Operator-led Polish deep-tech VC fund with a target size of EUR 20M (about PLN 80M), investing at pre-seed and seed. Founded by Maciej Zawadzinski, Maciej Frankowicz, and Konrad Trzyna, the fund focuses on robotics, photonics, cybersecurity, biotech, space tech, and hardware-enabled software.
Typical initial checks are up to PLN 3M with follow-on capacity up to PLN 8M for top portfolio companies.
Wroclaw, Poland
Venture Capital
Pre-Seed to Seed
/poland/venture-capital/hard2beat-vc
Polish-Israeli medtech startup developing VGuard, a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system aimed at improving cognitive outcomes in patients with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia. The company is advancing clinical validation and regulatory pathways across Europe and the US.
Defense and aerospace startup building autonomous dual-use UAV systems for civil and military deployments. Its stack combines launch hardware, onboard autonomy, and cloud software for emergency response, critical infrastructure monitoring, and border surveillance use cases.
Open-source cybersecurity platform for zero-trust access, self-hosted VPN management, and identity controls. Defguard is known for integrating multi-factor authentication at WireGuard protocol level to support enterprise-grade security and privacy requirements.
Generative AI copilot for 3D game development and visualization workflows, with a strong focus on Unreal Engine production pipelines. The platform helps teams create assets and scene components faster while reducing technical bottlenecks for creators.
Biotech skincare startup developing bio-identical melanin from stem-cell-based processes to improve UV protection and skin health. The company focuses on long-duration photoprotection and alternatives to conventional sunscreen formulations.
Biotech drug-discovery company developing PKL-021, a small-molecule MMP inhibitor program for acute neuroprotection after stroke and traumatic brain injury, with additional applications in field-ready snakebite treatment.
A network of private investors associated with NOT (Federation of Engineering Associations), supporting early-stage high-growth companies. AINOT runs a structured support program from idea scouting and pre-incubation to equity investment (up to €200k) and follow-ons. How to apply: submit your idea via the online application form on the AINOT website (open intake). Notable focus: deep innovation and engineering-heavy startups, leveraging NOT’s technical expertise to vet and mentor projects.
A deep-tech and hardware focused co-investment network founded in 2014 under the APER Ventures fund. APER Angels connects private angel investors with VC funds to pool capital for high-tech startups. They typically invest PLN 250k–5M in early-stage companies, and have backed over 24 startups with ~PLN 50M total. Notable focus: hardware, IoT, and deep-tech startups (often syndicating with APER Ventures).
Business Angel of the Year 2021 and former PwC partner, Piotr combines corporate finance expertise with deep-technology investing. He focuses on high-potential international projects, especially biotech and complex fintech products. His portfolio includes early-stage investments in biotechnology initiatives and specialized fintech tooling.
Owner of Kulczyk Investments and founder of Manta Ray VC, Sebastian is a prominent growth and technology investor supporting globally scalable startups. Through both direct investment and ecosystem initiatives such as InCredibles, he has helped position Polish founders on international markets. His wider portfolio context includes involvement around major outcomes such as Base (acquired by Zendesk), and investments including Iceye and Brainly.
Focuses on robotics and IoT hardware startups, providing prototyping support, manufacturing connections, and seed capital. Notable involvement includes a robotics startup acquired by a major US firm. Scope: National. Website: not public.
DeepDrive is the Munich startup that convinced major automakers to rethink the electric motor itself. Its core innovation is a patented dual-rotor motor architecture. In a traditional motor, a single rotor spins inside a fixed stator. DeepDrive's design spins both the internal and external rotor simultaneously, delivering higher torque density and substantially better efficiency. The practical outcome is compelling: EVs can achieve roughly 20% more range with 50% less motor weight, while reducing bill-of-materials costs. By 2026, DeepDrive has moved beyond impressive prototypes to industrialization. The company has reportedly secured series nominations with eight of the top ten global automakers for platform launches in 2028–2029. That level of OEM validation is rare at this stage and signals confidence in both the performance and manufacturability of the design. The company is now focused on building automated production lines in northern Munich to scale output for fleet testing and pre-series runs. A particularly strategic application is the in-wheel motor. Because the dual-rotor unit is compact and lightweight, it can fit inside the wheel hub, freeing up interior volume and enabling fully flat skateboard platforms. That creates new possibilities for autonomous shuttles and urban delivery vehicles where maximizing passenger or cargo space is paramount. It also allows for advanced vehicle dynamics such as torque vectoring without complex drivetrain components, improving both safety and handling. DeepDrive is a classic spin-out from the UnternehmerTUM ecosystem at TU Munich, with early validation support from the XPRENEURS incubator. Its investor base blends strategic automotive capital with deep-tech venture funding: Leitmotif led the Series B, BMW i Ventures provides rare early-stage OEM participation, Continental's corporate VC is a strategic partner for braking and chassis integration, and UVC Partners and Bayern Kapital anchor local support. In 2026, DeepDrive is one of Europe’s most promising hardware deep-tech bets: a motor breakthrough with clear OEM pull, manufacturability momentum, and the potential to reshape EV platform design.
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