Scale-Up Moldova Program Prepares High-Growth Companies to Attract Investment

Entrepreneurs, investors, development partners, and business leaders gathered on March 12 for the closing event of Scale-Up Moldova, the country’s first investment readiness program designed specifically for established small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) seeking growth capital. Supported by the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF) and implemented by GLIA Impact Hub in partnership with the Association of Women Entrepreneurs of Moldova (AFAM), the initiative equips high-potential companies with the tools needed to attract private investment and accelerate long-term growth.

The program targets businesses with annual revenues between $1 million and $5 million, preparing them to raise investment rounds exceeding $500,000 through improved financial planning, corporate governance, strategic positioning, and investor engagement. Representatives of the U.S. Embassy in Moldova also participated in the event, underscoring continued support for entrepreneurship and private sector development.

During the event, program leaders presented the initiative’s achievements, while a panel of investors—including representatives from Diligent Capital Partners, Anders Invest, DOB Equity, VSB Invest, Morphosis Capital, and UMAEF—shared perspectives on investment criteria, market opportunities, and the qualities they seek in growing companies.

Six participating businesses—Doina Vin SRL, Dina Cociug SRL, Apifera SRL, Djofra-M SRL, Plastal SRL, and Panilino SRL—pitched their companies to investors, receiving expert feedback on their business strategies, growth plans, and investment potential. Three of the companies—Panilino SRL, Djofra-M SRL, and Dina Cociug SRL—reported annual revenues exceeding $5 million, while the remaining three generated annual revenues between $1 million and $5 million, demonstrating the diversity and maturity of Moldova’s growing SME sector.

The program delivered measurable results. A total of 57 SMEs participated in the initial phase, with 22 companies advancing to the intensive Scale-Up stage. Seven businesses received individualized mentorship to develop investor-ready pitch decks, financial models, and corporate governance structures aligned with international investment standards. As a result, the share of participating companies with functional Boards of Directors increased from 14% to 45.8%, reflecting significant progress in strengthening governance and investment readiness.

The closing event also brought together representatives of the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization of Moldova, including State Secretary Oleg Bivol, as well as development partners such as the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), the Embassy of Sweden in Moldova, local government representatives, startup ecosystem organizations, and members of the media.

Building on the success of its inaugural edition, the organizers announced that Phase II of Scale-Up Moldova will launch in the near future with an expanded agenda to help even more Moldovan companies attract investment, strengthen corporate governance, and scale into regional and international markets.