Entrepreneurship runs through the veins of Alexandru Muresan, a visionary leader determined to reshape the way creators monetize their work. From his humble beginnings in communist Romania to his current role as co-founder of Charge, Muresan’s journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment and passion for both business and the arts.
Born and raised in Targu Mures, Romania, Muresan grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. His grandfather, who held the first business license in their city after the fall of communism, inspired him from an early age. Surrounded by his mother, grandmother, and later a stepfather, all successful business owners, Muresan’s exposure to the world of entrepreneurship began at a young age. At just four years old, he designed his first business card—an indication that a future in business was in his blood.
Parallel to his entrepreneurial inclinations, Muresan discovered another passion: dance. Starting at the tender age of four, he displayed extraordinary talent and dedicated the next decade of his life to Ballroom and Latin dance. His relentless pursuit paid off, as he achieved remarkable success, including winning the junior national title and becoming Balkanic vice champion. Dance became an integral part of his identity and shaped his unwavering work ethic.
However, Muresan faced a pivotal moment when he moved to the United States at the age of 15. Struggling to find dance teachers who matched his level of skill, he briefly shifted his attention to architecture. It wasn’t until college that he rediscovered his love for dance and joined a contemporary and aerial dance company at The University of Georgia. Graduating with a degree in Economics and Dance, Muresan knew he wanted to pursue dance professionally. During his college years, he launched his first business, “Fail As Fast As You Can,” a tutoring program aimed at preserving music, art, and foreign language education for local children, which unfortunately ceased operations after six months.
After graduation, Muresan realized that he couldn’t fully monetize his passion for dance to the extent he desired. Undeterred, he transitioned his focus to his other love—business. He embarked on various ventures, including establishing a weightless gym with trampolines as the primary exercise equipment. Although he built a vibrant community in Athens, Georgia, he struggled to find profitability in the endeavor. Through collaboration with a trampoline manufacturer, he transformed his vision into a trampoline entertainment center, featuring activities such as trampoline dodgeball, tumble tracks, airbags, American Ninja Warrior, and virtual reality experiences. For five years, Muresan thrived in this exhilarating business, delighting in his interactions with clients and overseeing a team of over 60 employees.
As his entrepreneurial journey progressed, Muresan relocated to New York City and then Alexandria, Virginia. It was during this time that he experienced a transformative journaling session, prompting him to recognize his calling—to assist artists in monetizing their work. Drawing upon his profound understanding of both the artistic and business worlds, Muresan co-founded O. Studio, a successful fully fashioned androgynous knitwear line, with one of his college friends. This venture further solidified his belief in the importance of empowering artists to monetize their creations.
The year 2020 brought monumental changes for Muresan. He weathered the storm of a global pandemic, the dissolution of his marriage, and the sale of his trampoline park. These life-altering events led him on a two-year nomadic journey of self-discovery. Embracing his newfound freedom, Muresan immersed himself in the world of web3, particularly cryptocurrency and NFTs. He was captivated by the community’s enthusiasm and the potential for artists to regain control over their earnings. In 2022, after settling in Miami and enduring another breakup, Muresan relocated to New York City, armed with a wealth of knowledge and a burning desire to create meaningful change in the creative industry.
Drawing from his diverse experiences and lessons learned, Muresan embarked on his most ambitious project to date—Charge. Alongside his co-founder James Dobry, a seasoned developer from GrubHub, Muresan set out to build a groundbreaking marketplace where creators could directly sell their content to brands seeking organic and authentic ways to connect with their customers. What sets Charge apart is its advanced AI model, trained by tech advisor Jake Benton, former member of The Block, to identify mood, brands, sentiment, and predict which brands would best resonate with the content. This platform represents just the beginning, as Muresan envisions a future where individuals can monetize their time and creativity, ensuring that creators, not corporate giants, reap the rewards of their hard work.
Muresan’s journey has not been without its challenges. When he first arrived in the United States, he struggled to integrate and form meaningful connections. It was through perseverance and personal growth, aided by coaching and therapy, that he developed the confidence to push beyond his comfort zone, forge connections, and advocate for his work. Additionally, he faced the obstacle of not knowing how to effectively sell himself or his business ideas. Fortunately, a friend named Anthony Nuara, a successful entrepreneur in the solar sales industry, extended a helping hand. Muresan humbly accepted the opportunity to join Nuara’s team, which involved knocking on doors and facing rejection time and time again. This experience proved to be transformative, teaching him the art of selling and instilling an unwavering determination to bring his vision to life.
Beyond personal growth, Muresan’s resilience shines through in his commitment to a structured routine. He recognizes the importance of maintaining balance and self-care in his life. This includes adhering to a regular sleep schedule, starting the day without the distractions of technology, nourishing his body with healthy habits such as lemon water and exercise, and carving out moments of solitude and reflection. Meditation, breathwork, and fostering healthy relationships are integral parts of his daily routine.
As Muresan and his team prepare for the launch of Charge’s beta version on June 1st, they are actively seeking select content creators and brands to join their innovative platform. Simultaneously, they are in the process of fundraising to expand their team and reach a wider audience. Muresan’s personal mission extends beyond Charge as he actively educates and shares his insights through speaking engagements at conferences and podcasts, offering support and guidance to fellow creatives and entrepreneurs navigating the ever-changing landscape.
In conclusion, Alexandru Muresan’s journey from a young boy captivated by his family’s entrepreneurial spirit to a trailblazing force in the creative industry exemplifies the power of resilience, self-discovery, and a deep commitment to effecting positive change. Through Charge, Muresan is poised to revolutionize the way creators monetize their work, empowering them to reclaim ownership over their creations and redefine the balance of power in an industry dominated by corporations. As he remains dedicated to his vision, Muresan’s tenacity and unwavering belief in the potential of the human spirit serve as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and artists alike. With Charge, Muresan aims to usher in a new era of creativity, where the creators themselves are the true beneficiaries of their own brilliance.
To learn more about Alexandru Muresan and Charge.io, please visit the following links:
- Charge.io Website: chargesocial.io (Brands and creators can fill out the questionnaire to join the beta)
- Miami Lit Podcast: Listen on Spotify
- Web3 Rug Radio Podcast: Listen on Spotify
