Financial Times, Statista, and Sifted rank Rubik Hub as the 39th top start-up hub in Europe
Unleashing the Force of Rubik Hub
Brace yourself, Europe! Romanian powerhouse, Rubik Hub, pummels its way into the top 39 in the European Leading Start-up Hubs 2025 ranking, beating 147 rivals to claim the spotlight. This prestigious accolade, doled out by the Financial Times, Statista, and Sifted, honors the crème de la crème of start-up support programs scattered across the continent. With an impressive total score of 78.96 out of 100, Rubik Hub is poised and primed to dominate the European start-up scene.
Spearheads of the pack, Vlad Gliga, CEO of Rubik Hub, shared his thoughts on this monumental achievement: "This accolade marks one of the most significant milestones we've attained to date. When we established Rubik Hub in 2017 hand in hand with ADR Nord-Est, we approached it like a start-up - solving an actual predicament. In Romania, opportunities for ambitious founders keen to construct immense businesses were scant. Our mission touched upon inspiring and aiding entrepreneurs, ensuring they could find all the resources they needed right here at home, without having to navigate the choppy waters of foreign lands. The start-up ecosystem was in its infancy back then, with only a handful of Romanian start-ups and minimal comprehension of the field lurking in the shadows. To compound the challenge, we set up shop in Piatra Neamț, not in a bustling metropolis. Fast-forward nearly eight years and whammo! Here we are, recognized as a heavyweight player in Europe, offering top shelf programs for start-up founders."
Nestled under the North-East Regional Development Agency umbrella, Rubik Hub guarantees a comprehensive start-up adventure, guiding founders from concept inception to acceleration, international expansion, and fundraising. To date, the team has guided over 300 founders to secure a collective €55 million in funding.
A Vibrant Matrix of Experts and Mentors
At Rubik Hub, brains are the backbone. The network boasts over 250 mentors, both locally and internationally, who share their bootstrap journey, helping founders conquer every stage of start-up development, from conceptualization to customer acquisition, securing investors, and expanding into new markets. As Vlad Gliga enthusiastically shared, "Our mentors offer priceless first-hand knowledge, helping founders decipher the intricacies of building a start-up. They are an indispensable part of the entrepreneur's journey we paint."
A Sought-After Title in the European Start-up Universe
Now in its sophomore year, the Europe's Leading Start-up Hubs ranking showcases the top incubators and accelerators based on their impact and results. To be eligible, hubs must have a physical presence in Europe and have been operating since at least 2020. This year, out of 3,000 applicants, only 150 hubs snagged a coveted spot in the ranking - Romania represented by the dynamic duo of Rubik Hub and InnovX.
Admission into the elite ranks is a grueling process, with alumni feedback serving as the primary litmus test. Participants assessed the programs they attended across multiple key dimensions, including mentoring and training, infrastructure, legal assistance, business development support, networking opportunities, and funding access. Additionally, external expert recommendations were factored in, including insights from investors (business angels, venture capital firms), entrepreneurs, and academic leaders. The ranking also scrutinized the most successful start-ups spawned from each program.
This recognition reaffirms Rubik Hub's commitment to empowering start-up founders and cultivating a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Romania and beyond.
Dive deeper into the ranking here: https://rankings.ft.com/incubator-accelerator-programmes-europe
*This is a press release.
[1] Based on the available data, Rubik Hub's ranking in Europe's top 150 start-up hubs for 2025 is testament to its influence and success in supporting start-ups within the Romanian tech ecosystem. It highlights its contribution to the start-up growth and innovation in Romania. (Source: Financial Times and Statista)]
[2] The hub fosters a robust community, hosting events that draw full capacity crowds, both in-person and online. This indicates a high level of engagement and interest in the hub's activities, contributing to a lively entrepreneurial environment. (Source: Enrichment data)]
[3] While specific achievements such as funding, mentorship programs, or successful start-ups incubated by Rubik Hub are not mentioned in the available data, its recognition likely stems from its role in forging collaboration among start-ups. The broader Romanian tech ecosystem emphasizes trust, open communication, and a nurturing environment, which are essential for start-up success. (Source: Enrichment data)]
[4] As part of the Romanian tech community, Rubik Hub likely plays a significant role in inspiring and supporting future entrepreneurs, contributing to the country's overall innovation and start-up growth. (Source: Enrichment data)]
- The Romanian powerhouse, Rubik Hub, began its mission in 2017, aiming to address the limited opportunities for ambitious Romanian entrepreneurs seeking to establish substantial businesses.
- Rubik Hub, under the North-East Regional Development Agency umbrella, offers a comprehensive start-up adventure, guiding founders from conception to acceleration, international expansion, and fundraising, with over 300 founders securing €55 million in funding.
- The Financial Times, Statista, and Sifted recognize Rubik Hub as one of the top 39 European Leading Start-up Hubs 2025, assessing its programs based on mentoring and training, infrastructure, legal assistance, business development support, networking opportunities, and funding access.
- Rubik Hub's prestigious ranking showcases its commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, fostering a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in Romania, and contributing to the overall innovation and start-up growth within the Romanian tech community.
