Startup Money 2026

From Seed to Scale: Bridging the Growth Gap in CEE

May 28, 2026 | co.labs

Join this inspiring gathering where founders, investors, and ecosystem leaders come together to shape the future of startups in Central & Eastern Europe. Explore what it truly takes to build and scale ambitious companies – from early capital and talent to global expansion – and be part of the next chapter of growth in the CEE region.

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What's in store for you?

CEE on the Rise

Central & Eastern Europe is no longer emerging—it’s accelerating. Join the conversation on where the region stands today, what’s holding it back, and what will define its next growth chapter. Talent, capital, ambition—and how they come together to shape the future.

The Capital Bridge

From first checks to serious rounds. Discover how angels and venture capital funds fuel early growth together, how the CEE investment ecosystem is leveling up, and what alignment with global standards really means. Practical insights on building momentum early and scaling with the right capital mix.

Expanding the Funding Playbook

VC is not the only path. Explore smart ways to finance growth through venture debt, private debt, and strategic capital. When do these options make sense? How do they complement equity? And how can they help founders grow without over-dilution?

What Truly Enables Global Scale

No theory. Just real stories from founders and investors who’ve made it global. Honest lessons on execution, timing, mindset – and the tough calls behind building companies that compete globally.

Startup Showcase & Investor Pitching

Meet some of the most promising Czech startups through curated pitching sessions. Plus, reverse pitching – where investors take the stage and startups get to ask the hard questions.

Meaningful Networking

The right people. The right conversations. The right deals. Connect with founders, angels, VCs, and ecosystem leaders from across CEE – powered by a 20+ year community, curated meetings, and a networking app built to turn conversations into opportunities.

Speakers

Hear from experienced operators, investors, and ecosystem leaders scaling companies from CEE to the world – sharing authentic experiences and strategies that work in the real world. We are continuously confirming additional speakers and will be announcing more names in the coming weeks.

Markus Lang

General Partner | Speedinvest

Marcin Hejka

Co-founder & Partner | OTB Ventures

Radovan Nesrsta

Partner | Orbit Capital

Program

A more detailed program will be published soon as the agenda continues to take shape.

12:00 PM – 1:00 PM	Registration & Networking
1:00 PM – 1:15 PM	Opening Session
1:15 PM – 5:45 PM	Main Stage Program
5:45 PM – 6:00 PM	Closing Session
6:00 PM – 10:00 PM	Dinner & Afterparty

Partners

Tickets

Early Bird price available until March 31:
1,790 CZK (only 100 tickets)
Standard price: 2,290 CZK

Jméno / Name

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Investor Startup / Scaleup Ecosystémový hráč / Ecosystem player

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Contact

Jasmína Henni

+420 775 199 855

henni%at%jic.cz

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I register on the day of the event?	Registration opens at 12:00 pm (noon). We recommend arriving early before the program starts at 1:00 pm.
What language will the event be in?	The event will be held entirely in English to accommodate international speakers and participants.
How will the networking work?	We use the Eventee app to help you make the most of networking opportunities. You can view the profiles of other attendees in advance and arrange meetings with them. The app will also include a full agenda and other useful information.
How do I recognize who is who at the conference?	To make networking easier, we've prepared color-coded badges so you can immediately identify who you're talking to. There are three badge types: investors, ecosystem players (corporates, experts, mentors, partners, etc.), and founders.
What is included in the ticket price?	Tickets include access to the conference, coffee breaks, the evening afterparty with dinner, and the networking app. Investors are also invited to join the Investor Brunch side event: RSVP is required and the capacity is limited.
How do I get to the event?	The main event takes place at co.labs, while the Investor Brunch side event is held at KUMST – just a 15-minute walk away. The nearest parking garages are JD Parking Brno and DOMINI PARK, both approximately a 10–15-minute walk from the venues. The closest public transport stops are Smetanova and Grohova (co.labs), and Komenského náměstí and Obilní trh (KUMST). Both venues are located in Brno’s historic city center, creating a unique early-summer setting for informal networking.
What is the cancellation policy?	Tickets are fully refundable until May 14, 2026 (14 days prior to the event). After this date, refunds are no longer available. Full terms and conditions can be found here.
Where can I go after the official afterparty?	After 10.00 pm, we recommend visiting one of Brno’s city-center venues: Bar, který neexistuje (premium cocktails), Lokál U Caipla (traditional beer pub), or 4pokoje (great atmosphere for informal discussions).