Budapest-based Lead Ventures has announced the launch of its new €100 million fund, targeting the best startups in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). With the new fund the firm continues its mission to empower high-potential founders in the region.
Lead Ventures targets late Seed & Series A companies whose products and services have already been validated on the market and require substantial capital to drive their next phase of growth. The fund will offer investments ranging from €2 million to €10 million, providing a crucial boost to companies in strengthening their Product-Market Fit and expanding to new markets.
“Our investment strategy focuses on sectors with significant growth potential and technological innovation,” said Balázs Haszonics, CEO of Lead Ventures. “We are particularly interested in companies operating in the fields of mobility, finance, energy, IoT, sustainability and retail. Our goal is to build a robust portfolio that delivers financial returns and also drives positive societal impact.”
Lead Ventures’ new fund will not only provide capital but also leverage the firm’s extensive network of industry experts and strategic partners to support portfolio companies. This approach ensures that startups receive the necessary guidance and resources to navigate their growth journeys successfully.
The launch of this new fund, with the backing of MOL Group and NTH (National Capital Holding) reinforces Lead Ventures’ position as a leading venture capital firm in the region, dedicated to unlocking the potential of CEE’s entrepreneurial talent and fostering a thriving startup ecosystem.
Lead Ventures has a strong track record of investing in companies across various sectors, including mobility, energy, fintech, among other B2B software verticals. Previous successful exits include AiMotive, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, which was the biggest exit in Hungary to date and Amodo, an innovative insurance technology provider. Among the existing portfolio companies, Cloudtalk, an AI-powered call center software provider, Antavo, a cutting-edge loyalty management platform, and Recart, a pioneering e-commerce messaging platform, stand out as advanced pioneers in their respective industries.
The Hungarian VC has collaborated with notable investors in the region such as Credo Ventures, Presto Ventures, and Point9 Capital among others, enhancing its ability to provide substantial support and resources to portfolio companies.
