Romanian tech founders & business owners in NY
Romanian founders have become an integral part of New York's business landscape:
- building AI platforms that transform enterprises
- launching ventures that reimagine traditional industries,
- scaling companies from startup to global impact.
This event brings together tech leaders and business entrepreneurs who’ve navigated the unique journey of launching into the American market.
Who is this for?
Founders, tech leaders, and business owners, whether you're scaling an AI startup, leading innovation at an established company, or transforming traditional industries.
What makes this perspective particularly valuable is the ability to bridge worlds, whether bringing AI innovation to established industries or building businesses that honor both digital transformation and human connection.
These are leaders who understand that success in New York demands vision, adaptability, and knowing where innovation truly creates value.
In a world where AI can predict, optimize, and automate almost everything, what remains truly human?
What does it mean to lead when machines can think, decide, and even create?
Through an honest panel conversation, our speakers will explore:
How leadership is evolving in the age of intelligent systems
Building teams that remain cohesive and human as AI transforms business
The real challenges and hidden opportunities in adopting new technologies
Bridging technical innovation with traditional business wisdom
Keeping humanity at the center while we automate the world
After the panel, we’ll open the floor for a networking session. A chance to exchange experiences, insights, and maybe even spark collaborations that redefine what leadership can look like in the years to come.
Speakers:
Andrei Papancea, CEO and Co-Founder of NLX
As a CEO and Co-Founder of NLX, he has spent his career reshaping the way we communicate with technology. After leading the development of American Express’s conversational AI platform and recognizing the industry’s limitations, he set out to build something better: NLX. Andrei also teaches at Columbia and NYU, where he brings hands-on AI expertise to the next generation of engineers.
Simona Vasile, Tax Principal at BDO
With over two decades of Big 4 experience, Simona Vasile supports clients through end-to-end US tax compliance, international tax advisory, and technology-enabled innovation. Recognized for her responsiveness, seamless delivery, and conscious leadership, she guides companies through digital transformation, global mobility needs, and strategic growth.
Gabriel Păunescu, CEO of Naologic
Gabriel Păunescu is helping businesses remove the barriers that keep them from using AI effectively. Naologic’s AI-powered apps integrate seamlessly with a company’s existing systems, whether ERP, ecommerce, or other platforms, to capture data and apply AI across the entire business.
Moderator:
Cris Pop, founder and leader of Thunder
Cris is the founder of Thunder, a Romanian company dedicated to creating mission-driven software products rooted in leadership, ownership, and a genuine commitment to creating technology that pushes innovation toward meaningful purpose.
Date: November 25, 2025
Location: New York City, venue details coming soon
Check-in: 6:00 PM | Event starts: 6:30 PM
Snacks and drinks will be provided, so you can relax, connect, and enjoy the discussion.