Notable Funding Rounds across EU:
- Berlin's NeXtWind secured $750M from Sandbrook Capital, PSP Investments, and IMCO to repower aging wind turbines and redefine Germany's energy supply with sustainable solutions.
- UK-based Cornish Lithium secured £53.6M investment led by UK Infrastructure Bank, EMG, and TechMet to enhance the UK's battery-grade lithium supply for EVs and renewable energy storage.
- Portugal's REGA Energy Group secured €60M funding from SWEN Capital Partners. The company provides biomethane and green hydrogen as alternatives to industry leaders..
New Venture Funds:
- Cyprus-based Gem Capital is set to invest €45M in CEE’s gaming ecosystem to support pre-seed, seed, and series A funding rounds. Gem Capital's successful track record in boosting game startups' success makes it a notable player in the industry.
- London's Pretiosum Ventures secures first close of its second fund, potentially reaching $20M. VC backs EU based SaaS, fintech, and web3, typically providing $250k to $500k in funding
Startup Funding Rounds & Acquisitions:
- Serbia-based VR design platform ShapesXR used by Meta, Logitech secured $8.6M in seed funding led by Supernode Global, with Triptyq VC, Boost VC, Hartmann Capital, and Geek Ventures participating.
- Lithuanian startup CUBE3.AI raises $8.2M in seed funding led by Blockchange Ventures for its web3 transaction security platform. Dispersion Capital, Symbolic Capital, Hypersphere Ventures, ICLUB, and TA Ventures also joined the investment.
- Polish QNA Technology raises $4M for quantum dots and inks development, with backing from the National Center for Research and Development.
- Latvian adtech Monetizr raises $4M led by Change Ventures, with participation from Techstars and Ludus Ventures. The platform enhances brand engagement with Gen Z and Millennial gamers.
- Polish foodtech Fresh Inset raises €2.7M from business angels for its Vidre+ freshness technology, using stickers to extend the shelf life of produce.
- Polish firm Satim raises €1.8M to advance its satellite data processing software, led by Cultivation Capital together with Verissimo Ventures, The Flying Object, Everywhere Ventures, Hustle Fund, Startupist Ventures.
- Lithuanian startup Cargo Stream gets €1M funding from LitCapital for its cloud-based logistics platform expansion.
- Prague's e-commerce startup Outfindo raises €900k in seed funding led by Presto Ventures for its AI-powered product matching solution.
- Ukrainian startup Zibra AI focuses on AI-generated 3D assets for games and virtual environments, raised $500k from a16z Speedrun, an accelerator by Andreessen Horowitz.
- Polish startup ReadyCode raises €400k from ffVC Tech & Gaming to develop user-friendly game modding tools for modern games and attract international clients.
- Poland's Farada Group raises €225k led by Green Ventures with participation of Ślisz-Sandecka Kozioł & Partnerzy to develop safe landing sites for drones in urban areas.
- Ukrainian startup VILNO raises $100k+ on Kickstarter in 2 weeks for FootRester, an innovative multifunctional footrest designed to relieve discomfort and improve posture during extended computer use.
- Ukrainian HRtech startup Plai.team has been acquired by US-based platform Peoplelogic. This strategic move marks Peoplelogic's entry into the Ukrainian market and signifies a transformation in workplace technology.
Startup Calls:
- Apply to AWS Global Fintech Accelerator - equity-free online program that is designed to empower AI-driven Fintech startups for global success with product, business, and investment support. Apply till August 31st.
- The EU4Business initiative, in collaboration with the Ukrainian Startup Fund, has launched a Large Grants program offering €750k in total funding to be distributed among 30 Ukrainian SMEs. Eligible companies should be registered LLCs that demonstrate innovation or export potential, and adhere to specific conditions. The application deadline is August 25, 2023.
- The U Tomorrow Summit on August 29 in Kyiv will unite Ukrainian entrepreneurs to explore innovation, technology, and creative business. The event features 20+ tracks and 100+ speakers, aiming to boost business resilience and showcase Ukraine's innovation. Proceeds will support the Superhumans Center for Rehabilitation. Apply here
- Prague-based AceON Accelerator is launching its Autumn program, offering early-stage startups up to €70k in investment funds and tailored support. It aims to help startups develop MVPs and attract initial customers. The program concludes in November/ December 2023 after a selection process and bootcamp. Startups in software and online solutions can apply until September 13.
- Cyprus based Ultra.VC accelerator is inviting early-stage startups and solo-founders with impactful ideas aligned with themes like health, mindfulness, climate, and social justice. The 12-week program offers tailored support, expert mentoring, up to $35k initial investment, and potential co-investment up to $100k. It runs from October 16th to December 15th, with a mix of online and offline events. Application deadline: September 25th.
Related Posts:
VC & Startup Weekly News From CEE, July 29 - August 4, 2023 (by Sofia Drobychevskaya, Editor, Vestbee)
VC & Startup Weekly News From CEE, July 22 - 28, 2023 (by Sofia Drobychevskaya, Editor, Vestbee)
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VC & Startup Weekly News From CEE, June 17 - 23, 2023 (by Sofia Drobychevskaya, Editor & Ilya Mikhalchyk-Kananenka, Community Builder, Vestbee)
