Connecting Romania’s brightest with global diaspora expertise
Who are we?
Highlanders is an initiative developed by ROTSA (Romanian Startups Association), aiming to connect Romania’s expert’s diaspora with innovative founders back home who want to approach new markets.
ROTSA, a key player in nurturing startup growth, supports creating a Diaspora mentors community to help alumni expand internationally and strengthen Romania’s presence in global markets.
Why?
Romania is home to talented and ambitious tech entrepreneurs and some of the world’s most innovative startups.
Diaspora entrepreneurs act as boundary spanners, bringing not only financial capital but also know-how, credibility, and international networks essential for startup ecosystem development.
However, scaling a startup beyond Romania’s borders is a major challenge. After building a scalable product or service, accessing international markets becomes their greatest struggle.
Here we make a call to the Romanian Diaspora professionals who want to support Romanian Founders to grow their businesses.
How?
We bridge this gap by connecting Romanian tech founders with top diaspora professionals who provide:
- Industry knowledge
- Strategic local market insights
- Networking opportunities
Our Impact So Far
Through impactful programs and partnerships, ROTSA drives innovation and growth in Romania’s tech ecosystem.
200+
mentors
100+
supported
80+
network
14+
global leaders
6
industries
Our Global Reach
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit.
Mauris finibus gravida dui vel venenatis.
The Romanian diaspora doesn’t only bring financial support, but also access to international markets, strategic guidance, and legitimacy in foreign ecosystems, a key component of what scholars call “diaspora capital.”
FinTech
Investor
Scientist
📌 New York, USA
💼 SEO + Agency Mentor | CEO of GR0
🏫 PhD in Social Media Marketing
Are You a Romanian in the Diaspora?
Join a growing network of mentors helping Romanian founders go global.
Why Diaspora matters
Knowledge Transfer
Diaspora mentors bring cutting-edge knowledge and trends from top ecosystems like Silicon Valley, Berlin, or Singapore.
Market Access
They open doors to international opportunities and validate your startup in new markets.
Credibility & Networks
Startups backed by diaspora mentors enjoy higher trust and faster entry in foreign markets.
Who Can Become a Mentor?
We have spread all over the world. Be part of this growing community!
Mentors in our community are professionals in the diaspora who:,
- Have lived abroad for a few years or was born there.
- Are entrepreneurs or investors ready to share insights or invest in innovative solutions.
- Bring expertise as entrepreneurs, consultants, lawyers, RDI Experts, marketing specialists, business development experts or freelancers.
You’re not just giving back, you’re shaping Romania’s future economy. Join a network where your experience becomes a catalyst for innovation at home.
Past events
WaterWise Hub: Reimaginarea apei în economia circulară
Impactul COVID 19 asupra startup-urilor de tehnologie din România
Next events
