Taiwan's CEE Investment Fund

Taiwan's Central and Eastern Europe Investment Fund is making its mark in the region with a $200 million venture capital fund dedicated to supporting start-ups and scale-ups. By bridging the funding gap and fostering connections between Taiwan and the Central and Eastern European (CEE) countries, this initiative is poised to become a significant force in the region's burgeoning tech and innovation landscape.

Investment Opportunities in CEE:

Central and Eastern Europe has witnessed a rise in promising start-ups and scale-ups, but access to venture capital in series A and B rounds remains limited. Recognizing the potential, Taiwan's National Development Fund established the CEE Investment Fund to provide crucial funding to companies in various sectors. The fund's diverse interests include semiconductors, laser optics, biotechnology, aerospace, fintech, electric vehicles, smart manufacturing, artificial intelligence, and smart cities.

Strategic Investments and Impact:

Since its inception in March 2022, the CEE Investment Fund has made three strategic investments. These include Litilit, an industrial femtosecond laser start-up based in Lithuania; Photoneo Brightpick, a Slovakia-based computer vision and robotics company; and Oxipit, an AI medical imaging start-up in Lithuania. By injecting fresh capital into the CEE region, the fund aims to nurture the local start-up ecosystem and strengthen ties between Taiwan and these emerging companies.

Building Connections and Collaboration:

The CEE Investment Fund prioritizes investments in Lithuania, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic while remaining open to opportunities across the region. This approach aligns with the fund's goal of creating meaningful connections and leveraging Taiwan's industrial strengths. The origin of the fund can be traced back to the mutual aid exchanged between Taiwan and CEE countries during the COVID-19 pandemic, which sparked diplomatic relations and discussions on extended cooperation.

Expertise and Resources:

With around 63 professionals and access to Taiwan's national health research institutes, the CEE Investment Fund possesses extensive resources and expertise. This advantage enables efficient due diligence processes and informed investment decisions. The fund's team selects companies based on their potential for mutual growth, emphasizing the creation of research collaborations, business partnerships, and new market opportunities.

Driving Innovation and Collaboration:

Taiwan's Central and Eastern Europe Investment Fund serves as a catalyst for sustained cooperation between Taiwan and the CEE region. As geopolitical dynamics evolve, the fund envisions its role in the reconstruction efforts following the war in Ukraine. By leveraging its strengths, values, and convictions, Taiwan aims to contribute to the region's growth and invest in innovative technologies that address unmet needs in various sectors.

Looking Ahead:

The CEE Investment Fund is just the beginning of a long-term collaboration between Taiwan and the CEE region. As it expands its reach and impact, the fund envisions future investments in areas such as enterprise software, autonomous systems, AI, IoT, robotics, biotech, and Medtech. Through these strategic investments, Taiwan seeks to bridge global innovation gaps and foster technological advancements that benefit both regions.

Conclusion:

Taiwan's Central and Eastern Europe Investment Fund is making significant strides in the CEE region's tech and innovation landscape. By providing essential funding and fostering collaborations, the fund is helping start-ups and scale-ups thrive, while strengthening ties between Taiwan and the CEE countries. As this partnership continues to grow, the future holds immense potential for innovation, growth, and mutual prosperity.