Budapest-based Lead Ventures has announced the launch of a new €100 million fund targeting the best startups in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). With this new fund, the company continues its mission to back high-potential founders in the region.
Lead Ventures targets late-stage Seed and Series A companies whose products or services are already proven in the market and require significant capital to drive the next stage of growth. The fund offers investments of €2M to €10M, providing a crucial boost to companies as they strengthen their product-market fit and expand into new markets.
“Our investment strategy is focused on sectors with significant growth potential and technological innovation,” said Lead Venture CEO Balazs Hazoniks. “We are particularly interested in companies operating in the mobility, finance, energy, IoT, sustainability and retail sectors. Our goal is to build a strong portfolio that delivers financial returns and has a positive social impact.”
Lead Ventures’ new fund will not only provide capital, but will also support its portfolio companies by leveraging the firm’s extensive network of industry experts and strategic partners. This approach ensures startups receive the guidance and resources they need to succeed on their growth path.
Backed by MOL Group and NTH (National Capital Holding), the launch of this new fund strengthens Lead Ventures’ position as the region’s leading venture capital firm dedicated to unleashing the entrepreneurial potential of CEE and fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem.
Lead Ventures has a strong track record of investing in companies across a range of sectors, including mobility, energy, fintech and other B2B software verticals. Successful exits to date include AiMotive, a leader in autonomous vehicle technology, the largest exit to date in Hungary, and Amodo, an innovative insurance technology provider. Among its 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 forward-thinking pioneers in their respective industries.
The Hungarian VC has partnered with prominent investors in the region, including Credo Ventures, Presto Ventures and Point9 Capital, strengthening its capacity to provide significant support and resources to its portfolio companies.
