The Startup Ecosystem of Moldova

Moldova has 1 city in the top 1000 and is ranked 22nd in Eastern Europe.

COUNTRY RANKING

Moldova’s startup scene saw an increase in 2023 and jumped 3 spots from the previous year, outranking Panama.

Population

3.1
Million

Regional Ranking

22nd
0
In Eastern Europe

Global Ranking

85th
+
3
Worldwide

Ecosystem

Startup Ecosystem Overview

white and brown concrete building
There are a number of factors contributing to the potential of Moldova’s startup ecosystem, including tax incentives and one of the most affordable digital talent pools in Europe. Additionally, Moldova has made efforts to develop an interconnected network of startups, experienced founders, and corporate funding. Moldova’s capital, Chisinau, has much potential, and could be turned into an entrepreneurial hub due to its low cost of living, great location between the EU and CIS, tech talent pool, and high internet connection quality.


Much of Moldova’s population speaks either Romanian or Russian, which allows local entrepreneurs to expand internationally. With limited resources to spend on support initiatives, the public sector has managed to establish seven Free Economic Zones and eight Industrial Parks, on top of tax incentives and free trade agreements with several countries. When it comes to tech infrastructure and digitalization, Moldova is catching up. The nation now boasts the Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP) as well as platforms such as Invest Moldova that are meant to inform and catalyze startup ecosystem stakeholders. Residents of the MITP can now access an IT VISA, allowing IT specialists to work and live in the country, on top of various tax benefits.

With the active support of Startup Moldova, the ecosystem is coming together with more resources and investment. The country is also advancing on the visibility front with events such as the Startup Moldova Summit that have attracted the attention of global investors. According to the organization, 11 startups have raised 11 mil EUR in 2022 at the event, signaling a sharp growth in the ecosystem’s funding.

Every founder counts, and Moldova should do its best to avoid losing too many of its brightest minds to countries that offer more opportunities. While it’s too early to talk about a unicorn in Moldova, startups like Planable and Fagura are managing to scale in spite of being located in a small startup ecosystem. Moldova has some great prospects for the future, and it seems that more reforms are on the way as the country signaled its wish to enter the EU.

Startups

Moldova Top Startup Industries

Software & Data icon
Software & Data
#76 worldwide

8 startups

Healthtech icon
Healthtech
6 startups

6 startups

Ecommerce & Retail icon
Ecommerce & Retail
5 startups

5 startups

Ecosystem HealthCheck

Moldova Ecosystem Health Check

The health check tables allow you to look at the performance Moldova has in each of the parameters that are part of StartupBlink's ranking algorithm. There are five tables, corresponding to the three subscores, the subscore analysis and industry ana...

  • Overperformance
  • Performance equal to global ranking
  • Underperformance
ParameterParameter Global rankParameter rank change since 2022ResultContribution to total scoreRank gain / loss due to parameter
Total Score8530.626100%0
Quantity Score8520.20933.42%-3
Sample size of startups9373119.24%0
Sample size of accelerators108-119-1100%4
Sample size of coworking spaces109-41011.17%6
Community Score72N/A0.0193.01%0

ECOSYSTEM

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Ecosystem

The Startup Ecosystem in Moldova

In 2023, Moldova register a rise in Software & Data startups. Some of the most notable success stories in this industry are those of , Planable.

Global Rank

Moldova is ranked within the top 100 startup ecosystems globally.

Top Industries

Moldova’s startup scene is best represented in Software & Data, Healthtech, and in Ecommerce & and Retail.

Top Cities for Startups in Moldova - Ranked by StartupBlink
StartupBlink ranks the startup ecosystems of 100 countries and 1,000 cities. Download our latest Global Startup Ecosystem Report.
Rows:
2023 National Rank & Change ▲
2023 National Rank & Change City
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Global Rank & ChangeTotal Score
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Quantity Score
Quality ScoreBusiness Score
1st
0
497th
+
157
0.501
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Startups

Notable Startups in Moldova
Planable startup icon
Planable
Fagura startup icon
Fagura
A1 startup icon
A1

Startups

Successful Software & Data startups in Moldova
Planable startup icon
Planable
Zeroqode startup icon
Zeroqode
Index startup icon
Index

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