Alexandru Lăpușan, CEO & Founding Partner, Zitec: The future of business isn’t just digital, but intelligent

The future of business isn’t just digital, but intelligent. And the question isn’t whether AI, cloud, and innovative software solutions will reshape the industry, but who will be ahead of the curve when they do.

Strategic Vision and Market Trends

What are the key trends you believe will shape your industry in 2025?
For starters, integrating AI into daily operations will become the foundation of how businesses run. I am confident that companies that move beyond basic automation or superficial GenAI usage and really incorporate AI into strategic decision-making will lead in their industries. At Zitec, we are firm believers that AI should be implemented with a clear roadmap and well-defined projections for return on investment.

We are already noticing this shift with our clients, with AI experimentation slowly turning into full-scale deployment of solutions that automate processes, enhance operational efficiency, drive predictive insights and build more intelligent customer experiences that ultimately contribute to a company’s growth ambitions. In short, we expect that tens of Proof of Concept projects we have implemented last year will develop into fully matured projects over the course of 2025.

At the same time, digital transformation remains just as critical. The demand for secure, scalable, and interconnected technology ecosystems isn’t slowing down. Romanian companies are in a unique position to lead in this space, with strong technical talent and a relatively mature IT market. However the biggest challenge remains economic uncertainty, which makes long-term investment decisions tougher.

What major adjustments should a business consider this year, in the context of local market competition and worldwide challenges?
To stay competitive, businesses must constantly optimize their processes and make data-driven decisions, something that can be achieved only when their own household is in good order: well structured internal data collection is the foundation and a must. By being willing to adapt and make thoughtful adjustments, companies can create lasting value and navigate the challenges of both local and global competition. It’s about balancing innovation with smart execution, always moving forward with purpose and impact.

Furthermore, for local IT companies, expanding into international markets is becoming more of a necessity than a choice. But going global isn’t just about scaling up; it takes smart investments in globalization strategies, strong partnerships, and careful financial management. At the same time, efficiency is just as important as growth. Companies need to find the right balance between taking risks, investing in R&D, and maintaining financial discipline; because growth at any cost just doesn’t work in the long run. Here, AI and automation will be essential for maintaining profitability while optimizing operations. We’ve seen first-hand how AI-driven strategies improve cost efficiency and accelerate decision-making, as long as the teams behind these solutions work in synergy. None of this works without people.

But more than anything, businesses need to stay agile. Too often, companies get so focused on expansion that they hold onto projects that aren’t really working. True adaptability means being willing to pivot when necessary. At Zitec, we focus on what actually delivers value, making decisions based on real data, market trends, and customer feedback. That way, we’re always moving forward with purpose, adjusting quickly, and staying ahead of the competition.

What leadership aspects are you carrying into 2025?
At Zitec, leadership in 2025 means prioritizing people and long-term value creation. We invest in our teams’ development, maintain a flexible and inclusive work environment, and embrace diversity as a key strength. By fostering an authentic, values-driven culture, we empower our colleagues to bring their best selves to work, ensuring innovation and collaboration thrive.

Furthermore, in a world of uncertainty, adaptability is crucial. We focus on making decisions that don’t just serve the next quarter, but lay the foundation for sustainable success. The ability to stay agile without losing clarity is a leadership principle we carry forward, ensuring we navigate challenges with resilience and purpose.

Beyond our organization, we actively advocate for a business-friendly regulatory landscape, fostering dialogue between private and public sectors. Progress comes from collaboration, not avoidance of challenges. By pushing for predictability and professionalism in policymaking, we contribute to a more stable and innovative economic environment, driving impact beyond our own business.

People and Sustainability

How do you engage people in your teams to ensure long-term sustainability in your operations?
A company’s long-term success depends on the strength of its people, and therefore growth is only sustainable when teams feel invested in the mission. It’s clear for us that when people see a trajectory, they stay, so investing in job security and development paths should be on any company’s priority list.

At Zitec, that means continuous investment in our colleagues through custom programs. We prioritize growth through leadership courses, structured career programs, and personal development budgets tailored to individual passions. For example, in 2024 alone, we invested approximately €1.7 million in employee benefits, development and well-being programs, so that our Zitec teams can thrive.

Plus, our innovative “Tribes” model (Tribes are small, self-organized communities where our colleagues can connect and explore their interests, outside the professional ones) contributes to the team’s sense of belonging. Whether it’s sailing, music, hiking, gaming, the book club or others, this is where our teams can recharge outside of their daily roles. Beyond our workplace, we are committed to supporting civic involvement and cultivating teams grounded in strong moral values, ensuring that our collective efforts drive meaningful change both within and beyond our organization.
In addition to structured and fun initiatives, we focus on autonomy and purpose. Burnout and disengagement are real risks especially in industries like IT, which is why we prioritize work-life balance through asynchronous work, transparency in communication and autonomy. It’s all worked well for us – a 94.75% retention rate in an industry where movement is the norm isn’t coincidence, but an outcome of a business designed for long-term growth.

Innovation and Digital Transformation

What role does innovation play in the company’s business strategy for this year? In what kind of business aspects should this be more integrated?
Innovation is a core pillar of our strategy, shaping everything from AI-driven automation to digital transformation in the public sector. This year, we’re heavily focused on data analytics & AI, investing in solutions that optimize processes, predict inefficiencies, and create new value streams.
Logistics and last-mile delivery are also high on our innovation agenda. We will soon announce the launch of our new Zitec incubated product, a last-mile software solution set to redefine efficiency in a field where margins are tight, and accuracy and speed are everything.

Businesses that optimize processes and intelligence in moving goods will lead the market, and we aim to equip them with the right tech and digital infrastructure to do so.

We are also committed to harnessing technology with a clear impact in society. So far, we have invested both experience and energy into the digitalization of the public sector, securing complex tenders through fair processes. Our contributions are focused on projects that modernize services for citizens and create tangible improvements in their lives.

What emerging technologies are you planning to leverage for business growth this year? What about AI, how is it anticipated to reshape the business this year?
We’re in the middle of a shift where technology is actively driving change. AI, cloud, and big data are becoming the backbone of some of the most competitive companies. Through our work across industries, from logistics to retail, the financial industry, and the public sector, we’ve seen firsthand how technologies such as AI are paving the way for entirely new ways of working. Think automated damage detection in supply chains, to AI-powered fraud prevention in fintech, or solutions making cybersecurity more proactive than reactive. At Zitec we are already using AI (CoPilot) to write better and faster code within our projects.

Cloud and big data are playing an equally critical role, as they allow businesses to analyze and act on real-time data at a scale that simply wasn’t possible before. This means smoother operations, more connected systems, and effortless customer experiences across industries. For example, a retailer optimizing stock levels in real time, a logistics company predicting demand patterns weeks in advance, or a public institution using AI to modernize services or combat fraud: this is where impact happens.