Ștefan Emil Ionescu – Innovation, AI, Blockchain and Investments for the Future

Explore the story of Ștefan Emil Ionescu, Managing Partner of Leichmann Weifert Group, and his impact on AI, Blockchain, Big Data, and innovative investments.

Ștefan Emil Ionescu is the Managing Partner of Leichmann Weifert Group, which brings together companies focused on software development, AI solutions, Big Data, Blockchain, and investments, while also being involved in research projects and non-profit initiatives.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in a single sentence, in a way that sparks curiosity for those who don’t know you yet?
Ștefan Emil: I am an entrepreneur and researcher leading projects in advanced technologies, from software and AI to investments and mining, passionate about creating practical solutions for complex challenges.

C&B: If we were to look at the storyline of your career or business, what were the key moments that defined you?
Ștefan Emil: I started in 2005 by founding GETION SOFT, a software development company. In 2009, I co-founded Leichmann Weifert Group, moving towards enterprise solutions. In 2013, I launched LEW.RO Software Solutions, focusing on AI and Big Data and participating in events such as ConnecTechAsia. I completed my PhD in Defense and Security Systems / Brain Computer Interface at the Military Technical Academy in Bucharest, engaging in research projects. In 2019, I co-founded the NGO Lux Invicta, and recently I expanded into investments and mining through Leichmann Weifert Invest.

C&B: What has been the most difficult moment so far in your journey, and how did you overcome it?
Ștefan Emil: The most difficult moment was in 2008–2009, when the economic crisis affected Leichmann Weifert Group and we lost important clients. I overcame the situation by shifting towards custom IT solutions and software integrations, by attending international events such as the ICT Brokerage Event 2015, and by investing in team development, which led to stabilizing and growing the business.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Ștefan Emil: I have always been guided by the ambition to position Romania as a hub for technologies like AI and Blockchain, through solution development and investments. This goal has motivated me to continue research, expand the business, and support educational projects through Lux Invicta, no matter the challenges of the market or bureaucracy.

C&B: How did you look at the beginning of your journey, and how do you feel you’ve transformed until now?
Ștefan Emil: In the beginning, in 2005, I was a programmer analyst at GETION SOFT, focused on software development and without much managerial experience. Today, I am the managing partner of a diversified group, with activities in software, investments, and research, coordinating international projects. My transformation came through accumulated experience, exposure to different contexts, and adapting to industry changes.

C&B: If we were to meet your team or collaborators, what do you think they would say about you?
Ștefan Emil: I think they would describe me as a leader focused on technology and strategy, who supports teamwork and autonomy. They would probably mention my involvement in mentoring, my solution-oriented approach, and the fact that I pay attention both to technical details and long-term goals.

C&B: What is the most important decision you have made that changed your trajectory?
Ștefan Emil: The most important decision was in 2013, when I decided to steer Leichmann Weifert Group towards research in AI and Blockchain, shifting the focus from standard software to innovative projects. This choice led to international partnerships, funded projects, and expanding the portfolio into investments and mining.

C&B: How did you develop your leadership style or the way you make decisions? Was it a natural process or something you learned?
Ștefan Emil: I developed my leadership style through a combination of experience and education. At first, I relied on technical intuition, but over time I shaped my approach through studies, my PhD, management courses, and lessons learned from the 2008 crisis. Today I make decisions based on data analysis, team consultation, and adapting to context, balancing instinct and learning.

C&B: What do you think differentiates your business or professional approach from the rest of the industry?
Ștefan Emil: The difference lies in integrating AI, Big Data, and Blockchain into customized solutions, with a focus on sustainability and our own research. Unlike others, we combine software development with investments and non-profit projects, offering a complete approach and constantly collaborating with academic institutions.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you now, and which moments bring you the most satisfaction?
Ștefan Emil: A typical day starts with morning planning, continues with technology project meetings, discussions with international partners, and activities related to investments or the NGO. The most satisfying moments are the creative collaborations, when ideas come to life, and when I see the concrete results of projects—whether supporting a startup or advancing research.

C&B: What values or principles guide you in what you do, and how do you apply them every day?
Ștefan Emil: My core values are innovation, integrity, and sustainability. I apply them through ethical decisions, respecting confidentiality in AI, allocating resources for ecological and educational projects, and through transparency in team communication, while adapting quickly to market dynamics.

C&B: How did the idea of starting this business come to you, and why did you choose this name?
Ștefan Emil: The idea for Leichmann Weifert Group came in 2008, from the desire to provide customized software solutions in Romania. I chose the name inspired by two family names that existed before 1900, as a symbol of my ambition to build a strong and enduring business.

C&B: If you were to send a message to people who follow your example, what would it be?
Ștefan Emil: I would tell them to see failures as lessons, to invest constantly in education, and to build collaborative teams. I believe success comes from adaptability and from focusing on solutions with long-term impact, especially in technology and sustainability.

The journey of Ștefan Emil Ionescu highlights how perseverance, innovation, and vision can turn challenges into opportunities and position Romania as a hub for advanced technologies.