Komerční banka first entered the Upvest project in 2020, when it acquired an 18.9% stake through KB SmartSolutions s.r.o. In 2022, it became the majority owner by increasing its stake to 96%.
“Thanks to Komerční banka’s capital investment, Upvest gained additional market trust as well as resources for further growth and development. Another important benefit from Komerční banka’s side was the ability to directly reach its clients with our offering,” recalls Petr Volný, co-founder of Upvest.
Upvest offers its investor clients three types of products. Through this online platform, investors can invest in mezzanine debt, in senior loans managed and structured by Komerční banka, and, last but not least, they can obtain direct equity stakes in selected real estate projects. Upvest’s key business partners are developers, for whom the Upvest team of specialists tailors financing solutions to meet their needs.
Upvest serves a wide range of investors, from individuals to large institutional investors. Among the real estate transactions that Upvest has participated in, the one that attracted the most attention was the acquisition of a 25% stake in the Černý Most Shopping Center. This deal involved Upvest and the RSJ investment group entering into a joint venture with the existing owner, Unibail-Rodamco-Westfield. The purchase was financed through a combination of institutional capital and capital from wealthy private investors.
“At Upvest, we succeeded in connecting the real estate market with digitalization and with a strong partner in the form of Komerční banka. We opened participation in real estate projects to small investors, giving them the opportunity to invest in selected opportunities from as little as CZK 5,000. I believe that thanks to an even closer partnership with Komerční banka, Upvest will continue to write an equally successful story and, through even greater synergies, offer its clients attractive digital investment solutions,” says Petr Volný.
“The 100% acquisition of Upvest confirms our long-term strategy of supporting innovation and the development of digital services for clients. Upvest is a key player in the market of investments in real estate projects, and its know-how significantly contributes to the modernization of banking services in the Czech Republic. We look forward to its further development, which will take place not only in the Czech Republic,” adds Patrik Nový, Director of KB SmartSolutions.
In the near future, Upvest plans to focus on increasing both the volume and the number of opportunities for investors published on the platform. Another key role will be played by the development of cooperation with the largest Czech developers.
