Forty.5 Ventures has launched a $30 million fund aimed at investing in start-ups from South-East Europe. This initiative is focused on supporting early-stage technology companies to accelerate the growth of the innovative ecosystem in the region.
The fund will provide young entrepreneurs with access to capital that is often unavailable on the local market.
Investments from the fund will focus on tech start-ups with potential for international expansion. Primarily, the plan is to finance projects with innovative solutions in areas such as software, artificial intelligence and digital platforms. Additionally, the fund aims to support companies capable of achieving rapid growth and becoming competitive on the global market.
The Fund will make initial investments in individual companies ranging from $200,000 to $1 million. Investments will be directed towards two areas: vertical artificial intelligence, financial technology and cybersecurity, as well as the consumer segment encompassing gaming, sport, media, entertainment and creator economy infrastructure.
A $30 million fund for South-East Europe
Given that the South-East European region has often been overlooked when it comes to venture capital, the establishment of a $30 million fund represents an important step for the local start-up sector. As a result, the new fund is expected to contribute to an increase in the number of successful tech companies from Serbia, Croatia, Bulgaria and other countries in the region. Furthermore, the investment fund can further motivate innovation and encourage cooperation between domestic and international investors.
Concurrently, market analysts point out that access to capital is one of the key challenges for start-ups in this part of Europe. Therefore, setting up such a fund can significantly improve the chances of young companies attracting additional investment and achieving sustainable growth.
Support for tech entrepreneurs and impact on the ecosystem
In addition to financial support, Forty.5 Ventures plans to offer start-ups mentorship, access to investor networks and strategic advisory services. Through this approach, the fund aims to enable entrepreneurs to improve their business models and increase their competitiveness.
Ultimately, the launch of the $30 million fund could have a long-term positive impact on innovation development and employment within South-East Europe’s tech sector. This approach to investing contributes to creating a more favourable climate for entrepreneurship, which may lead to a greater number of successful tech companies emerging from the region.
A second fund intended for follow-on investments and Series A rounds will follow, ensuring that portfolio companies have continuity of capital during the phase that requires the largest investments, the statement notes.
“We have built and sold companies ourselves, so we know what a founder truly needs at the pre-seed stage and usually that isn’t advice. The best companies from this region do not stay at a purely regional level. We are here to provide capital and support right at the beginning in South-East Europe, but also to open doors in Los Angeles and Singapore when the time comes to enter the global market,” pointed out Ricardo Monti, Chairman of the Board of Directors and Partner at Forty.5 Ventures.
The fund is backed by family offices, business angels, as well as entrepreneurs and operational managers from Europe, the US, and the Asia-Pacific region.
Forty.5 Ventures has offices in Los Angeles, Belgrade and Singapore.
(Bloomberg Adria, Biznis.rs, 17.06.2026)
Forty.5 Ventures pokrenuo fond vredan 30 miliona dolara za startape iz Jugoistočne Evrope