What stage does Sparking Capital invest at?

Sparking Capital invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.

What is Sparking Capital's typical check size?

Sparking Capital typically writes checks of $324K.

Where is Sparking Capital located?

Sparking Capital is headquartered in Bucharest, RO.

Sparking Capital

Venture capital

Bucharest · Pre-Seed–Series A · 3 people tracked

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Investment thesis

Sparking Capital invests at the early stage, partnering closely with founders to spark the growth of their startups into enduring, competitive companies. The firm is sector agnostic but concentrates on businesses where artificial intelligence and machine learning are central to the product itself — serving as the core engine behind a defensible business model rather than a superficial feature. It emphasizes backing entrepreneurs who combine unique industry insights with powerful vision, passion, courage, and excellent execution.

Invests inAI & Machine Learning Climate Tech Consumer Cybersecurity Enterprise Software Fintech Retail Tech SaaS Sector AgnosticBucharestEuropeRomania

Source: firm website, verified Aug 7, 2026.

Stage

Pre-Seed–Series A

Check

$324K

Bucharest, RO

Instruments

Equity

Founded

2017

Tracked investments

Team · 3 people

from public directories

Cristian Negrutiu· General Partner and Founder· Bucharest, Bucharest, Romaniain

Cristian Negrutiu is General Partner and Founder at Sparking Capital, investing in early-stage startups and working with founders from the earliest stages. After investing, he joins portfolio company boards and takes a hands-on role in strategy, operations, and growth. He holds double degrees in economics and law, an MBA from the University of Sheffield, and a PhD from Bucharest University of Economic Studies, where he also serves as a Lecturer focused on entrepreneurship, investments, AI, and supply chain.

c•••@sparkingcapital.comreveal

Vlad Panait· Managing Partner and Founder· Bucharest, Bucharest, Romaniain

Vlad Panait is the founder and Managing Partner of Sparking Capital, having moved into entrepreneurship after C-level roles at Fortune 500 companies, with over 20 years of international experience in growth and go-to-market strategy across various industries and regions. He holds an MBA and a Diploma in Advanced Management & Leadership, and teaches in two master's programs at the Bucharest Academy of Economic Studies.

v•••@sparkingcapital.comreveal

Vlad Sarca· Partner· Romaniain

Vlad Sarca is a Partner at Sparking Capital, an equity fund that invests in early-stage (pre-seed and seed) startups. He developed an interest in strategic management during university and later earned a diploma in Strategy and Innovation from Said Business School, University of Oxford.

v•••@sparkingcapital.comreveal

What they invest in

from 1 of 3 portfolio companies

AI & Machine Learning ×1SaaS ×1Travel & Hospitality ×1

HQs:United States×1

Investments · 3 tracked

founders shown can be your intro path

Hedvighedvig.cominMay 2015

Santa Clara, US

Avinash Lakshman(Executive Officer, Director)Amarjit Gill(Director)Brian Long(Director)

BoardPuneet Agarwal(Director)

Pluriapluria.coin 𝕏

Robosizerobosize.me

RobosizeME provides workflow automation for the hospitality industry, using digital co-workers to handle repetitive hotel operational tasks like spreadsheets, checks, and exceptions.

AI & Machine LearningSaaSTravel & Hospitality

Frequently asked questions

What stage does Sparking Capital invest at?: Sparking Capital invests at the Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A stages.
What is Sparking Capital's typical check size?: Sparking Capital typically writes checks of $324K.
What sectors does Sparking Capital focus on?: Sparking Capital focuses on AI & Machine Learning, Climate Tech, Consumer, Cybersecurity, Enterprise Software, Fintech, Retail Tech, SaaS, Sector Agnostic.
Where is Sparking Capital located?: Sparking Capital is headquartered in Bucharest, RO.

Media · Podcasts & interviews

featuring the team

Cristian Negrutiu – Sparking Capital, banii care schimba România

Mirel Bran RFI · Cristian Negrutiu

Juriul Changeneers 2020: Vlad Panait, Founder Sparking Capital

Impact Hub Bucharest · Vlad Panait

Images

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