Investments in Czech startups are likely to increase this year after a weaker period last year, according to a survey by investment group DEPO Venture.

According to a survey conducted by the investment group DEPO Ventures, there is a great interest in investments, especially from the general partners of the funds, a third of whom plan to invest more. However, concerns remain about securing sufficient capital from private investors, who, according to the survey, want to continue investing, but almost 30% of them expressed their intention to invest at a lower level than in the previous year. Venture capital general partners in particular remain very interested in investment opportunities. Only a fifth of them plan to reduce their investments compared to last year, and only 7% said they do not plan to make any investments this year.

VC funds currently raising capital include Presto Ventures and Purple Ventures. Purple Ventures has launched its second fund with a target of EUR 40 million, focusing on startups in the CEE region. The fund aims to support around sixty companies at pre-seed and seed stage. Meanwhile, Presto Ventures plans to launch Fund III this year with a target of CZK 1 billion to take advantage of emerging opportunities in CEE markets.

In addition, Reflex Capital opened a third fund late last year with more than half a billion CZK. The fund typically invests amounts between one and two million EUR, with its previous investments including the dollar unicorn Productboard. In total, the company has over EUR 70 million invested.

The areas of interest have remained relatively constant in recent years. Investor interest continues to focus on artificial intelligence technologies, fintech, healthcare and mental healthcare. Other areas of interest include analytics, big data processing, advanced industrial strategies and education-focused startups.