“We met great developers in no time,” Sander recalls. “They were skilled, motivated, and the costs were reasonable. It just made sense.”
That trip sparked what would become BackstageIT – a company that helps Dutch businesses build reliable, long-term software development teams in Moldova.
*This article is based on an interview Sander recently gave to Financial Times Netherlands, where he shared his journey and perspective on Moldova’s growing tech potential.
What makes Moldova so interesting?
Moldova isn’t always top of mind when thinking about software development. But according to Sander, it’s a hidden gem – and not just for its affordable talent pool.
“You can still find experienced developers here without breaking your budget,” he explains. “And unlike far-off outsourcing destinations, Moldova is close by – both in distance and culture.”
Sander spends part of his time in Chișinău and has witnessed the country’s transformation firsthand. “Things are more modern, open, and business-friendly now,” he says. “Starting a company or hiring a team is much easier than it used to be.”
Bridging cultures makes the difference
A big part of BackstageIT’s work is to create real, human connections between clients and developers. “We’re not just hiring developers. We’re building teams that feel like a real part of your company,” Sander says.
That includes helping people understand each other’s ways of working. “Sometimes our Moldovan developers need a little encouragement to speak up or share feedback – that’s not something they were always used to,” he explains. “But once they understand it’s safe to challenge ideas, they really do it.”
What about risks?
We won’t downplay it – doing business in Eastern Europe comes with challenges. Political shifts, the war in Ukraine, and Moldova’s journey toward the EU all affect the landscape. But Sander sees more opportunity than risk.
“The tech industry here is growing, and the country is clearly moving forward,” he says. “The kind of work we do allows for flexibility and quick adaptation – so if something changes, we adapt.”
Why Moldova, and why now?
As tech companies in the Netherlands continue to struggle with developer shortages, Moldova stands out. With great tax advantages, a strong work ethic, and a growing pool of developers, it’s a smart place to build remote teams.
And if you’re working with the right partner, one who gets both the local culture and yours, the collaboration will be smooth.
“We’ve built amazing teams here,” says Sander. “If you’re thinking about extending your software team, give Moldova a try. You might be surprised.”
Source of the original article: https://fd.nl/economie/1550181/de-tarieven-in-moldavie-zou-je-in-de-eu-concurrentievervalsing-noemen