The first panel, "2026: New Challenges in Europe and CEE," explored the changing investment landscape across Europe and Central and Eastern Europe. The discussion focused on fundraising conditions, the availability of venture capital, cross-border expansion and the impact of macroeconomic and geopolitical developments on startup growth.
The second panel, "2026: New Challenges in Emerging Markets," shifted the discussion to international opportunities beyond Europe. Speakers shared their experience with scaling businesses globally, investing in emerging markets and identifying new regions that will become increasingly attractive for founders and investors in the years ahead.
The discussions featured an outstanding lineup of speakers, including Jan Matějů, Founder of OUTFINDO, Vlastimil Hrabal, CEO and Founder of Kardi AI, Jana Brodani, Executive Director of the Czech Capital Market Association, Matěj Krček, Associate at Purple Ventures, Jan Faflík, Senior Associate at Tensor Ventures, Vadim Kovshov, CFA, Managing Partner at Lyndale Investments, and Dávid Revák, In-house Legal Counsel at CzechInvest. Together, they shared practical insights on fundraising, venture capital, innovation, regulation and international expansion from both the founder's and investor's perspective.
The discussions were moderated by Zuzana Michaliková, expansion expert for startups at CzechInvest, who guided the conversation across both panels, encouraging an open dialogue between entrepreneurs, investors and financial professionals on the opportunities and challenges awaiting the startup ecosystem in 2026.
Following the panel discussions, participants continued exchanging ideas during an extended networking session, creating new connections across the Czech startup, venture capital and financial communities.
InvestUp 2025 once again demonstrated the importance of connecting the worlds of entrepreneurship and finance. By bringing together experienced founders, investors and ecosystem leaders, CFA Society Czech Republic continues to create a platform for meaningful discussions, knowledge sharing and stronger collaboration within the Czech and international innovation ecosystem.