Impact powerhouses like Norrsken, Pale Blue Dot, BrightEye Ventures (EdTech), and Future Energy Ventures (climate) are already backing the initiative, each bringing unique expertise to the table in a collective push to put CEE’s game-changing solutions for people and the planet on the map.
With Central and Eastern Europe rapidly emerging as a global talent hotspot, the CEE Summer of Impact offers a platform to connect mission-driven founders with top-tier investors from across the region — and beyond. The program aims to give founders critical visibility, expert mentoring, and investor access at the earliest stages of their journey.
“The CEE region is bursting with some of the best technical talent, tackling the great environmental and social challenges of our time. But many founders are still flying under the radar, struggling to be seen by top investors”, says Andrew Gray, Partner at Tilia Impact Ventures. “With Summer of Impact, we’re building a discovery engine — a simple way to put the spotlight on those founders and get them funded by top VCs”.
A Founder-First Format
The CEE Summer of Impact is designed to maximise value for founders:
- Curation through Collaboration: Startups apply quickly with a simple deck and are then selected through a competitive process, with nominations and referrals from leading investors, accelerators, and ecosystem partners across CEE.
- Mentoring & Visibility: Selected startups will receive mentorship from experienced operators and investors, preparing them for rapid growth and fundraising.
- Investor Access: Participating founders will pitch to top regional and European funds during the online Demo Day, in September.
- Connecting the CEE Ecosystem: The program unites leading VCs across CEE and beyond, who are committed to backing the next generation of impact-driven founders.
Connecting Impactful Startups with Global Capital
For venture funds, the Summer of Impact offers early access to some of the region’s strongest upcoming companies — across sectors where innovation and positive impact go hand in hand.
The initiative already counts leading VC partners across CEE among its supporters, creating a uniquely collaborative effort to amplify the region’s visibility on the global stage.
Call for Startups Now Open
Applications are now open for early-stage startups from Central and Eastern Europe building solutions in:
- Climate & Sustainability
- Education
- Health
- AI for Good
Interested founders can apply directly via this link. Applications close on 15/7/2025.
