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Ruj VC is a Slovenian venture capital firm established in 2023, focusing on early-stage deep tech startups, particularly at the pre-seed and seed stages, within the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region. The firm typically invests up to €100,000 and aims to support scalable solutions addressing significant global challenges. Ruj VC provides not only capital but also strategic support and access to a robust entrepreneurial network to help startups scale efficiently. Notable investments include ReCatalyst, a spin-out from the National Institute of Chemistry in Ljubljana, which has developed a method for optimizing the use of platinum in fuel cells.

Bek Ventures is a global venture capital firm specializing in early-stage tech startups, with a strong focus on founders from Central and Eastern Europe. Formerly known as Earlybird Digital East Fund, the firm rebranded in 2024 and continues to back globally ambitious companies. In 2024, it launched its third fund worth $250 million, attracting investors from the US and Europe. With offices in London, New York, Luxembourg, and Istanbul, Bek Ventures has a strong track record, having backed unicorns like UiPath and Payhawk, and achieved over $2.4 billion in returns.

BD Partners is a Prague-based investment firm founded in 2023, focusing on innovative, high-growth European companies with distinctive intellectual property. The firm typically invests between €100,000 and several million euros, preferring ventures that have entered the revenue stage and are not capital-intensive. Beyond capital, BD Partners offers strategic guidance, leveraging its extensive international experience and networks to support portfolio companies. Notable investments include Elin.ai, Optibus, and TripMakery.

Pella Ventures is a Luxembourg-based early-stage venture capital firm focusing on pre-seed and seed-stage startups with the potential to create transformative global impact. The firm invests in innovative, scalable, and disruptive technologies across various sectors. In addition to providing initial capital, Pella Ventures offers hands-on support and leverages its network and expertise to help startups grow. It emphasizes long-term partnerships and supports entrepreneurs in building world-changing companies.

Business Angels of Slovenia is the first and largest angel investment club in Slovenia, dedicated to connecting innovative local startups with both domestic and international investors. Founded in 2007, the organization has facilitated over $8 million in investments across more than 40 ventures. By fostering partnerships between entrepreneurs and investors, Business Angels of Slovenia aims to support early-stage companies in securing seed funding and achieving global market expansion. Additionally, the club actively contributes to the development of the Slovenian and regional startup ecosystem through collaborations with international investors and participation in European networks such as EBAN.

Zephyr Angels is a non-exclusive network of business angels supporting early-stage Macedonian startups through funding, expertise, and ecosystem development. They invest €20,000–€60,000 in pre-seed and seed rounds, typically using equity or convertible instruments. Their goals include organizing four pitch events per year, offering investor training, and co-investing with VC funds. Startups must have an MVP or proven product-market fit and early traction.