Bucharest, Romania | October 2026

As European companies explore new financing opportunities and prepare for their next stages of growth, the relationship between business strategy, financial forecasting and investment decisions is becoming increasingly important.

Raluca Ioana Man, Cyprus-based business and brand strategist, board advisor and Founder of RSEVEN, was among the international business professionals invited to speak at the Financing & IPO Summit 2026, held in Bucharest on 23 October.

Organised by VERTIK Group, with the European Investment Bank Group as Strategic Partner, the second edition of the summit brought together business leaders, investors, financial institutions and advisors to examine alternative financing, private debt, investment opportunities, corporate governance and access to capital.

Connecting business strategy with investment decisions

During her presentation, “Forecasting as a Strategic Tool for Financing Growth and Investment Decision Making,” Man addressed a central challenge facing companies seeking expansion: how to translate ambitious business plans into credible financial forecasts and informed investment decisions.

Her presentation explored how forecasting, scenario planning and management judgement can support businesses when evaluating financing requirements, investment opportunities and the implications of different growth strategies.

“Companies often approach forecasting as a financial exercise, something prepared for budgets, banks or investors. But its real strategic value lies in helping management understand what could happen, what the business can sustain and which decisions need to be made today,” said Man.

She also highlighted the importance of examining the assumptions behind business projections, particularly when companies are preparing to attract capital or undertake significant investments.

Strong revenue forecasts alone cannot demonstrate whether a company is ready to grow. Businesses must also consider cash flow, operational capacity, financing structures, execution risks and their ability to respond when market conditions change.

Investment readiness starts before the financing process

One of the central messages was the importance of preparing businesses strategically before approaching investors or selecting financing instruments.

Access to capital can accelerate expansion, but financing decisions must be aligned with the company’s commercial objectives, financial capacity and long-term direction.

Through scenario planning, management teams can examine several possible outcomes, test the resilience of their business assumptions and identify the conditions under which investment decisions remain viable.

“Before asking how much capital a company can raise, management should understand how that capital will be used, which assumptions support the investment and what happens if the business performs differently from expectations,” Man explained.

This approach is particularly relevant for established businesses considering international expansion, acquisitions, external investment or a potential future listing on a stock exchange.

Relevance for Cyprus and international businesses

The discussions at the summit also have implications for the Cypriot business community.

For companies operating from Cyprus and seeking access to international markets, investors or strategic partnerships, financial preparedness is only one element of investment readiness.

Clear business positioning, strong governance, realistic growth expectations, operational capabilities and credible management decisions are equally important considerations.

The ability to evaluate opportunities across borders also requires an understanding of different market conditions, financing alternatives and the risks associated with expansion.

Man’s participation reflects her broader work supporting businesses and executive teams in strategic planning, corporate development, brand positioning and business decision-making across international markets.

Building stronger businesses for the next stage of growth

As companies face increasingly complex investment and financing decisions, the capacity to combine financial analysis with strategic thinking will remain an important management capability.

The Financing & IPO Summit 2026 provided a platform for dialogue between businesses seeking capital and the institutions, investors and advisors involved in financing corporate growth.

For Man, the central message extends beyond any individual financing instrument.

“The objective is to build companies that understand their decisions, can explain their assumptions and are prepared to manage the consequences of growth. That is what makes forecasting valuable for management, boards and investors.”

About Raluca Ioana Man and RSEVEN

Raluca Ioana Man is an international business and brand strategist, board advisor and Founder of RSEVEN, a Cyprus-based strategic advisory consultancy.

With nearly 20 years of experience, she advises business owners, executive teams and organisations on corporate strategy, business development, brand positioning, strategic forecasting and decision-making.

Alongside her advisory work, Man serves on several boards in Cyprus and internationally, contributing her expertise in business strategy, corporate governance and business development.

Website: www.rseven.co.uk