Romanian startup Bible Chat has raised $14 million in a Series A funding round led by Silicon Valley-based True Ventures, with additional support from Early Game Ventures and Play Ventures.
The app has skyrocketed in popularity, cementing itself as one of the most successful faith-based digital products globally.
A rapid rise to success
Designed for Christian communities and individuals seeking spiritual guidance, Bible Chat was founded by Romanian entrepreneurs Laurențiu Bălașa and Marius Iordache. In just a year, the app has attracted 10 million users and reached annualized revenues of $15 million.
Bible Chat’s rapid growth has made it the fastest-growing mobile app in Europe across all categories and the world’s fastest-growing faith app.
Currently, the app ranks 13th among the most downloaded apps in the App Store, standing alongside global giants like WhatsApp and Instagram. This achievement marks a historic milestone for Romania’s tech ecosystem, as no other app developed in the country has reached such heights.
A mission to provide spiritual and emotional support
“We are deeply grateful to our investors for their trust and support in this funding round. Our mission at Bible Chat is to minimize human suffering. Every month, millions of users rely on our platform for spiritual, emotional, and psychological support,” said Laurențiu Bălașa, founder and CEO of Bible Chat.
A Testament to Perseverance
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Cristian Munteanu, Managing Partner at Early Game Ventures, shared a personal anecdote:
“Towards the end of last year, Laurențiu sent me two screenshots that capture the essence of a successful startup. The first image showed the company’s revenue graph over its first four years. The second, the revenue spike in year five. I kept those screenshots because they tell a powerful story of perseverance, resilience, and determination—qualities no entrepreneur can succeed without.”
Early game ventures: investing in the future
Early Game Ventures (EGV) was the first investor in Bible Chat back in 2019. Between 2019 and 2023, EGV invested in 28 startups, including Druid, MeetGeek, Kinderpedia, SymphoPay, and Ogre.
In April 2024, EGV launched Early Game Fund II, a €60 million investment fund focused on supporting innovative tech startups in Romania and Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). So far, four investments have been made from this new fund, targeting cybersecurity, AI, and longevity startups.
A game-changer in faith-based technology
Bible Chat’s remarkable rise highlights the growing intersection of technology and faith, proving that digital platforms can provide real support and connection for millions worldwide. With fresh funding and a rapidly expanding user base, Bible Chat is poised to redefine the faith-tech landscape for years to come. Photo by NYC Wanderer (Kevin Eng), Wikimedia commons.