BUCHAREST, Romania – 5 to go, the largest coffee shop chain in Eastern Europe and Romania’s leading franchise, has entered a transformative phase with a new strategic partnership. The company, which recently surpassed 600 locations, announced a majority investment deal with INVENIO Partners and Accession Capital Partners (ACP), marking an important step in its evolution. The new investors will hold a majority stake, while the founders and existing shareholders will retain a minority position and remain actively involved in operational and daily leadership.
This partnership aims to drive 5 to go’s international expansion into key markets such as South-East Europe, Spain, and other countries with significant Romanian diaspora, while solidifying its presence in Romania, where its network already spans over 130 cities and 300 franchises. With a strong track record of meeting growth targets—including a 10% outperformance of its 2024 budget—the company projects continued strong development in FY25.
Founders’ Vision for the Future
“This partnership is a pivotal moment for 5 to go. INVENIO and ACP bring extensive expertise that aligns with our vision of sustainable growth and innovation,” said Radu Savopol, co-founder. “We are ready to explore new markets and continue the success story we began in 2015.”
Co-founder Lucian Bădilă added, “With the foundation laid by Mozaik Investments and our team’s dedication, we’ve built an unique franchising model. This new chapter will enable us to reach 1,000 locations in Romania and become a major European player in the coffee industry.”
Investors’ Commitment
Elvin Guri, CEO of INVENIO Partners, remarked, “With invaluable support from Mozaik, Radu, Lucian and their team have built a Romanian contemporary retail icon. We at Invenio are excited at the prospect of supporting them in realizing Radu’s vision of making 5 to go a European coffee chain leader”. Marko Mitrovic, partner at ACP, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the company’s strong community focus and growth potential.
Strategic Advisors
Law firms Dentons and Schoenherr acted as legal advisers to INVENIO Partners and ACP Partners, while the financial and tax advisory and review work was performed by KPMG Romania. The deal is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in Q1 2025.
About 5 to go
5 to go was established in 2015 and has reached a milestone of 600 locations, becoming the largest coffee chain in Eastern Europe, and the most popular franchise in Romania. Radu Savopol and Lucian Bădilă, are the founders of 5 to go, who brought the innovative concept of a single price for all the products sold to the Romanian HoReCa market. Under the slogan “Smile, there’s coffee!”, the coffee chain offers consumers a warm and friendly space where coffee is the main protagonist. The coffee has an intense, full-bodied, creamy flavor and is a unique blend, specially created for the 5 to go brand. Because the number 5 is the building block of the brand, the 5 to go team offers customers five main reasons to come back to any of the locations and enjoy taste, professionalism, speed, diversity and lifestyle.
About INVENIO Partners
INVENIO Partners manages two private equity and growth equity funds, including the INVENIO Partners Fund II SCSP focused on investments in South East Europe. INVENIO Partners is experienced in promoting and supporting companies to realize their full potential and improve their performance by providing growth capital, strategic guidance, and operational support to strong management teams.
About Accession Capital Partners (ACP)
Accession Capital Partners (ACP), formerly known as Mezzanine Management, is investing from its fifth fund, AMC V SCA SCA SICAV-RAIF, which was launched in 2023. ACP has been active in Central and Eastern Europe since 2000 through its offices in Vienna, Warsaw, Bucharest, Budapest, and Prague. To date, the group has raised commitments of over €1.1 billion in five dedicated growth capital funds. The funds are backed by renowned institutional investors, including the European Investment Fund, the International Finance Corporation, the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, as well as a number of banks, funds of funds, pension funds and insurance companies in Europe, the US and Asia.
