A journey built on hard work, curiosity, and the belief that where you come from shapes — but never limits — where you can go.
Born and raised in Iași, Romania — rooted in a culture of resilience, warmth, and community. A foundation that would shape every venture to come.
Graduated in Civil Engineering from the English-taught section of the Gheorghe Asachi Technical University in Iași (2010). Entered a construction market devastated by the 2008 global financial crisis — a turning point that pushed Daniel toward entrepreneurship. Fluent in multiple languages, he was already preparing for an international career.
Launched his first business — a real estate agency in Iași — during the peak of the global financial crisis. It closed after three months, reopened, closed again. He describes his first five years as navigating in the dark, trying to apply foreign business models that weren't yet suitable for the local market. But he adapted, pivoted to university rentals, and found his footing. These early failures taught him that practical know-how matters more than starting capital.
By 2013, Daniel's success in Romania allowed him to travel extensively. What started as a two-month trial in Germany turned into years of cross-border business — spending significant time in Berlin and Southern Germany, where he learned the critical importance of "soft skills": solving problems on the ground, managing diverse teams, and bridging cultural gaps. Earned a Master of Science in Remote Sensing & GIS at Fachhochschule Eberswalde (2018–2019) and completed an MBA at the International Business Management Institute (IBMI). Built a real estate development project near Waldshut-Tiengen — 4 apartments, 2 office spaces, investment over €800,000, estimated market value €1.7 million. Also launched fiber optic infrastructure projects in Germany.
Settled in the Zurich area and joined Swiss Terahertz as Head of Development — a Swiss company specializing in laser technology production with a strategic subsidiary in China. Collaborated on pitch and demo sessions with RUAG AG and the Swiss Army at Tudor Tech in St-Imier, bridging cutting-edge Swiss engineering with real-world defence, industrial, and medical applications. Also developed precision mechanical components and valves for the medical sector.
Founded Advanced Nootropics Switzerland in Zug. Born from a personal search for a clean, natural cognitive enhancer, Daniel created Mind Nootropics — a high-performance brain supplement often described as a "natural alternative to Ritalin," designed for entrepreneurs, students, and high-performers. The product was showcased at the Geneva International Exhibition of Inventions and is now sold across Western Europe, Romania, UAE, Egypt, and Kuwait.
Founded NEXENVA and became President of InterLife Support NGO, through which he manages active philanthropic campaigns in Romania. Took on the role of CEO at FullFiber GmbH, expanding fiber-optic connectivity in Europe. Also established Carpathian Valley Innovation — an educational platform dedicated to fostering professional development, financial literacy, and bringing international business standards to emerging markets.
Awarded at the RePatriot Gala held at Romania's National Opera in Bucharest. Recognized among 100 outstanding Romanians in the diaspora in the Entrepreneurship category — a defining moment of recognition.
Welcomed an Economic Delegation at Wasserenergie Bern alongside Minister Councillor Claudiu Ionescu. Had breakfast with the Royal Family of Romania — discussing shared visions for the future. Visited the German General Consul on a joint project spanning Germany, Switzerland, and Romania. Contributing editorial analysis to Atlas News.
Attended the World Economic Forum at Davos in both January 2025 and January 2026 — engaging with India's Government Delegation, visiting Qatar's Pavilion, and meeting with Romanian Foreign Affairs Minister Oana Țoiu, Minister of Investments Dragoș Pîslaru, and Minister Councillor Claudiu Mihail Ionescu. Founded DTO Immo Switzerland, expanding real estate operations.
"At the beginning it's hard, but Romanians are slowly becoming appreciated and respected. I worked a lot to get here, and to those who want to work abroad I say — it's not easy, but it's worth it."
— Daniel Hagen, RePatriot Gala 2023
"While capital is necessary, Know-How is the true driver of success. Success is built on practical knowledge, not just starting capital. My first five years were difficult — but failure is not the end, it's a necessary stage in building the know-how required for global success."
— Daniel Hagen, Carpathian Valley Interview
Daniel shares the full story — from civil engineering in Iași to building a global portfolio in Switzerland. The failures, the lessons, and the practical know-how that drives his business philosophy.
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