Here is the deeper background on the fund’s structure, goals, and the context of this move.

While Hiventures has historically been known for very early-stage incubation, this new fund is specifically designed to bridge the "funding gap" for startups that already have a prototype or initial market validation.

Target Sectors: While open to various industries, there is a heavy weight on AI, Deeptech, Medtech, and Greentech.

The "300,000 Euro" Rule: By capping individual investments at €300,000, the fund aims to act as a catalyst for a larger "Seed" or "Pre-Series A" round rather than being the sole financier.

The 1% Entry: In line with some of their recent high-volume programs, Hiventures often aims for a minimal initial equity stake (sometimes as low as 1%) to keep the cap table "clean" for future international investors.

Financing & The "GINOP Plusz" Connection

The fund is backed by European Union resources, specifically through the GINOP Plusz (Economic Development and Innovation Operative Programme Plus) framework.

Mandate: Because it uses EU funds, the investments are geared toward increasing Hungary’s national competitiveness and digital transition.

Co-investment Model: CEO László Hradszki emphasized that Hiventures wants to work with the market. They are looking to join rounds alongside business angels and private VC firms, often following the terms set by the lead private investor (a pari passu approach).

Speed of Execution

One of the most notable details from Hradszki's briefing is the goal of 3-month decision cycles. Historically, state-backed funds have been criticized for slow bureaucracy; this fund aims to match "market speed" to ensure startups don't run out of runway while waiting for a decision.

Who is László Hradszki?

László Hradszki took over as CEO of Hiventures in 2024. He is a veteran of the CEE private equity and VC scene, having spent over a decade as a partner at 3TS Capital Partners (one of the region’s most prominent private VCs). His leadership signals a move toward making Hiventures behave more like a private market player and less like a traditional state agency.

Why this matters for the Business Community:

Talent Attraction: This fund is likely to spur hiring in the Budapest tech hub, particularly for specialized roles in AI and engineering.

Investment Ecosystem: It provides a "safety net" for private angels; if you are an expat looking to invest in a local startup, knowing that Hiventures can "top up" the round with EU-backed funds makes the local ecosystem much more attractive.
 

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