Czech Startup Market Sees Investor Outflow as Slow Exits and Weak Investment Environment Stall Growt
The Czech startup ecosystem is approaching a critical threshold. According to the latest investor survey conducted by investment firm DEPO Ventures in cooperation with the Czech Startup Association and its partners, the share of first-time investors has declined significantly, while one third of existing investors plan to scale back or halt their investment activity this year. Investors cite low market liquidity, a shortage of high-quality startup opportunities, and weak investment infrastructure as the main barriers. At the same time, data and insights from the sixth edition of the survey point to possible solutions: better access to information, greater sharing of experience and deal flow, and systemic support in the form of tax incentives.
When Portfolio Companies Become Each Other's Best Customers: The Flowpay–Tapline Story
Two of our portfolio companies just proved why hands-on fund management isn't optional—it's how you multiply returns. Last week, Flowpay acquired Tapline. On paper, it's a straightforward fintech M&A. Look closer, and you'll see something far more valuable: a case study in portfolio construction that creates returns beyond what either company could achieve alone.
Flowpay raises €30 million to lend to SMEs and innovate embedded finance
Prague-based FinTech startup Flowpay has secured €30 million from investment manager Fasanara Capital to provide working capital financing for SMEs and become a notable player in the world of embedded finance.
Business Proposals in Minutes, Not Hours: DEPO Ventures and StartupYard Invest in Ydoca
Automating responses to inquiry forms and generating business proposals—this is what the integrated AI platform developed by the startup Ydoca brings to the market. Their technology seamlessly integrates into every step of the process, leveraging generative AI to boost efficiency by up to 70%. As part of its pre-seed investment round, the startup secured a total of CZK 2.3 million in funding, with DEPO Ventures contributing CZK 1.8 million and StartupYard investing CZK 500,000.
Former Czech unicorn team founds AI-powered recruitment startup Finlay
DEPO Ventures announces its investment in Finlay, an AI-powered recruitment startup co-founded by ex-Mews COO, Scott Moran. The €300,000 pre-seed round, led by J&T Ventures alongside DEPO Ventures, aims to redefine how companies source talent across Europe and beyond. With deep expertise from the founding team – including leaders and recruiters from Mews, IBM, Rossum, and Cyrkl – Finlay is set to reshape the recruitment industry.
Subscriptions to furniture, fashion or garden technology as a new trend. DEPO invests in Circuly.
German startup Circuly is developing a software solution that allows companies to introduce and scale subscriptions for products such as bikes, cars or furniture. In an investment round led by funds Neoteq and Gateway Ventures, Circuly raised a total of CZK 13,475,000, which it will use to expand its solution into new industry segments and support its expansion into Central and Eastern Europe. Czech DEPO Ventures also participated in the investment round.
Cardino's Revolutionary Used EV Sales Model Sparks Investor Excitement with €4 Million Seed Round
Cardino, a pioneer in the used electric vehicle (EV) market, recently announced a triumphant €4 million seed funding round spearheaded by Point Nine. The funding round was supported by an array of distinguished angel investors and notable figures, including key investors from platforms like Rosberg Ventures, Vinted.com, Bolt, HomeToGo, Dance and HeyJobs.
Czech health tech start-up KARDI AI received EUR 1.5 million from investors for further development
The start-up KARDI AI, which aims to promote heart health and optimize patient treatment through long-term ECG monitoring and early detection of possible cardiac arrhythmias using artificial intelligence, has now raised a further EUR 1.5 million from investors, bringing the total amount invested in the company to EUR 1.9 million. The funds will help the company to realize its ambitious plans aimed at dynamically increasing the number of users at an international level. The planned steps include, in particular, the introduction of a new version of the product with a higher level of approval from the regulatory authorities. This will support a faster expansion of the network of cooperating cardiologists, neurologists and general practitioners as well as the development of cooperations with other healthcare providers, retailers and health insurance companies. All this with the aim of simplifying and streamlining cardiac healthcare across Europe as quickly as possible.
Peer-to-Peer Platform NOLD Raises EUR 1M to Power the Next Generation of Fashion Resale
The tech company is empowering sustainable, premium, and entry-luxury brands in its mission to reduce the fashion industry's impact.
DEPO invested in Certifier
The Poland-based startup, Certifier, has just secured over $700,000 in funding from Movens Capital, FundingBox Deep Tech Fund, DEPO Ventures, and Black Pearls VC in a seed round. As part of the investment agreement, these funds have the option to double their capital commitment in the coming months. Certifier is developing a digital credential infrastructure in a SaaS model. Currently, 800 businesses and individuals rely on Certifier to store their digital certificates and badges. Their customers include Avon Canada, University of Illinois, and Oxford School District. The global market size for digital credentials software, encompassing diplomas, certificates, and badges, is estimated at $1.6 billion and is projected to surpass $6 billion by 2033. In five years, Certifier aims to be the market leader in digital credential management software.