CTP announced that it has become the largest investor in a new €16 million venture capital fund, JIC Ventures, designed to support early-stage startups across Central and Eastern Europe. The fund, launched by the South Moravian Innovation Centre (JIC), represents a significant push to strengthen the region’s innovation ecosystem and accelerate the growth of high-value technology companies.
The fund totals approximately CZK 400 million, or about €16.3 million, and will focus on pre-seed and seed-stage startups, particularly in the Czech Republic and broader Central and Eastern Europe. It is expected to invest in around 20 companies over the next four years, with individual investments of up to €1 million.
JIC Ventures will primarily target deep tech, SaaS, and other advanced technology sectors where early-stage funding gaps remain a challenge in the region. The initiative builds on JIC’s long-standing role in supporting startups, having worked with more than 1,300 companies since 2003, including notable success stories such as Kiwi.com, Y Soft, and Flowmon.
The fund’s structure is notable for combining public and private capital. While most of the funding comes from private investors, the initiative originates from JIC, which was founded by the South Moravian Region, the city of Brno, and local universities. In addition to CTP, investors include Česká spořitelna, entrepreneur Jan Barta, and a broad group of corporate and individual backers.
The South Moravian Region is also participating as a limited partner, reflecting a hybrid investment model that blends public-sector support with private capital to foster innovation. This approach is considered relatively unique within the Czech venture ecosystem.
JIC Ventures will take a more active role than previous initiatives by acting as a lead investor and aiming to close deals more quickly, helping founders move from term sheet to funding in a matter of weeks rather than months.
The official launch of the fund took place in Brno and was attended by Czech President Petr Pavel, along with representatives from CTP, JIC, and other investors, highlighting the strategic importance of the initiative for the country’s innovation economy.
KEY QUOTE:
“The Czech economy cannot develop without technology firms that provide a high level of added value. We see JIC Ventures as a practical tool to accelerate the foundation and growth of start-ups that can succeed globally, while also further cementing Brno and the South Moravian Region as an innovation hub. We are joining the fund as the largest investor because we firmly believe that this model will help develop the innovation ecosystem and foster the creation of many successful companies.”
Jakub Kodr, Managing Director, CTP Czech Republic
