Irina Misca

The process of scaling and growth involves numerous restructurings. Transitioning from restructuring businesses in financial distress to investing in private companies, I have had the chance to work with entrepreneurs at every stage of a company’s lifecycle. Much like the curious case of Benjamin Button’s reverse process—starting with insolvency, moving on to growth, and later to venture—I have learned that each stage of a business comes with different struggles and challenges.

Currently, I am part of the Fortech Investments team, a Romanian private investor and strategic partner for seed and late-seed start-ups across Healthcare, Energy, Automotive, Manufacturing, and FinTech. With investments in 17 start-ups from 7 countries, my role involves overseeing portfolio growth, making strategic introductions, and preparing companies for exit opportunities. I am also actively involved in sourcing new investments and forging partnerships, with a special focus on supporting women’s initiatives and entrepreneurship by collaborating with organizations like European Women in VC, Level 20.

My current educational pursuit—a Master of Science in Business Management with a focus on Organizational Psychology at Steinbeis School Berlin—complements my role by providing a deep understanding of the psychological drivers behind successful business scaling. My goal is to contribute significantly to shaping robust economic landscapes in emerging markets.

Personal belief: with the right mindset and effective marketing, CEE/Romanian entrepreneurs can leverage their skills and talents to build global brands.