Grow something that will last
Erste Forward is Erste Group’s evergreen corporate venture gateway, uniting the Group’s various venture capital activities providing capital for growth. Through our Seed Starter programs as well as our fund engagement, Erste Forward provides a structured approach to fostering entrepreneurship. With access to over EUR 50 million in investment funds, we empower founders to shape the future of Europe and who believe in themselves.
Fuelling innovation & driving growth.
By partnering with innovative startups, we drive transformative change and augment our business by elevating financial services and banking to new heights. And it is another commitment to fuel capital market supply.
Stage
Pre-Seed, Seed, Series A/B
Ticket Size
EUR 100k to EUR 5m
Geography
Europe
Industry
Banking and related services
Erste Forward and Seed Starter
Seed Starter offers equity investments during seed phase, while Erste Forward invests in validated business models to scale it groupwide.
Value Proposition
Expanding through Erste Group and beyond with scalable solutions while building lasting ventures for long-term growth in the financial sector.
Investment Strategy
We support start-ups with market-validated models in scaling across CEE markets through (seed) equity investments, incubation, and a strong partner network - prioritizing ventures that align with our strategy, enhance our business model, and create synergies for better customer experience and efficiency.
Investment Maturity
We invest across all stages, from Pre-seed and Seed to Series A and Series B, ensuring continuous support for high-potential ventures.
Scaling-up
Once a start-up is validated locally, its expansion across Erste Group markets becomes a strategic priority, guiding our investment decisions and growth planning.
Established Ecosystem
Our Offering
Ecosystem Distribution
Scaling through the George ecosystem – our Group-wide platform empowering over 10 million retail and 50,000 business customers with seamless digital banking.
Omnichannel Distribution
Distribution channels: both analogue and digital distribution channels.
Growth Strategy
Strategic guidance to refine growth plans and market approach to untap hidden opportunities or avoid pitfalls.
Banking Expertise
A strong, established player in banking with deep expertise in financial services, regulations, and customer dynamics.
CEE Reach
Access to a large and diverse customer base across CEE including a pool of potential users or partners.
Strategic Investment
We invest strategically for long-term value and empower startups with valuable resources.
Portfolio
Blockchain technology solutions provider
Card-linked marketing and transaction enrichment ecosystem
Field service and asset management platform
Recovery of receivables in insolvency
Business travel and spend management platform
Digital accounting and corporate expense management platform
AI-driven customer service automation
Digital gastronomy order platform
Real estate investment platform
Electronic signature platform
Business valuation platform
Crowdfunding platform
Digital platform for energy services
Platform for instant access to earned wages
Sustainability management platform
Portfolio management software for Private Equity and Venture Capital