: Backed by Banca Transilvania, Romania’s most significant financial group, SALT offers peace of mind with its secure and reliable infrastructure. You can be confident that your money is safe and that SALT adheres to the strictest financial regulations. Banca Transilvania’s established reputation ensures SALT’s stability and credibility.
• Convenience and User-Friendliness: Manage your finances entirely through the user-friendly mobile app, eliminating the need for physical branch visits. SALT’s app is designed for ease of use, allowing you to perform transactions, check your balance, and access all features conveniently from your smartphone. This is ideal for those who value their time and prefer a hassle-free banking experience.

SALT: The Next Gen Banking

SALT’s emergence signifies a new era for Romanian banking. With its focus on innovation, user experience, and a commitment to the local market, SALT offers a refreshing alternative to traditional banks. Whether you’re an early adopter seeking a cutting-edge banking experience or simply looking for a convenient and feature-rich way to manage your finances, SALT is worth considering. As the digital banking landscape in Romania continues to evolve, SALT is poised to be a frontrunner, shaping the way Romanians bank for years to come.

The post Romanian Neobank SALT: All You Need To Know appeared first on Valahia.News.

Last year, the bank was ranked 297th with a value of $513 million.  Banca Transilvania entered the Brand Finance Banking 500 top in 2018, in 486th place, with a brand value of USD 174 million, as reported by nocash. It strengthens BT’s position in the best Romanian brands in 2023.

The combined value of the world’s top 500 most valuable banking brands has reached a record level of USD1.44 trillion, almost double what it was a decade ago, according to a new report from Brand Finance, the world’s leading brand valuation consultancy.

According to the cited source, the Chinese banking sector is notably recovering, with the ‘big four’ banks remaining well ahead of their US counterparts. ICBC (Industrial and Commercial Bank of China) maintains its position as the world’s most valuable banking brand for the eighth consecutive year, boasting a 3% rise in brand value to USD 71.8 billion. China Construction Bank, Agricultural Bank of China, and Bank of China secure second, third, and fourth positions, respectively, following single-digit percentage increases in each brand value.

Despite experiencing a minor decline (4%) in brand value, Bank of America retains the title as the leading US banking brand for the fourth consecutive year. It is ranked fifth overall, boasting a value of USD 37.3 billion. Meanwhile, Wells Fargo, positioned sixth overall, is narrowing the margin with its American competitor, marking a 9% increase to achieve a brand value of USD 35.8 billion.

As the world’s top banking brands reach new heights, China’s mega-banks dominate at the top brand value ranking. Another critical insight from our 2024 data is that local banks increasingly outshine their larger counterparts in brand strength. Dominant brands thrive in singular markets with limited competition, while banks expanding into multiple markets may successfully augment their brand value but risk diluting brand strength.

David Haigh, Chairman & CEO, Brand Finance

Only 11 of the top 50 countries experienced decreases in aggregate value, led by Russia (69%), Malaysia (20%), and Nigeria (14%). Unsurprisingly, due to the international sanctions imposed on Russia, the country’s two largest bank brands – VTB and SBER – have suffered the most significant falls in brand value by percentage, with 91% and 63% plunges, respectively.

Brand Finance’s research indicates that local and regional banks are performing as well as – and, in many cases, outperforming – global banks in terms of positioning their brand in the hearts and minds of customers. Indonesia’s BCA is the world’s strongest banking brand, with a Brand Strength Index score of 93.8/100 and an elite AAA+ rating. Three African brands, Equity Bank, First National Bank, Kenya Commercial Bank, and Romanian Banca Transilvania, all rank amongst the top 5 strongest brands globally, earning AAA+ ratings.

According to the 2024 Brand Finance Banking 500 assessment, BT is one of the strongest banking brands in the world: it climbed to 3rd place from 7th place with an exceptional Brand Strength Index (BSI) of 92.3/100

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Anca Dragu was offered Moldovan citizenship on Thursday, December 21, as a condition for her to enter Parliament’s vote. The very same day, the former Governor was released from his office following the decision of the Parliament.

Anca Dragu has a solid background for this position. As an economist, she was appointed Minister of Finance in Romania between November 2015 and January 2017 during the rule of the Technocrat Government. Also, she was the first woman in Romania to become Speaker of the Senate. Also, she worked as an economist at the National Bank of Romania and an economic analyst with the European Commission and International Monetary Fund.

The interesting political game is that the Moldovan Socialists voted along with PAS – Action and Solidarity, the party supporting Moldova’s President Maia Sandu, to oust the former governor from office and instate Anca Dragu.

Beyond any political meaning, this is also a step from what both governments intend to accomplish in the foreseeable future. Both sister countries were part of Great Romania, a territory that covered the Republic of Moldova, the southern part of Ukraine, and partially the northern part of Bulgaria. The two countries still yearn, more or less, to get back together as one, and there are exciting movements from both sides, such as to name, appoint or vote. officials from the sister country, precisely what happened with Anca Dragu.

In this context, one theory circulating in Romania is to have elected as president the current president of Moldova, Maia Sandu. This would be another way of getting the nation back together. And, if you have a passion for history, this is how the Union of the Romanian provinces in 1600 and the one in 1859 were accomplished – by imposing or voting the same ruler in all or at least two of them. So, it would just be history repeating itself.

Also, another theory is to have the two countries back together after Moldova joins the European Union, a process which might take at least 5-10 years to finish. Also, this possibility requires another step: for this political decision to be backed by all or the majority of the European member states. However, this hasn’t happened so far, so it would be the first time two European Union states would do this.

However, we also have to say that there isn’t 100% backing of the Union between the two sister countries, not even within their borders. Only half the Moldovan population would vote for a Union, while in Romania, the percentage is more significant.

Either way, this process seems to have its agenda, and the Romanian and Moldovan politicians follow it. In the long run, Moldova would be a more experienced country at the moment it will join the EU. Moldova could learn much from Romania’s expertise in the field and would be able to play its cards better when the moment comes. Also, a larger country, with 23 million inhabitants, would do better than one with 3 million in a European Union where the economic and voting power matters the most.

The post Romanian Voted as Moldova’s National Bank Governor appeared first on Valahia.News.

The preparation phase will start in November and will initially last two years. It will involve finalizing the digital euro rulebook and selecting providers that could develop a digital euro platform and infrastructure.

We need to prepare our currency for the future. We envisage a digital euro as a digital form of cash that can be used for all digital payments, free of charge, and meets the highest privacy standards. It would coexist alongside physical cash, always available, leaving no one behind.

Christine Lagarde, President of the ECB

As the European Central Bank announced, users could access digital euro services via their payment service provider’s proprietary app and online interface or a digital euro app provided by the Eurosystem. People without access to a bank account or digital devices could also pay with digital euros, for example, by using a card provided by a public body such as a post office. Users could exchange digital euros for cash or vice versa at cash machines.

CBDCs are highly controversial, and skeptics say they will only enslave the population even more. The main concern is that once controlled by the central governing bodies, digital currencies will offer authorities all the tools to know where and how you spend your money and limit your access to those funds if they consider it appropriate. This is why a large percentage of the population still uses cash and has decided to use cash in personal transactions.

On the other hand, the ECB tries to address these concerns by saying that the digital Euro will offer users the highest level of privacy.

We would never have access to or store your personal data, providing the highest level of privacy. It would be almost like using cash regarding privacy standards when paying offline.

European Central Bank on the privacy offered by the digital Euro

China, the most advanced country in digital currency, pushed forward its CBDC when it launched the digital Yuan in 2022, called e-CNY. Transactions in this digital currency reached USD 300 billion in equivalent, the Chinese authorities announced recently, which is quite impressive.

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In 2023, nearly half Romania’s population continues to rely on wood for heating. In rural homes, this figure jumps to 80%, typically utilizing outdated and energy-inefficient stoves with a mere 15% efficiency rate, leading to an astonishing 85% loss of calorific energy from the wood. Meanwhile, the thermal energy rehabilitation rate remains remarkably low, although eight out of every ten buildings require energy-efficient renovations due to their age and inefficiency. A troubling reality persists: tens of thousands of households across Romania lack access to electricity, a fundamental necessity we cannot imagine life without today.

Experts say Romania should channel the billions of euros earmarked for the green transition towards addressing the root causes of energy poverty. These funds should be directed towards illuminating homes that lack electricity, revitalizing heating systems, and renovating energy-inefficient buildings, focusing on rural regions where energy poverty rates are most pronounced.

Energy constitutes a fundamental necessity. The most economically disadvantaged individuals are inclined to skimp on food before enduring darkness or cold. Statistical data attests to this fact. Energy is also imperative for cooling residences with the escalating heat wave frequency. The Romanian Observatory of Energy Poverty (ORSE) has spotlighted the rising phenomenon of summer energy poverty, impacting predominantly the elderly, children, and those with modest incomes dwelling in inadequately insulated homes.

State institutions must approach the intricate factors contributing to vulnerability and energy poverty with a sense of responsibility. In times of crisis, resorting to universal subsidies is an excessively costly remedy. The cap-compensation system for energy prices has incurred a cost of 18.7 billion RON up until August. This is especially significant considering the macro-level context, where we face a budget deficit of 38.6 billion RON within the year’s first seven months.

According to the Energy Industry Review, it is crucial to reevaluate the energy price capping and compensation scheme. This revision would allow us to establish a more comprehensive and nuanced definition of vulnerable consumers rather than relying solely on arbitrary income thresholds as we do presently. Our current lack of a precise definition has resulted in a situation where all consumers, regardless of income, receive protection. Energy vulnerability is influenced by income and factors such as housing conditions, energy expenses, age, and health.

Therefore, according to the article cited, it is imperative to have a national strategy to tackle energy poverty, which has been mandatory since 2012 through the Energy Law. We are in 2023, 11 years later, and we still do not have a strategy. The national plan must include measures to address the causes of energy poverty. Some solutions could be loans with low interest to support Romanian citizens to thermally rehabilitate their homes, replace their current old stoves with energy-efficient systems, and install solar and photovoltaic panels and heat pumps. Only 3% of rural homes have been renovated so far, so it is necessary to have a thermal energy rehabilitation program that addresses individual homes, especially in rural areas. These systemic, structural measures can make a difference and support vulnerable consumers in the short and medium to long run.

The Romanian Energy Poverty Observatory (ORSE) is a project initiated by the Center for the Study of Democracy, a think-tank established in 2006 within the Department of Political Sciences, Faculty of Political, Administrative and Communication Sciences, ‘Babes-Bolyai’ University Cluj, within which it functions as an accredited research centre.

This initiative aims to provide a 360-degree perspective on energy poverty at the national level and to ensure the necessary expertise to combat this complex phenomenon, which affects a large part of the population. Through ORSE, we bring top experts from various fields relevant to the topic of energy poverty in Romania to the same table to identify the best solutions.

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During the company assessment, over 70% of employees recommended the organization in recognition of its culture fueled by transparency, trust and collaboration to encourage the employees to always be developing, learning and contributing.

Best Places to Work is an international certification program, considered the ‘Platinum Standard’ in identifying and recognizing top workplaces around the world; it provides employers with the opportunity to learn more about the engagement and the satisfaction of their employees and honour those who deliver an outstanding work experience with the highest standards with regards to working conditions. 

We are immensely proud of First Bank being certified as Best Place to Work, and is the first certified bank in Romania this year. The certification process for Best Place to Work is rigorous, and we surpassed all the criteria with flying colours. This is a great milestone on our journey. Each day all of us at First Bank are passionate about serving our customers, and we want to be the best place for our customers and people. We strive to keep the Best Place to Work certification for many years.

Henk Paardekooper, Executive President of First Bank, commenting on this achievement

Every year, the program partners with many organizations in Romania across different industries to help them measure, benchmark, and improve their HR practices and have access to the tools and expertise they need to deliver effective and sustainable change in their organizations. The participating organizations are evaluated through two assessments process and, on meeting the qualifying criteria, are certified as the Best Place to Work for 1 year.

After acquiring Leumi Bank in 2020, First Bank has reached a market share of 1.8% of the banking sector in Romania by financial assets. At that moment, First Bank had 59 branches and 130,000 active clients.

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The capital will be directed towards innovative companies with growth potential and a positive economic, social, and environmental impact in the region, BlackPeak Capital said in a press release.

“With plans to invest tickets of 5-15 million euro in fast-growing companies in Romania and the region, we are excited to be part of this dynamic ecosystem and help drive sustainable growth,” the investment firm’s new Romania lead, Virgil Chitu, said. He added that the firm would focus on inorganic growth, backing portfolio companies in add-on acquisitions that would grow their business propositions to regional or global levels.

“We believe sustainable growth is the only way to achieve our goals. That’s why we are supporting companies on their net zero pathway, ” Chitu said.

BlackPeak Capital last year closed its Luxembourg-based Southeast Europe Growth Equity Fund at 126 million euros, with commitments from the European Investment Fund (EIF), the EBRD, the IFC, Erste Asset Management and Romania’s BCR Pensii, alongside other regional pension funds.

The Bulgarian growth equity investor has only one portfolio company hailing from Romania, Verdino Green Foods, a plant-based meat alternatives start-up. Following BlackPeak Capital’s investment in Verdino in 2021, the company has expanded to 13 markets, including Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, Poland and the U.S. Among BlackPeak Capital’s other investments are Bulgarian network infrastructure provider Telelink Infra Services, logistics company euShipments and most recently, Slovenian biotech GenePlanet.

About BlackPeak

BlackPeak Capital is a Private Equity firm focused on investing in growth equity in Southeast Europe. Black Peak is the highest peak of the venerable Vitosha mountain near Sofia, Bulgaria’s capital. For us, Black Peak is both a passion and an embodiment of our values and investment approach – enjoying a steady climb to new heights with the people we admire, respect, and support. BlackPeak Capital manages two funds with total assets under management of EUR 150 mn.

Set up in 2014, BlackPeak has over 150 million euros of assets under management and is focused on the ecosystems and markets of Romania, Bulgaria, Slovenia, Croatia and Serbia.

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