Czech venture capital firm DEPO Ventures has been selected to manage a new fund backing startups from Ukraine, Moldova, and Georgia that are looking to expand into Czechia.
- Founded in 2016, DEPO Ventures invests in early-stage technology companies across Central and Eastern Europe, typically committing up to €500,000 per startup and working with co-investors on larger rounds.
- National Development Investment, a subsidiary of the Czech National Development Bank, has committed €3.8 million to the fund, with the investment potentially increasing to €5.8 million subject to conditions related to private capital and investment deployment.
- The fund will target startups seeking to establish operations, partnerships, or other business activities in Czechia. DEPO Ventures plans to connect portfolio companies with Czech industrial and manufacturing partners, particularly in areas where technologies can be developed and produced locally.
- The initiative comes as Ukrainian startups continue to attract international investment. According to AVentures Capital's DealBook of Ukraine, Ukrainian tech companies raised $498 million in equity and grant funding in 2025, while defense technology was the country's fastest-growing funding segment, attracting more than $129 million.
- Through the fund, DEPO Ventures will help portfolio companies access Czech industrial capabilities and manufacturing infrastructure as they expand into European markets, while also creating commercial and industrial links between startups from Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, and Czechia.
