Danis Fickewirth.

How I found Moldova

My introduction to Moldova came through a software developer from Hîncești whom I hired in Los Angeles. What began as a conversation became a visit, then a habit of returning. The people, food, culture, and summer weather gave me plenty of reasons to return.

I’ve since made more than 20 extended visits, including several entire summers. My earlier technology ventures in Chișinău, Aroundwire and Force Wind, brought me into closer contact with local teams. The experience and relationships from those projects continue to inform my work here.

An investor’s role

Through Alafina Capital, the investment company I founded, I am involved in several distinct businesses in Moldova. I am developing Ileana Foods, I own Zidara Group, and I am a co-owner and investor in Pro Business International SRL, SKYA’s exclusive distributor in the country.

My local business partner is Sergiu Hîrbu. Working with him and our teams, I combine investment decisions with strategic planning, negotiations, and oversight. I work on the overall direction of each business as well as the decisions that will determine whether its plans succeed.

I am interested in how a business holds together: whether demand is real, whether the economics make sense, and whether the team can deliver consistently. Those questions guide where I put my attention and capital.

My family

I am also a husband and a father. My wife and daughter have visited Moldova and share my affection for it. Spending time here together has made the country a part of our family life, as well as my professional life.

Music and the city’s history

Music has given me another way to contribute. After meeting Kapushon at his Las Vegas concert event, our shared interests grew into a collaboration. I executive-produced the entire “Rapfonie de iarnă” album, worked on production and co-wrote the script for “Când moldovenii au pornit prin lume,” and contributed the idea, initiative, and project production for “Galbenă Moldovă.”

Historic Chișinău is another enduring interest. I support Old Chișinău, a remarkable project documenting the city’s past, and appreciate the opportunity to contribute to its work. My collection of historic photographs and postcards is on Bessarabica, where anyone can explore it.

Learning Romanian

I am in my third year of studying Romanian, and my level is intermediate. I can follow conversations and read documents. Understanding people directly has made a real difference in my work and in everyday life.

I continue lessons by video with my teacher from Anenii Noi, keeping the study going wherever I am.