Vestbee has opened applications for the 2026 edition of Vestbee Summer Pitch CEE, its flagship initiative connecting Central and Eastern European startups with global investors.
More than 200 VC funds and angel investors are participating, including EQT Ventures, Speedinvest, Northzone, Molten, Lightrock, Kibo Ventures, b2venture, 500 Global, and many others. This year’s edition offers CEE founders direct access to funding, visibility, and tailored investor connections.
The program accepts applications from CEE startups raising pre-seed, seed, or Series A rounds, with the final online pitch event set for July 14, 2026.
Summer Pitch CEE 2026 is powered by AWS, OCHK, Revolut, HubSpot, Notion, and Google Cloud.
Regional gateway to global capital
A hundred startups will be selected for personalized investor matchmaking and exposure to Vestbee's extensive network of VC partners and angel investors. Participants will have the opportunity to secure funding from Vestbee Syndicates and leading venture firms, and to access exclusive perks and discounts on the tools that help startups scale — including up to $100,000 in AWS credits, up to $100,000 in Google Cloud credits, up to 90% off HubSpot, six months of Notion Business + AI free, and 350 EUR from Revolut Business.
The program will culminate in a high-profile virtual pitch event attended by top global funds, including Speedinvest, EQT Ventures, Northzone, Molten, Lightrock, Kibo Ventures, b2venture, 500 Global, and many others.
"The CEE region is home to a new generation of founders building innovative companies with global ambitions, and we're seeing growing interest from international investors in the talent and opportunities emerging across the region," said Ewa Chronowska, CEO of Vestbee and General Partner at Next Road Ventures. "Through Summer Pitch CEE, we aim to bridge the gap between high-potential startups and the capital, expertise, and strategic connections they need to scale internationally."
A growing track record of the initiative
In 2025, Summer Pitch attracted more than 1,000 applications from startups across Central and Eastern Europe. Ten finalists - Wflow, Navigara, SI Robotics, Brizy, BROSWARM, infrared.city, Muun Health, Tingit, Swotzy, and axem — were selected to present to the program's global investor network. They achieved significant commercial milestones, expanded internationally, and secured funding.
Which startups are invited to apply in 2026?
Summer Pitch CEE is tailored for early-stage startups from the CEE region that are raising or planning to raise, within the next few months, a pre-seed, seed, or Series A round.
***
Apply now before the deadline on June 28, 2026.
For full details on the timeline, selection process, and program benefits, visit: https://www.vestbee.com/summer-pitch-cee
