Seed Starter

Overview

Seed Starter is a corporate venture capital program established by Slovenská sporiteľňa, the largest bank in Slovakia, to support innovative fintech startups in Central and Eastern Europe. The program focuses on early-stage investments, particularly at the pre-seed and seed stages, aiming to foster technological advancements and financial innovations that align with the bank's strategic objectives. By integrating these startups into its ecosystem, Seed Starter seeks to enhance the bank's offerings and contribute to the broader fintech landscape in the region. The program's investment strategy emphasizes technologies that can drive banking innovation and provide value to clients. Seed Starter typically invests between €200,000 and €1 million in startups that demonstrate strong vision and customer value. The program not only offers capital but also provides incubation, content support, and access to a broad network of partners and customers, facilitating the growth and scalability of its portfolio companies. Since its inception, Seed Starter has invested in several Slovak startups, including Blockmate, SmartHead, Vestberry, Eatster, and Resitech. These investments span various sectors, such as portfolio management, digital property management, and restaurant ordering systems, reflecting the program's diverse approach to supporting fintech innovations. By leveraging its connection with Slovenská sporiteľňa and the broader Erste Group, Seed Starter aims to create synergies that benefit both the startups and the bank, fostering a collaborative environment for innovation and growth.

Investment Focus

• Strong vision
• Customer value
• Synergy with financial institutions
• Long-term product viability

Portfolio Companies