Footprints AI, a company that developed an AI-based retail media platform, ranked 21st with a growth rate of 1,044%. Steepsoft AI, which ranks 28th with a growth rate of 916% over the past four years, develops custom artificial intelligence algorithms that optimise performance and accuracy in various activities, such as predictive analytics or natural language processing.

Romanian start-up Licenseware was included in the Companies to Watch category, which brings together companies with the fastest development between 2022 and 2024, but which still do not meet the criteria to enter the main category of the Fast 50. The company, ranked 6th with a growth rate of 331%, provides solutions for software licence management.

In the Impact Stars category, which recognises start-ups whose products or services have positive effects on business, society or environment, the ranking offers recognition to Romanian companies Cash Club, UNY and Rayscape. Cash Club has created a cashback app for online shopping, UNY has developed a battery-swapping system for light electric vehicles, combined with a proprietary smart battery and digital platform, and Rayscape provides AI-based solutions for interpreting medical images.

"Romania's presence at this year's edition of the Central European Fast 50 program, through eight start-ups - some of which have a solid track record and results in the ranking in successive years - illustrates the potential of Romania's start-up ecosystem competing with those in the region," said Andrei Ionescu, Partner, Consulting Market Leader for Deloitte Romania and coordinator of the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 Central Europe program in Romania.