Movens Capital launches new €60 million fund for startups

Venture capitalist Movens Capital has launched a new fund with a target volume of 60 million euros. The fund is intended to support technology-driven start-ups and scale-ups from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) and the CEE diaspora in the early stages from pre-seed to Series A+. As of the second quarter of 2025, 40 million euros had already been raised.

Focus on technology-oriented business models

Investments will be made in around 30 companies in the fields of enterprise software, AI, healthcare, fintech, climate, education and the future of work. Around a third of the planned investments will be made in the Series A or Series A+ segment, with Movens aiming to take the leading role. In addition to traditional venture capitalists, the fund's supporters also include over 40 active female tech entrepreneursand industry experts.

Reaction to financing gap in CEE

The new fund is a response to a structural problem in the CEE region. Despite a growing number of start-ups, access to venture capital is limited. According to Dealroom, VC investment in 2024 has fallen by 23% compared to the previous year, while the number of transactions has fallen by over 70% since 2022. Per capita investment is just EUR 13, compared to EUR 85 in Western Europe.

The lack of follow-up financing in the growth phase is particularly critical, forcing many founders to relocate or delaying growth plans. Movens Capital aims to close this gap with targeted capital and operational support.

Support from public and private investors

Key anchor investors include the EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development) and the Polish fund of funds PFR Ventures. The latter had already supported the first Movens fund via an EU program. PFR also sees the new fund as an important lever for promoting innovative companies in the CEE region.

Well-founded team with start-up experience

The Movens team consists of former tech foundersand investorswith operational experience. In addition to capital, the team aims to provide targeted support in product development, talent acquisition, pricing strategy and follow-up financing. Previous investments include Alokai (formerly Vue Storefront), Packhelp, SKY ENGINE AI, Talkie.ai and Doctor.one.

According to Movens, the first fund enabled follow-up financing amounting to eight times the original fund volume.

First investments from the new fund already underway

Movens has already started implementing the new fund. The first portfolio announcements are expected in the course of the summer. The thematic focus remains on technology-driven solutions with international scaling potential, particularly in the areas of AI infrastructure, embedded financial services and climate tech.