We’re back in black. And white. And a flash of lightning yellow.
I’m here to talk about 2024, just like I did last year. Why? Because at Thunder, we believe in showing up as we are – honest, open, a little raw. No filters, no pretenses. Just us. Vulnerability builds trust, and trust is the only currency that truly matters.
For us, the year started with a question: What do we want to build, together?
Not build for you or build for me, but build together. Because if Thunder is anything, it’s a shared heartbeat. The answer wasn’t easy, but easy answers rarely lead to great stories. The spark of 2023 wasn’t enough – we needed to feed the storm.
And oh, how we did.
We pushed past the comfortable and straight into the unknown. We reimagined what good looks like and decided to aim for great. That meant rethinking processes, challenging the we’ve always done it this way mindset, and sometimes, tearing things down to rebuild them stronger.
Walk with us as we revisit a year of bold actions and meaningful moments.
A year defined by resilience
Every story starts with a word. This year, our word was resilience.
A word that became a promise. To ourselves, to each other, and to the work we do. Resilience carried us through a year that wasn’t just good. It was transformative. It shaped us, challenged us, and ultimately, pushed us to be better.
2024 was no walk in the park. Some chapters closed, and new ones began. But through it all, we witnessed something extraordinary. Our team redefined what it means to rise, delivering smarter, innovating harder, and inspiring deeper. Watching our team grow was both motivating and humbling.
And when we talk about Thunders, we can’t help but name the incredible souls whose work defined excellence among our collaborators: Cris, Adi, Cosmin, Florina, Vlad, Iuli, Manu, Horațiu, and Gabi. They work for the Thunder that exists today and the Thunder that is yet to come.
For that, we’re endlessly grateful. And we’re endlessly inspired.
Innovation Hub – New reframing
While our dev colleagues kept Thunder charging forward, the marketing team dug deeper, redefining our role in the world – the why behind the what and how.
So we built. Not just solutions, but a space to think differently. The Innovation Hub became our answer. A hub for ideas that demand more. A space for our team, collaborators, and tribe. It’s where we leaned in, rolled up our sleeves, and said: let’s create something that matters.
But we know delivering excellence is just the beginning. How we share it completes the story.
Our new website opens a window into Thunder – what we value, who we are, how we serve, and where we’re headed.
- The Culture page reflects the soul of Thunder, with Anda Bolojan’s words capturing our spirit in every line.
- A space for our Team – how we grow, what we achieve, and the moments that shape us.
- A Community page that amplifies our tribe’s voice – the connections, the events, and the perks that make this journey worth it.
- The Innovation Hub is our manifesto – how we deliver software, products, and startups that lead the way.
Anda Sărăcuț’s design makes it all come alive. Clean, vibrant, minimalist, and bursting with Thunder’s energy, every interaction feels like an experience.
2024 taught us that building isn’t enough. What matters is how you show up, how you frame the work, and how you make it resonate.
This year, we framed it all. And now the picture is clearer.
Thunder Booktruck
Books open doors. They inspire dreams, expand minds, and give children the tools to imagine a brighter future. But in too many villages, those doors remain locked. The stories go unread. The dreams, unimagined.
This year, we joined forces with Victor Miron’s incredible initiative, BookTruck, to change that.
We adopted a village. Not just with words, but with action. Throughout the year, we raised funds, poured in our energy, and invited others to join us.
At the end of the year, those funds transformed into books. Stories that spark imagination, fuel discovery, and open entire worlds.
For these children, it’s a chance to dream beyond the limits around them. A chance to believe in something bigger.
Because when we open doors, we open futures.
Our beloved students
The future is shaped by those brave enough to step into it. But for many students, the first steps can feel like a maze with no map. We’ve been there. We know the questions, the doubts, the weight of trying to figure it all out. This year, we set out to give them what we wish we had – a hand to guide, tools to build, and space to grow.
Content writing practice
Deby joined us for two months and brought a creativity that lit up our team. She explored content writing with curiosity and determination, leaving an imprint that will always stay with us. Her time here was a reminder that great opportunities fuel greatness.
We’re grateful for the energy, the insight, and the inspiration she brought. We know this is just the beginning of a much bigger journey for her, and we can’t wait to see the incredible things she’ll accomplish.
Photo/video internship
Cristina and Lucia spent two months with us, seeing Thunder through their creative lenses. Two storytellers, capturing the moments that matter and giving us a fresh view of the culture we’re building.
Their work, their passion, and their dedication had a meaningful impact on projects. We’re grateful for their contribution and proud to have been part of their journey. We know they’re destined for remarkable things ahead.
How to create a winning resume
Cris created a resume guide with one goal in mind: to help you tell your story. It goes beyond following a formula or ticking boxes. It’s about giving you the clarity and tools to present your skills and experiences in the most authentic way.
This guide is meant to empower you, to help you uncover what makes you unique and how to showcase it in a way that matters. It’s for anyone who wants to make a real connection through their resume, not just a first impression. Let your story speak for itself.
How to prepare for tech interviews
Cris shared his expertise with students at FSEGA, breaking down the complexities of tech interviews. Rather than focusing solely on the technical details, he guided them through the mindset, thinking, and approach that set successful candidates apart.
He helped students grasp what interviewers truly look for: a clear thought process, the ability to collaborate, and a calm, confident presence. His guidance turned interviews from daunting obstacles into opportunities for growth.
And if you missed the session, don’t worry. We’re working on an e-book to help you master the process.
More than a reading list
Books have the power to change the way we think. Over the years, we’ve carefully curated a collection of books that shifted our perspective, pushed us to act, and helped shape who we are today. Each one was chosen for its ability to inspire growth and change.
What makes this different is the purpose behind it. These books are part of our journey, and now, they’re part of yours. Whether you're looking to expand your professional skills or deepen your personal understanding, each title is designed to help you take the next step.
New Thunders
Thunder grew not just in numbers but in spirit. We welcomed Gabi, our new Product Lead, a strategist with a sharp eye and a heart for building things that matter. The kind of teammate who sees the big picture and knows how to make it real.
Then came Deni, our Creative Writer and Photographer, whose words and pictures have a way of moving people. Whether crafting stories or simplifying the complex, Deni’s voice is already part of the rhythm that keeps Thunder alive and thriving.
And then, there’s Sushi, the Thundercat. He doesn’t code, design, or write, but his quiet presence works its own kind of magic. A purr-fect reminder to pause, breathe, and find joy in the little moments.
Every addition to our team is a piece of the puzzle we didn’t know we were missing. Gabi brings clarity, Deni brings creativity, and Sushi brings chillness. Together, they make us stronger, more inspired, and ready for the challenges ahead.
At Thunder, growth is about finding people who make the whole team better. This year, we did just that.
Swapr – Our very first product
This year, we launched Swapr, our very first product. An app for book lovers, built by book lovers. It’s a way to rewrite the story of how we share and connect through books.
If you’re like us, your bookshelf tells two tales. One is the library you’ll never part with; your old friends, the stories that shaped you. The other? It’s a collection of books ready to find a new home, waiting for the next reader to discover their magic.
Swapr is the bridge between those worlds. A platform where your stories don’t end. They begin again, in someone else’s hands.
Swapr is a way to extend the life of every book you’ve loved and to make sure other readers enjoy it as much as you did. A library that’s always changing, always evolving, and always open to something new.
Write a new story. Start with a swap.
Thunder Events
From fireside tales that bound communities together to the brainstorms that sparked the Renaissance. From the factories of the Industrial Revolution to the code that gave birth to the Internet. Every leap forward starts the same way, with people coming together.
The power of an event is in the collision of ideas, the exchange of perspectives, and the energy that fuels progress.
Today, events are the ignition point for what comes next.
The future is built by those who show up and take part. The question is: will you be there?
Talks
This year, we chose depth over numbers. Four events not just to fill calendars but to leave something behind. Something that lingers. The kind of themes that keep spinning in your mind long after the applause fades.
For the first time, we opened the stage to voices beyond our team. At Thunder Talks 7, Alexandra Crăciun challenged us all with her vision of slow, quiet branding. It was a wake-up call. She challenged marketers to think beyond the noise, to choose ethics over shortcuts, to build brands that whisper trust instead of shouting for attention.
Now, we’re setting our sights on the 10th edition. A commitment. Bigger ideas. Bolder conversations. Actionable insights you can take back and use to create ripples of change.
And this is only the beginning.
Lounge
Thunder Lounge became a gathering of minds, a space where stories were shared, ideas flowed, and growth happened naturally. Four events brought people together. Not for the sake of networking, but for meaningful conversations that left an impact.
We began with open discussions, unfiltered and real. People shared their paths, their hurdles, their lessons learned.
Then, two Book Swap events followed, where books became catalysts for connection. A title exchanged, a conversation sparked, a perspective shifted.
And then came the big moment. During a special Lounge event, we introduced Swapr, our tool designed to keep this spirit of exchange alive long after the evening ended.
Because Swapr was built to connect. It’s a celebration of the exchanges that make the book-loving community so extraordinary.
The stories. The connections. The shared passion.
Bookclub
Four gatherings, each one a pause in the chaos. A chance to reflect, connect, and dive deep into ideas that matter.
Conversations about how we think, how we grow, and how we navigate a world that’s constantly shifting.
We gathered with our community, not to agree but to explore. What does resilience mean when life feels heavy? How do we stay curious in a world that rewards certainty? How do we find clarity in a time of constant noise? The books were a compass, guiding us toward better questions and richer insights.
Every bookclub left us with something more. An idea to chew on, a perspective to shift, a mindset to carry forward. These were the moments of alignment, a reminder that growth isn’t something we do alone.
The road ahead may be uncertain, but with the right conversations, we’ll keep moving forward. Together.
Thunder Mentorship
We held around 100 mentorship sessions. Not meetings. Moments. Each one an opportunity to inspire, guide, and grow.
Investing in others creates a ripple effect where growth multiplies. For the mentee, it’s a chance to see further. For the mentor, it’s a way to give back. Together, it becomes a leap toward something extraordinary.
We see mentorship as a commitment to possibility. A belief that the time we give today shapes the future we want to build.
One conversation. One connection. One step closer to transformation. This is how progress begins.
Experiences
We continued to go beyond the desk. Small trips for a start. A trip to Smida, a hike to Cascada Valul Miresei, and an adventure through Scrind Frăsinet were shared experiences that reminded us why we do this together.
Walking trails, feeling the crunch of leaves underfoot and the scale of the world around us gave us fresh perspective and a deeper sense of connection.
Back at home, we introduced new rhythms that kept the spirit alive. Thunder Date Nights brought us closer. Movie Nights gave us stories to share, sparking debates and bonding moments. Weekly Meetings evolved into moments of alignment, grounding us in our mission. Workshops added layers of learning and collaboration. Many thanks to our Culture Lead for all the activities and experiences that kept us united.
These are the moments that shape us, the threads that weave us tighter as a team.
When we show up for each other in these ways, the work we do together feels stronger, bolder, and more alive.
We closed the year with two unforgettable experiences. In London, Cris, Cosmin, and Florina worked together and engaged with the tech community at an industry event. Just before that, the marketing team traveled to Switzerland, connecting with new people and creating fresh opportunities in Basel and Zurich.
Thunders on the go, as Deni named it, isn’t just a chapter of this year’s story. It’s the start of something bigger. Next year promises even more meaningful trips and experiences that fuel our path to becoming.
Closing thoughts
2024 was a year of momentum. A year of creating boldly, connecting deeply, and growing into the Thunder we envision. Every move brought us closer to our purpose: building with meaning, dreaming with clarity, and reaching for the extraordinary.
As we step into 2025, we carry more than just memories. The lessons learned, the laughs shared, and the growth earned this year form the foundation of what’s to come. The road ahead may be uncharted, but we embrace it with confidence
Here’s to 2025, a year not quite ready for the energy we’re about to bring (Cris keeps reminding us of this, and he’s probably right, hahaha.)
The Thunder makes it louder every year, and so do we.
