CEE VC SUMMIT 2026

Lisa Palchynska

Editor-in-Chief, Vestbee
June 11, 2025

Europe’s defence tech moment: why CEE can’t afford to lag behind

What is the role of CEE in defence tech, and why does it have to be a pioneer? NATO Innovation Fund, Sunfish Partners, Balnord, and Keen Venture Partners shared their thoughts.

May 30, 2025

Grammarly raises $1B from General Catalyst to develop AI productivity platform

The capital will fuel Grammarly's efforts in sales, marketing, strategic acquisitions, and product development.

May 23, 2025

UK-based PlaySafe ID raises €1M to tackle cheating and abuse in online games

The investment was led by Early Game Ventures, with participation from Hartmann Capital and Overwolf.

May 23, 2025

Lithuanian deeptech startup Astrolight raises €2.8M to power secure space-to-Earth laser communication

The funding will accelerate Astrolight's development of its end-to-end laser communication platform, designed to connect satellites with securely Earth-based infrastructure

May 22, 2025

EIF backs Keen Venture Partners with €40M for European defence tech fund

The fund, targeting €125 million, aims to invest 20 to 25 early-stage startups developing dual-use technologies across European NATO countries.

May 21, 2025

Polish fund Hard2beat invests over €1.7 in Neuromedical, Defguard, and DefendEye

Hard2beat plans to invest in at least 5 more startups by the end of 2025, targeting companies at the pre-seed and seed stages.

May 13, 2025

Why scaling is essential: Earlybird’s perspective on CEE startups going global

Should your startup scale? Earlybird’s Venture Partner Dan Lupu on the “global DNA” founders need — and why CEE startups can’t afford to think small.

May 6, 2025

VC of the month — Forestay

Forestay told Vestbee more about the fund’s strategy and investment approach.