F/MS Top Startup Cities

5 min read

Brasov, Romania #706

City Scores

City Total Score

0.21

Overall ranking score

Quality Score

0.03

Ecosystem quality rating

Quantity Score

0.03

Ecosystem size rating

Business Score

0.16

Business environment rating

Score Distribution

Score Comparison

MeanCEO Index Click to scroll to details

66

Startup Ecosystem in Brașov 🇷🇴

TL;DR

Brașov ranks as the 706th city in the Global F/MS “Best Cities for Startups” Index. Nestled in the heart of Romania, this historical city combines stunning landscapes with a burgeoning startup scene, making it an attractive destination for entrepreneurs and innovators.

Startup-Friendly Stuff 📈

1. Ease of Company Registration

  • Business Registration: Brașov has streamlined processes for company registration, with options for online submissions.
  • Startup Incentives: Local initiatives provide support for new tech startups, including easier access to permits.

2. Employment Law 🏢

  • Labor Regulations: A well-defined legal framework protecting employee rights, although startups may find navigating regulations challenging.
  • Hiring Foreign Talent: Receiving work permits can be simplified; however, regulatory knowledge is required.

3. Taxation 💰

  • Corporate Tax Rate: A competitive corporate tax rate of 16%, with certain exemptions for startups in tech sectors.
  • VAT Regulations: Standard VAT rate set at 19%, but some sectors may benefit from reduced rates.

4. Quality of Life 🌆

  • Living Standards: High quality of life with affordable living compared to larger Romanian cities such as Bucharest.
  • Culture and Leisure: Rich cultural history, with easy access to nature, parks, historical sites, and recreational activities.

5. Bureaucracy 🗂️

  • Ease of Navigation: Generally user-friendly, with a committed effort to reduce paperwork for startups.
  • Government Support: Local and national programs aimed at enhancing innovation and entrepreneurship.

6. Visas for Entrepreneurs 🌍

  • Startup Visas and Permits: Various options are available for foreign entrepreneurs, with procedures becoming increasingly straightforward.
  • Residency Options: Business visas offer pathways to long-term residency for qualifying individuals.

Startup Community 🤝

7. Networking Events

  • Vibrant networking scene with meetups, workshops, and hackathons organized throughout the year.
  • Local tech events foster collaboration and attract international participants.

8. Subsidies and Funding 💵

  • Government support for tech-based initiatives, including subsidies for innovative startups.
  • Active involvement from local institutions in offering grants and resources.

9. Venture Capital (VC) Presence

  • Investments: Emerging interest from VCs looking to invest in innovative ideas and technologies.
  • Major Firms: Presence of both domestic and international investors focusing on tech startups.

10. Incubators & Accelerators 🚀

  • Several incubators providing mentorship, resources, and funding opportunities tailored for new entrepreneurs.
  • Programs emphasize collaboration with universities and established businesses.

Technology & Industry Priorities 🔧

  • Focus Areas: Key sectors include IT, software development, e-commerce, and renewable energy technologies.
  • Government Initiatives: Strong emphasis on digital transformation and innovative solutions to bolster the local economy.

Business Culture 🏙️

  • Language: Romanian is the primary language, but English is widely spoken within the startup community.
  • Work Environment: Collaborative and innovative, with an increasing appetite for new ideas and solutions.

General Pros and Cons ⚖️

Pros:

  • Thriving startup atmosphere with a supportive community.
  • Lower cost of living compared to other major Romanian cities.
  • Scenic locations providing a pleasant work-life balance.

Cons:

  • Limited access to venture capital compared to larger cities.
  • Some bureaucratic challenges remain, particularly for non-Romanian speakers.

Initiatives for Female Entrepreneurs 👩‍💼

  • Growing support for female-led startups through workshops and community networks.
  • Availability of targeted funding programs and female entrepreneurship events.

Brașov is a hidden gem for startups, offering a blend of natural beauty and a supportive ecosystem for innovation. 🚀

MeanCEO Index for Brașov 🇷🇴

Brașov, nestled in the picturesque Carpathian Mountains, offers more than just stunning landscapes; it’s also cultivating a vibrant startup ecosystem. But how well does it cater to female entrepreneurs? Let’s break down the MeanCEO Index score based on ten critical factors.

1. Weather ☀️

  • Score: 6/10
    • With relatively mild winters and a decent amount of sunny days, Brașov enjoys a picturesque climate. However, its location does mean some rainy days, especially in spring and autumn, which can detract slightly from outdoor networking opportunities.

2. Location 🏞️

  • Score: 6/10
    • While Brașov isn’t by the sea, it is surrounded by beautiful mountains and forests that provide numerous opportunities for recreation and relaxation. However, it lacks easy beach access, which slightly limits its score.

3. Women Friendly 👩‍💼

  • Score: 7/10
    • The culture in Romania is generally evolving towards gender equality, with initiatives supporting female entrepreneurs. While there are still challenges, women in Brașov find growing networks and resources aimed at fostering their business ambitions.

4. Foreigners Friendly 🌍

  • Score: 6/10
    • Brașov has a welcoming atmosphere; however, locals may not be as accustomed to interacting with foreigners as in larger cities. This can make it harder for women foreigners to form connections, though efforts are being made.

5. English as a Business Language 📚

  • Score: 7/10
    • English is increasingly spoken within the startup community, making business operations easier for foreign entrepreneurs. However, general fluency might not be uniform among the population.

6. Delicious Cuisine 🍷

  • Score: 8/10
    • Romanian cuisine is hearty and diverse, with minimal use of onions in many dishes. Additionally, the country has a quality wine production scene, which enhances its culinary reputation.

7. Ease of Getting Married and Starting a Family 💍

  • Score: 5/10
    • The dating culture in Romania is mixed; while there are many eligible bachelors, the dynamic can be traditional. However, the family-oriented culture may appeal to some women looking for relationships.

8. Medicine 🏥

  • Score: 6/10
    • Healthcare access is decent, but there can be wait times for appointments and tests. While costs are generally lower compared to Western Europe, efficiency can vary.

9. Ease of Transportation & Traveling 🚍

  • Score: 7/10
    • Brașov has a reliable public transport system with good local networks and easy connections to larger cities. However, it lacks an international airport, which can make traveling outside Romania more complex.

10. Startup Mindset 💡

  • Score: 8/10
    • The culture in Brașov fosters an innovative mindset, with a mixed attitude towards failure. Local entrepreneurs increasingly support each other, creating an encouraging environment for startups and new ideas.

MeanCEO Index Score: 66/100 🎉

Brașov is emerging as a hidden gem for female entrepreneurs in Romania. The city’s startup ecosystem is backed by a growing community and several supportive initiatives. While challenges in healthcare and transportation remain, the blend of scenic beauty, a welcoming culture, and a burgeoning entrepreneurial spirit offers a compelling landscape for women ready to take the plunge into the world of startups.

Happy entrepreneurship! 🚀