Czech Presto Ventures and Czechoslovak Group Launch EUR150M Investment Fund Focused On Security and Defence Tech


In A Nutshell


  • Venture capital company Presto Ventures announced the launch of a new investment fund, Presto Tech Horizons. The fund is a partnership between Michal Strnad’s industrial and technological group Czechoslovak Group.

  • The target size for the project is EUR150M.


Get Details

Presto Tech Horizons focuses on companies in NATO countries, and allied nations that are developing dual-use solutions for both civilian and military purposes.


Investments are focused on enhancing safety and privacy for individuals, businesses, institutions and states.

The investment scope focuses on AI, cybersecurity, automation and robotics, defence and aerospace, mobility, energy and healthcare.


The Bigger Picture

Defence Industry Report captures a period of rapid change and technological progress within global defence circles.

VCs have historically been reluctant to invest in defence technologies, but that trend is changing. VC funds are interested in the sector and hope that startups will be the ones to drive innovation in Europe and the US. According to a PitchBook report, the US defence technology market is expected grow at a rate of 16% compound annual growth.


Dealroom reports that Europe’s defence startups are seeing a rise in fundraising rounds. In 2023, they will have raised $614M, up from $408M a year earlier.

NATO will launch a $1B startup and tech accelerator in 2022. This is the first time that the military alliance has supported new technologies. It shows the growing interest in early stage startups.


Background Story


Presto is a venture capital company founded in 2016. It invests in technology companies to support their global market expansion. According to their data the firm’s fund achieves an average Internal Rate Of Return (IRR), of nearly 30 %.

CSG is a multinational industrial and technology group specializing Aerospace & Defence. It comprises over 100 companies in 8 countries. The company’s key segments include ground equipment, vehicles and transportation systems, as well radars, military recording and security systems, and aircraft systems.


Together they plan to invest in innovative companies within the security and defence technology space.


In their own words


Finding the right investor can be a challenge for young, technologically advanced businesses. Presto and CSG created a partnership that is unique in Europe by joining forces. Our fund brings together the best of tech investing, know-how in building global firms, and industrial-technological expertise,” explained Premysl Rubes, founder and managing partner of Presto Ventures.


Michal Strnad is the Chairman of the Board of CSG Group and the owner. He said: “At CSG we have been creating solutions and product that future generations can build upon for many years. We are always looking for the best minds and technologies. Together with Presto we will identify opportunities and develop our portfolio companies in order to deliver solutions that have maximum added value.


“We know first-hand how difficult it is to translate research and development into products that can be successful in the defence, law enforcement, and security segments, where not only private companies, but also governments, are targeted,” he said.