STARTGUIDE VC Company Profile
Background
Overview
STARTGUIDE VC is a venture capital firm based in Prague, Czech Republic, specializing in early-stage investments across Central and Eastern Europe. Established in 2021, the firm focuses on startups driving digital transformation and AI innovation within sectors such as Healthtech, Enterprise Software, Fintech, and Cybersecurity.
Mission and Vision
The firm's mission is to empower startups to create value and drive positive change by providing smart capital, mentorship, and strategic guidance. STARTGUIDE VC envisions itself as a partner from the outset, aiding in the growth and success of innovative companies.
Primary Area of Focus
STARTGUIDE VC concentrates on early-stage investments, particularly in pre-seed and seed rounds, targeting startups that are leveraging digital solutions to address significant market needs. The firm emphasizes sectors poised for substantial growth and transformation, including Healthtech, Enterprise Software, Fintech, and Cybersecurity.
Industry Significance
By focusing on the Central and Eastern European (CEE) region, STARTGUIDE VC contributes to the development of a robust technology ecosystem, supporting startups that have the potential to scale globally and become market leaders.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Early-Stage Investment: Provide financial support to startups at the pre-seed and seed stages, enabling them to develop and scale their operations.
- Strategic Mentorship: Offer hands-on guidance in areas such as vision and strategy, business planning, and product-market fit to enhance startup growth.
- Network Access: Leverage an extensive network to connect startups with potential customers, partners, and industry experts, facilitating business development and market expansion.
Specific Areas of Specialization
STARTGUIDE VC specializes in sectors that are experiencing rapid growth and transformation, including:
- Healthtech: Innovations in healthcare technologies aimed at improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
- Enterprise Software: Solutions designed to enhance business processes and productivity for organizations.
- Fintech: Financial technologies that offer innovative solutions for payments, lending, and financial management.
- Cybersecurity: Technologies focused on protecting digital assets and information from cyber threats.
Key Technologies Utilized
While specific technologies employed by STARTGUIDE VC are not detailed, the firm's focus on digital transformation and AI innovation suggests an emphasis on:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): Utilizing machine learning algorithms and data analytics to drive business insights and automation.
- Cloud Computing: Leveraging scalable and flexible cloud infrastructure to support startup operations.
- Blockchain: Implementing decentralized ledger technologies for secure and transparent transactions.
Primary Markets or Conditions Targeted
STARTGUIDE VC primarily targets the Central and Eastern European markets, focusing on startups that have the potential to scale globally and address significant market needs through innovative digital solutions.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
STARTGUIDE VC has raised a single venture fund, SGOne, announced on July 1, 2022. The total funds raised are not publicly disclosed.
Recent Funding Rounds
- CloseRocket: On October 1, 2024, CloseRocket secured a seed round led by STARTGUIDE VC.
- Taram: On July 10, 2024, Taram completed a pre-seed round, with STARTGUIDE VC participating as a lead investor.
Notable Investors
Specific details about other investors in these funding rounds are not publicly disclosed.
Intended Utilization of Capital
The capital raised is intended to support early-stage startups in scaling their operations, developing products, and expanding into new markets, with a particular focus on sectors experiencing significant growth and transformation.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
STARTGUIDE VC has invested in several startups, including:
- CloseRocket: A B2B sales platform that connects businesses with sales talent worldwide.
- Taram: A platform providing access to international cross-border traders, simplifying global trade and expanding opportunities.
- BinarBase: A technology company specializing in data analytics, offering a no-code platform designed to simplify and streamline data-driven decision-making for enterprises.
- Campiri: An online marketplace specializing in the rental of camper vans and caravans from both rental companies and private owners.
- Ringil: A software company providing a management platform for logistics and supply chain operations, enabling users to manage carrier inquiries, track shipments, and optimize processes.
- Carebot: Develops artificial intelligence tools that assist healthcare professionals in diagnosing diseases using imaging techniques such as X-rays, CT scans, mammograms, and MRIs.
- Mobito: A B2B data exchange platform for mobility data, enabling automotive OEMs, insurers, and mobility operators to access centralized vehicle, mobility, and weather/air quality data.
Stages of Clinical Trials or Product Development
Specific stages of clinical trials or product development for these startups are not publicly disclosed.
Target Conditions
The target conditions vary by startup:
- Carebot: Aims to enhance diagnostic accuracy in healthcare.
- Mobito: Focuses on improving mobility data exchange and analysis.
Relevant Timelines for Anticipated Milestones
Specific timelines for anticipated milestones are not publicly disclosed.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
While specific proprietary technologies are not detailed, the startups in STARTGUIDE VC's portfolio are involved in:
- Data Analytics: Utilizing AI and machine learning for data-driven decision-making.
- Digital Platforms: Developing online marketplaces and management systems.
- AI Tools: Creating AI-driven solutions for various industries, including healthcare and logistics.
Significant Scientific Methods
The portfolio companies employ various scientific methods, including:
- Machine Learning Algorithms: For predictive analytics and decision support.
- Data Integration Techniques: To consolidate and analyze diverse data sources.
- AI-Driven Diagnostics: Enhancing accuracy and efficiency in medical imaging.
AI-Driven Capabilities
Several portfolio companies leverage AI to:
- Automate Processes: Streamlining operations in logistics and data management.
- Enhance Decision-Making: Providing actionable insights through data analysis.
- Improve Diagnostics: Assisting healthcare professionals in disease detection and management.
Leadership Team
Key Executive Profiles
- Petr Jahn: CEO and General Partner at STARTGUIDE VC. Co-founded Adexpres, created unique products, and sold them to Dentsu. Angel investor, mentor, and founder with over 7 years of investment experience and more than 15 years in a C-level position.
- Jana Sedláková: Partner at STARTGUIDE VC. Founder of SEDLAKOVA LEGAL, an internationally ranked law firm focused on IP and technology. Co-founder of TaxCounting, an accounting company supporting startups and tech companies, M&A advisory company Tack Room Capital, and Ochrana nápadu providing educational and consulting services. She has been helping companies scale and providing support for startups as a mentor and angel investor for over 8 years.
- Seen Aquin: Partner at STARTGUIDE VC. Founder of "BodyBody," created a franchise concept that connects the most advanced technology with the digitalization of the fitness industry. He has over 10 years of experience working in Corporate Operations and Business Development at Honeywell and ExxonMobil, and more than 15 years of experience as a Serial Entrepreneur, Business Angel, and Startup Mentor.