Supporting Moldova’s next generation of angel investors

Brussels, July 2026 - Moldova's startup ecosystem is growing, but access to early-stage investment remains limited. ESIL (the Early Stage Investing Launchpad) Moldova, a new programme focused on business angel investing, aims to help address that gap by supporting a new generation of investors capable of backing innovative Moldovan startups with both capital and expertise.

ESIL Moldova will provide aspiring and existing business angels with access to training, mentoring, networking opportunities and connections to experienced investor communities across Europe. The programme will also facilitate startup pitching opportunities and support the development of cross-border investment relationships, including with Romania's existing angel investment ecosystem.

The launch comes at a time when Moldova is seeking to strengthen its innovation ecosystem. While the country continues to produce highly skilled graduates and a growing number of startups, many founders still face difficulties securing early-stage finance. Angel investors can play an important role in bridging that gap, providing not only funding but also business experience, sector knowledge, networking opportunities and strategic guidance.

ESIL Moldova will deliver a series of capacity-building workshops, peer-to-peer sessions, pitching opportunities and masterclasses covering topics such as startup evaluation, deal flow, syndication and cross-border investing, both in Chișinău and online.

"Moldova has talented entrepreneurs with strong innovation potential, but vibrant startup ecosystems do not emerge from entrepreneurs alone—they also require investors who are willing to share their experience, mentor founders and take informed risks on new ideas. Through ESIL Moldova, we are helping cultivate exactly that type of community by strengthening local angel investing capacity and connecting Moldovan investors with experienced peers from Romania and across Europe. Our ambition is to accelerate the development of a more active, connected and internationally engaged investment ecosystem that gives promising startups the support they need to grow and scale,” said Charles Mathiaux, Deputy Project Director of EU4Innovation East.

ESIL Moldova builds on the experience of the Early Stage Investing Launchpad (ESIL), which has worked since 2017 to strengthen business angel ecosystems across Europe, particularly in countries where organised early-stage investment remains underdeveloped, including Romania, Poland, Bulgaria, Czechia, Hungary and Croatia.

Learn more

Individuals interested in business angel investing, startup growth and innovation in Moldova can learn more and subscribe to receive updates on upcoming activities and opportunities at: https://europeanesil.eu/moldova