Engaged Investments Conference

This partnership was pure gold!🥇 Big shout out to Presto Tech Horizons, our incredible Gold Partner! The Presto Ventures team brought an amazing lineup of events and insights to the conference, keeping our attendees #engaged and inspired: ▪️ Vojta Rocek took the stage in the exciting investor pitch session. ▪️ Eduard Kucera shared his insights on the panel discussion "Digital Armor: Where Cyber Security Meets Opportunity”. ▪️ Premysl Rubes joined the DefSec Innovation Challenge jury and shared his expertise on the "Peculiarities of Defense Investment" panel. ▪️ Tichomir Jenkut led an interactive workshop on the “Dual-use Napkin”, diving into key metrics and expectations for startups bridging commercial and military sectors. ▪️ We connected and unwound with the team at Ready, Set, Run and Ready, Set, Wine side events—perfect mixers to round out an unforgettable experience! Thank you, Presto Tech Horizons, for fueling these memorable moments and for your continuous support! 🙌🏻

The conference also featured a unique activity— Investor Pitching session. Eight general partners and investment managers had the opportunity to present their new funds to an audience of potential investors and startup founders. #pitch #investor #VC #venturecapital #GP #generalpartners #fundraising

We believe that 𝐢𝐧𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 is key to a thriving venture ecosystem. That’s why we invited top industry experts to share their knowledge at the Engaged Investments Conference. With 8 informative panels, attendees explored a range of topics including cybersecurity, the investment landscape in CEE, DeepTech innovations, sustainable investing, defense technologies, and strategies for successful exits. The panels sparked rich conversations, providing attendees with new insights to approach their investment decisions.💡 #EngagedInvestments

Relationships are best strengthened over good food and drinks. After the main program on Day 1, we treated our investors to an exceptional experience at the unique La Petite Eiffel restaurant at the Petřín Tower, which offers stunning views and an unforgettable atmosphere. #conference #vc #investor #dinner #venturecapital

As a proud "Believer in CEE," Petr Smid has spent years championing #tech development across the region, and his passion for the CEE’s potential was evident in every word. In his inspiring keynote, Petr spoke about his mission to drive growth and innovation in the region. 🌐 Petr took us through his journey to becoming a successful venture capitalist, explaining how his experiences at McKinsey & Company and Google taught him global best practices that he is now applying to strengthen the ecosystem. To advance this mission, Petr outlined several key strategies: ▪️ 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐓𝐞𝐜𝐡𝐧𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲: “Tech is our primary opportunity to overcome the ‘poor neighbor’ legacy,” Petr emphasized, pointing to its transformative power for the region. ▪️ 𝐀𝐭𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐭 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐑𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧 𝐓𝐚𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐭: To build a thriving ecosystem, we must incentivize top talent to stay in the region or even return back home. ▪️ 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐧 𝐋𝐨𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐮𝐩𝐬: CEE VCs have work to do to "keep" top startups in the region. This includes helping founders secure follow-on funding from larger investors and offering competitive, founder-friendly terms—similar to what they might find abroad. ▪️ 𝐅𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Cooperation among all stakeholders is essential—a principle we at the Engaged Investments Conference fully support! Thank you, Petr, for sharing your expertise and vision with us! #EngagedInvestments | #CEE | #Startups | #Venture

This conference would not have been possible without the support of our incredible partners. 🤝🏻 Their dedication of time, resources, and expertise played a key role in making this event successful. Here are the partners we would like to thank: Organizers: DEPO Ventures, J&T Ventures General Partners: Visa, Seed Starter ČS Gold Partners: Presto Ventures, Oddin.gg Silver Partners: Credo Ventures, Lead Ventures, UNIQA Ventures, Bird & Bird, PowerHUB, EIT Urban Mobility, EUSPA - EU Agency for the Space Programme, Pražský inovační institut, CzechInvest Bronze Partners: Giesecke+Devrient, Purple Ventures, StartupYard, Taiwania Capital, Soulmates Ventures, Tilia Impact Ventures, Rockaway Capital, Mavericks Legal, Symbio Ecosystem Partners: Baltic Sandbox, JIC - podnikání dává smysl, Czech Business Angel Association, MSIC - Moravskoslezské inovační centrum, Startup Kitchen, EBAN - European Business Angel Network, Czech Founders, Look AI Ventures Product Partners: BANDI VAMOS a.s., Eventee, Illegal Beans, JZT Ferments, CANS, NěcoJako, Sens. Together, we’re building a stronger #venture ecosystem in the CEE region.

We 𝐄𝐝𝐮𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐞, 𝐈𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞, and 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭 with a mission to boost the CEE venture ecosystem by fostering cross-border investments. This year, we welcomed over 400 international investors, innovators, and thought leaders for an inspiring exchange of ideas, collaboration, and knowledge-sharing. Through expert panels, hands-on workshops, startup pitches, and networking sessions, we explored the latest trends, showcased emerging talent, and shared actionable insights to fuel the future of investment and innovation in the region. Together, we’re building a stronger CEE ecosystem—one that’s equipped to thrive locally and make a lasting impact globally!

The future of startup investing in the CEE region is BRIGHT⭐️ as highlighted by Pedro Santos Vieira, partner at 500 Global, in his keynote speech and here's why: 1. Increased Global Attention 2. Consolidation of Ecosystems 3. Growth of AI and Fintech 4. Rise of Regional Funds 5. Corporate Innovation Programs

What a day it was at the Engaged Investments Conference! 🚀 On Day 2, we witnessed an electrifying showcase of talent and vision as founders, backed by attending investors and partners, took the stage to pitch their groundbreaking projects. From pre-seed to Series A, each #startup had the opportunity to present in front of potential new investors, making it a powerful day for collaboration and growth. See the photos capturing the excitement and energy of the pitch session! #EngagedInvestments Conference Educates, Inspires, Connects

Day 2 of the Engaged Investments Conference in Prague has come to a close! 🇨🇿 The event wrapped up with a fun cocktail party, celebrating two days of inspiring talks, panel discussions and networking with some of the best in the investment and startup world. Simon was proud to be part of it, and we’re leaving energized by the potential and creativity we’ve seen here in Prague! Congrats to the Startup World Cup winners Traxlo and Webout - incredible innovation from both teams! 🏆 🙏🏼 Thank you for having us and see you next year! #CyberSecurity #OutKept #EthicalPhishing #EIC2024 #StartupWorldCup