MicroEurope is a social investment company committed to promoting the development of the microfinance sector across Europe. The foundations of the company were laid by 8 entrepreneurs and 3 main investors, and the first investment in Romania was given to fintech digital factoring Instant Factoring. We discussed in an interview with the founders of MicroEurope, Cristian Ionescu, CEO of Instant Factoring, and Maria Doiciu, advisor of the Romanian Microfinance Association, about what the sector looks like in Romania and how it can be developed to offer real help to entrepreneurs to learn in the beginning way

SMEs are an important pillar of the country’s economy, so it is very important that they have easy access to financing. Using funds in a way that ensures sustainable development and the continued support of professionals in the field can completely transform the sector. In this sense, MicroEurope aims to become a bridge between non-bank entrepreneurs and financial service providers. The company wants to help non-bank financial institutions expand and thus serve more customers.

Who is MicroEurope and what is the main goal of the company?

“It is time for the European microfinance and inclusive finance sector to introduce innovative tools. Social private investors can help institutions achieve these changes. We want to offer the companies we invest in a winning combination of financial resources and know-how,” said Giampietro Pizzo, President of MicroEurope and President of the Italian Microfinance Association.

“In the first year of operation, MicroEurope has completed its business model and now we have achieved the first investment in Romania. Here I found people ready for challenges, open to change and ready to listen. For us, Romania is an important point of arrival and a pillar for consolidating our long-term strategy,” said Andrea Limone, CEO of MicroEurope.

What are Instant Factoring’s plans for the future?

Last week, Instant Factoring announced a new round of investment, with MicroEurope among its investors. After strengthening its position in Romania and launching Instant Factoring Serbia, the company’s CEO Cristian Ionescu talks about exploring the international market for expansion.

“The microfinance sector in Romania needs all possible support. Instant Factoring supports all entrepreneurs who need a reliable partner, and now, with the help of new investors, including MicroEurope, we want not only to continue our mission, but also to grow to be part of the changes, both in Romania and at the European level.” – said Christian Ionescu.

“Factoring takes a huge amount of pressure off the shoulders of entrepreneurs, namely long payment terms. But the problems of SMEs do not end there. We are talking about inflation, the cost of fuel, the prices of raw materials, the labor crisis, the many obstacles that a businessman in Romania has to overcome. That is why we propose to take a step forward and launch a new line of business in the near future: microloans for small companies with a turnover of up to 2 million euros. Because there are situations when factoring is not enough, and we want to meet entrepreneurs and offer them products that meet their needs,” added the CEO of Instant Factoring.

“The microfinance sector in Romania is the largest in Eastern Europe”

About the microfinance sector in our country, I spoke with Maria Doiciu, advisor of the Romanian Microfinance Association and one of the financiers of MicroEurope.

“The microfinance sector in Romania is well developed and stable, capable of overcoming the crisis that the Romanian economy has been experiencing in recent years. It is well known in Europe for the variety of institutions, services offered to low-income entrepreneurs and start-up entrepreneurs, as well as the impact of the services offered on social development, integration and development. The microfinance sector in Romania is the largest in Eastern Europe,” Maria Deutsch explained.

“Instant Factoring will have, in addition to capital, access to the specialized know-how necessary to expand the range of financial products. In addition, he will receive assistance in the European certification of a criminal record for the provision of microcredits and assistance in the process of accessing financial instruments from EU-funded programs, as well as the resources of social investors. MicroEurope will have in its portfolio investments in dynamic and innovative financial technology at the development stage, with the possibility of expanding its activities in Romania and in neighboring countries, providing access to financial services that will affect the business development of poor, underserved entrepreneurs in the banking sector,” she added. .

Following the partnership between the two institutions, Katya Raguzzoni will take a seat on the board of Instant Factoring. Catia Raguzzoni is one of the 8 founders of MicroEurope and will bring to Instant Factoring her international experience with a focus on social impact issues.

“MicroEurope aims to become a close partner for financial institutions in many European countries, especially where the challenge of innovation and development is most acute,” said Giampietro Pizzo.

“We live in a period of economic instability, and this is especially felt by small and medium-sized businesses. We want to be there for entrepreneurs when they have an innovative growth plan but don’t have the resources to implement it, or when they just need to keep their business afloat and all other doors are closed,” explained Cristian Ionescu, CEO of Instant Factoring. .

Article based on Instant Factoring