[Startup story] Silverbacks | Rubik Garage Accelerator 2022 Batch

[Startup story] Silverbacks | Rubik Garage Accelerator 2022 Batch

August 31, 2022

Silverbacks is one of the 22 startups selected in the Rubik Garage accelerator 2022 Batch, from over 120 international applicants. Discover its story below. 

First of all, we would like to know who’s behind the keyboard.

Behind the screen are Paul Burca and Andrei Hutanu and we’ve known each other for many years.

Me, Paul, I started a recruiting company in London with my then partner and I’ve been looking for talent in developing machine learning and blockchain. Passionate about photography and music, I am detail-oriented in all aspects of work and life in general. My attention to detail is what helps me manage and coordinate teams, what am I now doing with Silverbacks.

I’m Andrei, 33 years old founder with a mission to create generational wisdom, health and wealth in the world. Immersed in the digital world since I was a kid, I played with code, tools and the internet to design new ways for people to work, interact and create impactful businesses. Working with overseas companies served me and my team to integrate valuable business practices and work ethics around creating feasible and desirable tech products, so here we are, creating our own products now.

Silverbacks was started for those who believe that teams have the power to make or break anything in this world. The platform links together the world’s best engineering, product and design builders with some of today’s most exciting companies. We empower our members to build great things for awesome clients while also building their own entrepreneurial ventures into something truly global.

Tell us more about Silverbacks. What problem do you solve? Who’s your audience?

Today’s companies are struggling to balance the demands of their digital and physical needs. In order for these organizations, which often have competing priorities in both areas, to be successful, they need a more integrated approach that connects people across teams as well as platforms so everyone can work together towards meeting those goals. Silverbacks is where growing companies discover and easily manage the best digital talent to grow their business with on-demand teams.  

What motivated you to create this startup? What’s your „why”?

It feels like the whole world is changing right now. The Great Resignation has left us in a state of mass chaos, but the one thing it’s certainly done is it provided opportunity. Never before have we seen so many skilled engineers, creators and product marketers alike want nothing more than to build something that matters every day; they launch independent careers by saying “no boring work” before teaming up for great things together. 

How is your startup different from competitors?

Helping businesses adapt agilely even when things aren’t going well at first; building tech in areas outside your core competencies – whether you’re pivoting products/solutions rapidly based on market changes. We are providing a more integrated solution by all means. It is not just a marketplace – it is an efficient tool to build and manage world-class product teams.  

Do you have a team supporting you in your mission?

Yes, we are a growing team of six people aligned on the mission and we are all focusing on building a great product. Our team works daily on the same strategy we create for Silverbacks.  

We’re a firm believer in the product, therefore we’re actually using it as a tool when building digital solutions. 

What are the biggest rewards of being a startup founder?

Sharing and receiving know-how. We find satisfaction in shaping up our ideas in a digital world that grows every single day. 

On the contrary, what are the biggest challenges?

The biggest challenges for us, like start-up founders, were often the same as those for any small business owner: securing funding, building a customer base, and dealing with the world’s instability. However, we also faced unique challenges, such as developing a new product or service, recruiting and managing employees, and establishing brand awareness.  

Ultimately, the biggest challenge for a start-up founder is overcoming the many obstacles that stand in the way of success. With hard work and perseverance, however, any challenge can be overcome.

What made you apply to our accelerator Rubik Garage?

We applied to Rubik Garage with Silverbacks because we were looking for an accelerator that could help us take our project to the next level. We were impressed by the mentors and support that Rubik Garage offered, and we knew that the experience will bring us a positive outcome. The Rubik Garage team exceeded our expectations in terms of resourcefulness and level of professionalism. 

What are your top 3 learnings of the acceleration program?

1. The importance of having a clear and concise plan 

2. The importance of networking and building relationships with others in the industry 

3. How to effectively market your business 

4. The importance of community building 

What do you like in the Rubikorns Startup Community?

Many people like us are in the Community and somehow, we can help and support each other grow from idea to product. 

What are your plans for Silverbacks for the next 6-12 months?

Our plans for Silverbacks in the next 6-12 months are to continue developing the product and growing our user base. We want to make Silverbacks the best possible product it can be and help more businesses reap the benefits of using it. 

What message do you have for other startup founders?

Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it – there are plenty of people out there who are more than happy to lend a hand. And, most importantly, don’t give up on your dream – it’s worth the hard work! 

What is your special power?

To listen. In a world where information is so easy to find and everybody wants to make their voice loud, listening is a special power. And this is what we do in Silverbacks.

Is there anything else you’d like our readers to know?

The digital economy is changing the way we live and work. It’s important for businesses to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and technologies to remain competitive. Silverbacks is a company that understands the importance of the digital economy and is committed to helping businesses succeed in this new era.  

We encourage you to support Silverbacks and follow their journey on Linkedin and Facebook.

Stay tuned to discover the story behind the other startups from the Rubik Garage accelerator! #WeAreInThisTogether

Rubik Garage is an equity-free acceleration program aiming to support startups from CEE. We are helping early-stage startups get to their first paying customer, raise investment or go international.

The accelerator started with a Founders Bootcamp in Piatra Neamt. Four months of acceleration will culminate with a Demo Day in September, where startups get the chance to pitch their startup in front of investors. For the most motivated teams, the journey will continue in the next 6-12 months – our team will offer their full support to help them raise an investment round.

If you want to pre-apply for the next Rubik Garage edition, complete this form and be the first one to get the chance of starting their acceleration journey!