Why is Cluj-Napoca among the best places in Europe for Technology Startups?

Photo by Marius Buzac

Some people know this city as Cluj, some know it as “The heart of Transylvania”, while some don’t know it at all. We, as a software development company born here, know it not only as home, but also as one of the most interesting places for IT companies and entrepreneurs.

If you are not from around here you must know that Cluj is the most tolerant place in Europe according to the audit of city life in the European Union when it comes to welcoming foreigners to move to their city. The city basically embraces diversity and welcomes foreign students, entrepreneurs and tourists.

Besides that, Cluj-Napoca has significant IT potential which has build based on tradition, especially in the last couple of years.

There are approximately 300 IT companies operating in the Cluj Country including about 200 software companies. More than 10.000 developers are being active in the market. Every year, more than 1500 engineers graduate from the two top universities: The Technical University of Cluj-Napoca and The Babes-Bolyai University.

Photo by Marius Buzac

Some of the major international players include Microsoft, Endava, Oracle, HP, SAP, Huawei, IBM, Ericsson, Adobe Systems, Infineon, Terapia, Bosch, Ranbaxy, Emerson, Ernst & Young, Pwc, Deloitte, Genpact, Steelcase, Bombardier, KPMG, Hewlett Packard, among others.

Another reason for considering Cluj for software development would be the fact that the city offers a smaller but vibrant and affordable startup ecosystem. It definitely positively affects overall costs and financial projection of your startup, especially if you are in the pre-product market fit.

Here’s a comparison between time & money spent on hiring software engineers in top startup ecosystems around the world that we made, based on The Global Startup Ecosystem Ranking in 2015.

Cluj-Napoca IT & Startup ecosystem has a generous offer to make to all Startup Founders and already has shown potential for growth, especially in the last few years. The local ecosystem can provide highly skilled and talented software engineers able to build innovative products for international markets.