When we talk about business in Bucharest, we often think of success stories — brands that grew rapidly, entrepreneurs who caught the right wave, and ideas that turned into profitable ventures. But the reality of the urban business environment is far more nuanced. Behind every discreetly closed restaurant or abandoned storefront lies a project that, for one reason or another, didn’t make it.

Failure in business is not the exception — it's a natural part of the process. Sometimes it’s due to economic context, other times poor decisions, lack of adaptability, or simply... bad timing.

This article brings together some of the most visible examples of Bucharest-based businesses that didn’t survive. Not to judge them, but to understand just how fragile the journey from idea to reality can be — and why it’s important to talk about what didn’t work.

1. Curiero – from rapid growth to financial collapse

Founded in 2003, courier company Curiero saw spectacular growth, reaching a turnover of €14.5 million in 2007 and projecting €25 million for 2008. However, by 2009 the company had entered insolvency, and its assets were acquired by TCE Logistica. The main causes of failure included overexpansion, high operational costs, and fierce market competition. (Source: ZF.ro)

2. Herăstrău Restaurants – Shut down due to irregularities

Two restaurants located in Bucharest’s Herăstrău Park — operated by the family of ANPC chief Horia Constantinescu — were closed by the City Hall of Sector 1 in 2023. The reasons included excessive noise and the absence of proper authorizations. These closures highlighted the importance of complying with legal regulations and maintaining positive relations with local authorities. (Sources: B365, ZF.ro)

3. Daniel Crăciun – Five failures before Lensa.ro

Daniel Crăciun, founder of Lensa.ro, went through five business failures before launching his current successful venture. With an initial investment of just €500, he managed to build a solid business, proving that perseverance and learning from mistakes can pave the way to success.

4. Lessons from failure – Insights and takeaways

Failures in the Bucharest business landscape offer valuable insights for entrepreneurs:

• Adaptability is essential in a constantly shifting market.
• A realistic assessment of the market and available resources can prevent overexpansion.
• Legal compliance and strong relationships with local institutions are critical to long-term sustainability.
• A clear brand identity and effective digital strategy are crucial in today’s online-driven world.

Fuckup Nights Bucharest – Normalizing Failure in Entrepreneurship

Fuckup Nights Bucharest provides a platform for entrepreneurs to openly share their failures and learn from one another. These events encourage honest conversations about business setbacks and the lessons learned, promoting a healthy and constructive approach to failure within the entrepreneurial community.