🚀 bValue Raises $99M for CEE Investments
Polish growth private equity firm bValue has raised $99M for its third fund. This boost in capital enhances their ability to explore and invest in promising sectors like software, IT services, and e-commerce in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). The firm has been active in the region for seven years, making over 40 investments and 15 successful exits. They typically invest $5M to $16M in each project, acquiring 15-40% equity, and are open to majority stakes in exceptional cases.
🌍 Focus on Romania and Tech
bValue is particularly interested in Romania, where it has already made significant investments. For example, it led a $1.1M seed round in Rayscape, an AI radiology platform, and invested $700K in Aggero, an AI-powered social media video listening tool. The firm also invested in Sportano, a sports webshop active in 12 countries, including Romania. This year, bValue will allocate $16M for two new transactions, and $27M in 2025.
📊 Strategic Vision: Growth Equity
bValue's strategy blends venture capital and traditional private equity. By focusing on growth equity, they target scale-ups—companies that have moved beyond early-stage funding and are experiencing rapid growth. This strategy is somewhat novel in Poland, where it allows entrepreneurs to retain control of their companies, aligning with bValue's mission to foster long-term development rather than quick financial returns.
💡 Future Outlook and Key Sectors
Looking ahead, bValue is eager to drive growth in CEE by investing in sectors like digitization services, cybersecurity, and e-commerce. Founder Maciej Balsewicz highlighted the firm’s interest in businesses with at least $2M in revenue that are EBITDA-positive. Balsewicz emphasized that bValue is looking for local leaders with international ambitions, either through organic growth or market consolidation. This strategic focus reflects the firm’s commitment to nurturing innovation and scaling businesses in the region.
How will bValue's $99M investment impact CEE's tech scene?
