Valentin Krancevik’s Journey: Innovation and Dedication in Technology and HoReCa

Valentin Krancevik is an entrepreneur in the technology and HoReCa sectors, but also a long-time volunteer in environmental protection, since his background as an Environmental Engineer is something he cannot part from.

Valentin has over 13 years of experience in environmental protection and has been working in the IT industry for more than 10 years, holding roles such as business analyst and product manager.

As a volunteer, he has been active in Let’s Do It, Romania! for over 13 years, currently as a Board Member, starting from a passionate and curious volunteer role. From this position, he was brought into the IT field because there was a need for people who understood waste management to implement IT solutions in that area. That’s how he discovered a new passion—developing software applications that bring real value to society.

C&B: How would you describe yourself in one sentence to intrigue those who don’t know you yet?
Valentin Krancevik: I’m a curious and energetic person who constantly seeks challenges and solutions for people, whether as a volunteer or as an entrepreneur. More than once I’ve been asked to talk about what I do, and it took a long time because I was interrupted to give more details about each of my activities. That’s how I realized that what I do is of interest—and how many things I actually do. I believe we must see the opportunities and chances we are given and build our own path from there. I consider myself lucky—I’ve had enough curiosity to discover fascinating things in every field, and they became passions.

C&B: If we were to look at the narrative thread of your career or business, what were the key defining moments?
Valentin Krancevik: Not long ago I remembered that in my third year at the Politehnica University of Bucharest, studying Environmental Engineering, I realized I needed to start building a path and gaining experience. That’s how I found a volunteer role in fundraising at Let’s Do It, Romania!—which required a CV and cover letter. I got stuck on the cover letter and asked a friend for help, who thankfully helped me apply. I didn’t know fundraising, but I wanted to work in environmental protection. The next day, I was already at a meeting with the Minister of the Environment. From there, everything accelerated. I met amazing people and learned a lot—from event organization to project management and communication. Later, my brother recommended me for a job at a company that needed environmental experts to develop software solutions. After a month of training in business analysis, I spent four years working on applications for waste management. Later, I was invited by a friend from Let’s Do It to work as a business analyst for a new marketplace—Doraly.ro—where I spent nearly six years. Meanwhile, I dreamed of my own meaningful start-up. In late 2022, my high school friend Irinel reached out with an idea: an app to calculate nutritional values for restaurant recipes, as a new law required menus to display this data. We brought Mădălina into the team, and that’s how my entrepreneurial journey began. Since then, we’ve launched six applications.

C&B: What was the most difficult moment in your journey, and how did you overcome it?
Valentin Krancevik: About two years ago, when I resigned from my job to work on my own business. It wasn’t a natural decision—it was the first product I built from scratch, and I poured everything into it. I felt like I was abandoning my creation and my team. Some teammates also chose to leave. We talked and made sure the decisions were based on their own values, not mine. It showed me we had shared principles—and that helped me move forward.

C&B: Is there a dream or ambition that has always guided you, regardless of obstacles?
Valentin Krancevik: I’ve always wanted to do good and create things that bring real value. I know I won’t build something grand, but I like aiming high. That’s probably why I can’t give up volunteering at Let’s Do It, Romania!, no matter how challenging it gets. After the National Cleanup Day last year, a colleague said he sometimes wonders why he keeps going after 14 years. I told him the same thing I tell myself: we can’t quit—it’s part of who we are.

C&B: What were you like at the beginning, and how have you changed?
Valentin Krancevik: I take things as adventures. In the beginning, I had no path and no perspective—I had studied something I hadn’t really wanted. Now, I’m glad I did because it brought me to where I am—happy and fulfilled. I’ve been shaped by the chances I’ve had and the people I’ve met. Every important person changed something in me.

C&B: What would your team or collaborators say about you?
Valentin Krancevik: Some would speak badly, some well :)) What I know is that I always tried to do good wherever I was. I think many would have nice things to say—some of them are still working with me now, even on new projects. That means a lot to me.

C&B: What’s the most important decision that changed your trajectory?
Valentin Krancevik: When I left the corporation for a start-up. I stepped out of my comfort zone. I was already working project-based when they offered me a full-time role. I talked to a friend, and he gave me great advice: “If you’re scared to make a decision, make it.” So I did—it’s been an adventure ever since.

C&B: How did you develop your leadership style or decision-making process? Was it natural or learned?
Valentin Krancevik: It was imposed :)) I had to learn by doing and observing. I watched people I admired, even if not actively. In the start-up, I was the only IT person—then I built a team of 6+ collaborators. It happened naturally, step by step. I rely a lot on input from my colleagues.

C&B: What sets your business or professional approach apart from the rest of the industry?
Valentin Krancevik: Perseverance. We may not always do things perfectly, but we work constantly to improve. We develop new features and services to deliver quality and help businesses grow. Our ecosystem of apps helps Romanian entrepreneurs simplify bureaucracy and focus on business development.

C&B: What does a typical day look like for you, and what part brings you the most satisfaction?
Valentin Krancevik: Mornings bring me the most satisfaction, especially if I wake up before 8. That’s when I get to work on my own things before meetings and calls. It’s my moment of peace.

C&B: What values or principles guide you and how do you apply them?
Valentin Krancevik: Perseverance, curiosity, and courage. I try to improve myself and what I do every day. I document myself, follow directions that might help. Sometimes it backfires—I remember random information at odd times. But curiosity and perseverance help me break barriers. I used to believe in “we’re too small.” After collaborating with so many institutions and helping thousands of entrepreneurs, I no longer do. Most barriers can be overcome with hard work and a good team.

C&B: How did the idea of launching this business come to you, and how did you choose the name?
Valentin Krancevik: Credit goes to my friend and partner Irinel. He was always mindful of what he ate, and in 2022, when he saw ANPC’s new regulations, he said we had to be part of it and build an app. We started with “Valori Nutriționale” and six apps later—here we are. We didn’t begin with a long-term plan, but once we saw our potential, we tightened our belts. It’s not a sprint, it’s a marathon.

C&B: What message would you give to people who follow your example?
Valentin Krancevik: Trust yourself and keep trying. Test ideas. Don’t wait for the perfect time—it doesn’t exist. Nor does the perfect decision. What matters is to make one.

Valentin Krancevik is a living example of perseverance and passion, combining technology with environmental care and entrepreneurial spirit. His story shows us that success comes from courage, hard work, and the desire to make a real difference.