Movens Capital's €60M Fund: A New Dawn for CEE Tech Startups
June 24, 2025, 3:37 pm
Location: United Kingdom, England, London
Employees: 1001-5000
Founded date: 1991
Location: Poland, Masovian Voivodeship, Warsaw
Employees: 11-50
Founded date: 2018
Total raised: $3.69M
In the heart of Warsaw, a financial beacon has emerged. Movens Capital has launched a €60 million fund aimed at igniting the tech landscape of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This initiative is not just about numbers; it’s about potential. It’s about transforming dreams into reality.
Movens Capital's Fund 2 is designed to bridge a significant funding gap in the region. The fund will provide initial investments ranging from €250,000 to €3 million. This capital will support startups at various stages: pre-seed, seed, and Series A+. The ambition is clear: to nurture talent and foster innovation.
The backdrop is stark. Despite a surge in startup creation, CEE faces a venture funding drought. In 2024, venture capital investment in the region plummeted by 23%. The number of deals? A staggering decline of over 70% since 2022. The disparity between Western and Eastern Europe is glaring. Per capita VC investment stands at €85 in Western Europe, while CEE languishes at a mere €13. This gap is not just a statistic; it’s a barrier to growth.
Movens Capital aims to dismantle this barrier. The fund will target around 30 investments across diverse sectors, including enterprise software, AI, climate tech, fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce infrastructure. It’s a strategic move to tap into the region’s untapped potential. The focus is not just on local talent but also on diaspora founders who are building global enterprises.
Artur Banach, Managing Partner at Movens Capital, encapsulates the mission. The region is rich in talent but starved for capital and operational support. Movens Capital positions itself as a launch pad for ambitious founders. The firm’s team, composed of former tech entrepreneurs, brings invaluable operational expertise. They don’t just write checks; they roll up their sleeves and get involved.
The support extends beyond funding. Movens Capital offers hands-on guidance throughout the investment lifecycle. This includes refining products, attracting talent, and preparing for future funding rounds. It’s a holistic approach, ensuring that startups are not just funded but are also equipped to thrive.
The fund is backed by notable institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and PFR Ventures. These partnerships lend credibility and additional resources to Movens Capital’s mission. The EBRD’s involvement highlights a commitment to empowering the next generation of tech founders in CEE. It’s a collaborative effort to scale innovative companies in a region ripe for growth.
Movens Capital’s track record speaks volumes. The firm’s first fund successfully organized over €110 million in follow-on funding for its portfolio companies. This success is a testament to the firm’s ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups. Companies like Alokai, SKY ENGINE AI, and Talkie.ai have benefitted from Movens’ support, going on to secure funding from leading global VCs and achieving international scale.
The landscape for CEE startups is evolving. With the launch of Fund 2, Movens Capital is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformation. The fund will focus on sectors where CEE founders are leading the charge, particularly in AI infrastructure and climate resilience technologies. These areas are not just trends; they are the future.
As Movens Capital begins to deploy capital from Fund 2, the first wave of deal announcements is anticipated this summer. The excitement is palpable. Founders across the region are looking for partners who understand their challenges and can provide the necessary support to navigate the complex startup ecosystem.
The need for investment is urgent. Many founders are forced to relocate or pause their growth due to the lack of funding. Movens Capital’s initiative is a lifeline. It’s a commitment to ensuring that CEE does not just keep pace with global tech trends but leads them.
In conclusion, Movens Capital’s €60 million fund is more than just a financial vehicle. It’s a catalyst for change. It’s about unlocking potential, fostering innovation, and empowering the next generation of tech leaders in Central and Eastern Europe. The journey ahead is filled with challenges, but with the right support, the region’s startups can soar to new heights. The future is bright, and Movens Capital is ready to light the way.
Movens Capital's Fund 2 is designed to bridge a significant funding gap in the region. The fund will provide initial investments ranging from €250,000 to €3 million. This capital will support startups at various stages: pre-seed, seed, and Series A+. The ambition is clear: to nurture talent and foster innovation.
The backdrop is stark. Despite a surge in startup creation, CEE faces a venture funding drought. In 2024, venture capital investment in the region plummeted by 23%. The number of deals? A staggering decline of over 70% since 2022. The disparity between Western and Eastern Europe is glaring. Per capita VC investment stands at €85 in Western Europe, while CEE languishes at a mere €13. This gap is not just a statistic; it’s a barrier to growth.
Movens Capital aims to dismantle this barrier. The fund will target around 30 investments across diverse sectors, including enterprise software, AI, climate tech, fintech, healthcare, and e-commerce infrastructure. It’s a strategic move to tap into the region’s untapped potential. The focus is not just on local talent but also on diaspora founders who are building global enterprises.
Artur Banach, Managing Partner at Movens Capital, encapsulates the mission. The region is rich in talent but starved for capital and operational support. Movens Capital positions itself as a launch pad for ambitious founders. The firm’s team, composed of former tech entrepreneurs, brings invaluable operational expertise. They don’t just write checks; they roll up their sleeves and get involved.
The support extends beyond funding. Movens Capital offers hands-on guidance throughout the investment lifecycle. This includes refining products, attracting talent, and preparing for future funding rounds. It’s a holistic approach, ensuring that startups are not just funded but are also equipped to thrive.
The fund is backed by notable institutions, including the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) and PFR Ventures. These partnerships lend credibility and additional resources to Movens Capital’s mission. The EBRD’s involvement highlights a commitment to empowering the next generation of tech founders in CEE. It’s a collaborative effort to scale innovative companies in a region ripe for growth.
Movens Capital’s track record speaks volumes. The firm’s first fund successfully organized over €110 million in follow-on funding for its portfolio companies. This success is a testament to the firm’s ability to identify and nurture high-potential startups. Companies like Alokai, SKY ENGINE AI, and Talkie.ai have benefitted from Movens’ support, going on to secure funding from leading global VCs and achieving international scale.
The landscape for CEE startups is evolving. With the launch of Fund 2, Movens Capital is poised to play a pivotal role in this transformation. The fund will focus on sectors where CEE founders are leading the charge, particularly in AI infrastructure and climate resilience technologies. These areas are not just trends; they are the future.
As Movens Capital begins to deploy capital from Fund 2, the first wave of deal announcements is anticipated this summer. The excitement is palpable. Founders across the region are looking for partners who understand their challenges and can provide the necessary support to navigate the complex startup ecosystem.
The need for investment is urgent. Many founders are forced to relocate or pause their growth due to the lack of funding. Movens Capital’s initiative is a lifeline. It’s a commitment to ensuring that CEE does not just keep pace with global tech trends but leads them.
In conclusion, Movens Capital’s €60 million fund is more than just a financial vehicle. It’s a catalyst for change. It’s about unlocking potential, fostering innovation, and empowering the next generation of tech leaders in Central and Eastern Europe. The journey ahead is filled with challenges, but with the right support, the region’s startups can soar to new heights. The future is bright, and Movens Capital is ready to light the way.