Budapest-based venture capital firm Day One Capital has launched a new €45 million fund to invest in early-stage tech startups in the CEE region. The fund is currently at its second close, with the final close expected in early 2026, as Vestbee was informed.
- Founded in 2012 by Elek Straub, György Simó, and Csaba Kákosy, Day One Capital is an early-stage venture capital firm that invests in Pre-Seed and Seed technology startups across Central and Eastern Europe.
- The firm focuses on B2B software and high-potential technology ventures, taking an active, hands-on approach by leading or co-leading financing rounds and working closely with founders. Its portfolio includes Qneiform, Perciv AI, Circuitmess, Turbine, Volteum, Synnada, FLOWX.AI, and Heyreach.
- The firm’s track record spans three funds. Its first fund was €4 million and backed companies such as Oradian, Commsignia, and AImotive, the latter later acquired by Stellantis. The second fund, launched in 2018 with €34 million, included 20 companies and achieved exits including Tresorit, Webshippy, and Gamee. The current fund, with a €45 million second close, is expected to reach its final closing in early 2026.
- The €45 million fund will invest in Pre-Seed and Seed tech startups in CEE, focusing on B2B software and high-potential technologies. It will make €500,000 to €2.5 million initial investments, lead or co-lead rounds, and build a portfolio of around 20 companies, completing 3 to 6 deals per year.
- The new fund’s first two investments were co-led by investors from the UK and the Netherlands, and the next two deals will be co-led by German funds.
“The real question is what comes next, and the answer is clear. The future of the CEE region belongs to those who rethink the rules, push past the familiar, and channel their talent, determination, and a little mischief into bold ambition. We see early-stage investing as part matchmaking, part long-term relationship. It’s about finding chemistry with founders and joining them on some of the most exciting journeys of the next generation," explains Csaba Kákosy, Managing Partner and CEO of Day One Capital.
