How can extreme sports change your view on life & business? In this episode of The Recursive Podcast, Cosmin Curticapean takes us through his entrepreneurial journey that began in 1995, spanning industries from telecommunications to fintech. In 2016, he founded LENDOX, a tech startup focused on alternative financing solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises. Since then, LENDOX has secured around €3.5M in investment, fueling its growth in this innovative sector. Beyond building companies, Cosmin actively supports the startup ecosystem. He co-founded the Romanian Fintech Association, mentors aspiring entrepreneurs, and acts as an angel investor through Techangels Romania. In this conversation with Elena Vrabie, he discusses: - The lessons his father taught him that shaped his entrepreneurial mindset - How meeting his wife helped him embrace authenticity - The future of fintech in Romania and beyond Timestamps 0:00 Trailer 2:30 Building the first business in 1995 and Cosmin’s entrepreneurial journey 14:46 Cosmin’s leadership style and why authenticity is important 21:22 How LENDOX helps SMEs with alternative financing by leveraging AI 33:04 Building a fintech company in a highly regulated market 39:39 The culture & standouts members of LENDOX 45:11 The current state of fintech of Romania vs globally 50:37 Cosmin’s take on angel investing in CEE 55:54 What the future holds for LENDOX