Editor’s Note: This article examines the insights from Forbes’ Midas List Europe 2024 and The Recursive’s State of AI in CEE 2024, offering a concise look at the evolution of Europe’s venture capital and AI ecosystems. While the rise of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) has garnered attention, this progress represents a broadening of Europe’s innovation landscape rather than a shift away from traditional hubs like London. The collaboration between emerging hubs such as Warsaw and Prague and established powerhouses like London and Berlin underscores Europe’s growing interconnectedness. For professionals in cybersecurity, information governance, and eDiscovery, this analysis highlights the opportunities and challenges posed by AI’s rapid development, from investment trends to the implementation of the EU AI Act, which seeks to harmonize innovation with ethical considerations. The article provides essential insights into how Europe’s collective progress in AI and venture capital is shaping a more balanced and resilient tech ecosystem.


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The Rise of Central and Eastern Europe in Venture Capital and AI Innovation

ComplexDiscovery Staff

Forbes’ Midas List Europe 2024 and The Recursive’s State of AI in CEE 2024 Report together showcase the evolving dynamics of Europe’s venture capital and technology ecosystems. While much attention has been paid to the increasing prominence of Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), this is less a shift away from traditional hubs like London and more a broadening of the European landscape, where progress in CEE complements the continued strength of Western Europe.

The 2024 Midas List Europe, developed with TrueBridge Capital, highlights the top 25 venture capitalists across Europe and the Middle East. Germany has a strong number of listees, including the top-ranked investor, Pawel Chudzinsky of Point Nine Capital. Meanwhile, London still holds sway with 13 investors on the list, signaling its enduring relevance. The rise of CEE does not diminish these traditional hubs; rather, it reflects the region’s growing integration into Europe’s tech and investment framework.

The Recursive’s report reveals a thriving AI startup ecosystem in CEE, with €1.4 billion in funding raised between 2023 and August 2024. Startups such as ElevenLabs in Poland and Verne in Croatia demonstrate how the region is building on its strengths to create companies with global impact. ElevenLabs’ €74 million Series B funding round highlights the region’s ability to attract top-tier capital, while Verne’s advancements in autonomous mobility signal the growing technological sophistication emerging from the area.

Germany’s rise as a leader in venture capital represents another layer of progress, as its investors, such as Klaus Hommels of Lakestar and Filip Dames of Cherry Ventures, expand their influence in sectors like artificial intelligence and deep tech. However, the success of these ecosystems in Central Europe and CEE is not happening in isolation. Rather, they are leveraging the supportive infrastructure, capital flows, and regulatory frameworks shared across the broader European Union.

AI is the unifying factor driving this progress, creating opportunities that transcend geographic borders. The Recursive’s analysis points to healthcare, industrial automation, and marketing as key sectors where AI is reshaping operational efficiency and customer engagement. This trend mirrors the Midas List, where many top investors’ portfolios feature AI-driven companies like Helsing, Mistral, and ElevenLabs. These developments reflect a convergence rather than competition among regions, as AI innovation strengthens the entire continent.

The EU AI Act, which came into effect in the second half of 2024, exemplifies how governance is evolving to support innovation while ensuring ethical alignment. CEE countries like Slovakia and Bulgaria are leveraging EU-backed funding and policies to bridge historical gaps in infrastructure, enhancing their readiness for AI adoption. This regulatory environment, coupled with the increasing presence of accelerators and research hubs, is enabling regions like CEE to complement—not replace—traditional tech powerhouses.

While the 2024 Midas List emphasizes the achievements of individual investors, The Recursive provides a deeper look at ecosystem-level progress. Together, they illustrate that the story of Europe’s venture capital and AI innovation is not about shifting away from established centers but about an expanding network of progress. From London to Warsaw, Berlin to Prague, the European tech sector is maturing as a diverse and interconnected system.

The rise of CEE is a testament to how Europe’s collective innovation ecosystem is adapting to global challenges and opportunities. By integrating these emerging hubs into the larger European framework, the continent is not just fostering regional success but building a stronger, more balanced foundation for global influence in venture capital and AI. As CEE continues to develop alongside established leaders like London and Berlin, the future of European tech promises to be as collaborative as it is innovative.

News Sources

  • Forbes. (2024, December 12). Forbes unveils the 2024 Midas List Europe: The definitive ranking of the top 25 venture capital investors in Europe and the Middle East. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com
  • The Recursive. (2024). The state of AI in CEE 2024. Retrieved from https://therecursive.com

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