ZAKA VC
ZAKA VC is a company.
Active
Updated: ·
Financial History
Total Raised
N/A
Valuation
N/A
Leadership Team
Key people at ZAKA VC.
ZAKA VC is a company.
Key people at ZAKA VC.
ZAKA VC is a venture capital firm specializing in pre-seed and seed-stage investments, primarily operating across Europe and North America. Founded as a family office, it has evolved into a formal VC fund with a €15 million fund size as of 2024. ZAKA focuses on startups with global ambitions, particularly those bridging the US and European markets. Its investment philosophy centers on backing B2B and B2B2C business models in sectors such as biotech, health-tech, sustainability, mobility, edtech, fintech, hospitality, deeptech, and cybersecurity. The firm actively supports entrepreneurs with operational expertise and a broad network, investing approximately €3 million annually across about 15 companies, with a portfolio exceeding 75 startups globally[1][3][4][5].
ZAKA VC was founded in 2019 (or 2020, with some sources citing both years) by serial entrepreneurs Peter Zálešák and Jan Kasper. Both founders have extensive backgrounds in building and managing companies across retail, e-commerce, media, mobility, hospitality, and real estate, with combined enterprise turnovers exceeding €1.4 billion. Initially operating as a family office investing private capital, ZAKA transitioned to a formal VC fund structure in 2024 to meet growing demand and attract co-investors. The firm expanded its geographic focus from Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) to include the US, UK, Baltics, and the CEE diaspora in North America, emphasizing startups with scalable, global business models[1][3][4][6].
ZAKA VC rides the trend of globalization in early-stage venture capital, particularly the increasing cross-border flow of innovation between Europe and North America. The timing is favorable due to growing startup ecosystems in CEE and the Baltics, alongside a rising number of European founders targeting the US market. Market forces such as the expansion of biotech, health-tech, and sustainability sectors, combined with increasing demand for seed capital, position ZAKA as a key enabler of transatlantic startup growth. By leveraging its founders’ entrepreneurial experience and extensive networks, ZAKA influences the ecosystem by providing not only capital but also strategic support, helping startups navigate scaling challenges and access global markets[1][3][4][5].
Looking ahead, ZAKA VC is poised to deepen its presence in both Europe and North America, leveraging its €15 million fund to increase deal flow and co-investment opportunities. Trends shaping its journey include the continued rise of biotech and health-tech innovation, the digital transformation of traditional industries, and the growing importance of sustainability and mobility solutions. ZAKA’s influence is likely to expand as it nurtures startups with global ambitions, potentially becoming a leading bridge for European founders entering the US market and vice versa. Its evolution from a family office to a formal VC fund reflects a maturation that will enable greater scale and impact in the venture ecosystem[3][4][5].
Key people at ZAKA VC.
| Date | Company | Round | Lead Investor(s) | Co-Investor(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 5, 2026 | Readmio | $1.2M Seed | Simpact Ventures | DEPO Ventures, Zero One Hundred |
