cee region
and
european resilience
250
Venture
investors
150
Startup
Founders
40+
TOP
Speakers
10+
Side
events
About the Conference
About the Conference
Engaged is an exclusive, professional VC conference connecting up to 500 active investors and ambitious founders mainly from across Central & Eastern Europe and the Baltics. It serves as a platform for cross-border investments and collaboration.
Engaged is built by active investors which means it’s designed by investors, for investors. Every element, from the agenda to the guest list, is curated with one goal in mind: to spark meaningful interactions, unlock real investment opportunities, and move the ecosystem forward.
The 2026 edition emphasizes European resilience and the accelerating maturity of the CEE region.
Engaged is an exclusive, professional VC conference connecting up to 500 active investors and ambitious founders mainly from across Central & Eastern Europe and the Baltics. It serves as a platform for cross-border investments and collaboration.
Engaged is built by active investors – DEPO Ventures and J&T Ventures – which means it’s designed by investors, for investors.
Every element, from the agenda to the guest list, is curated with one goal in mind: to spark meaningful interactions, unlock real investment opportunities, and move the ecosystem forward.
TICKETS
investor
TICKET
549 EUR
+ VAT
Access to DAY 1
Access to DAY 2
Premium catering
Premium catering
Networking app
Networking app
Dealflow access
Dealflow access
Investor dinner
Investor dinner
LP
ticket
FREE
+ VAT
Access to DAY 1
Access to DAY 2
Premium catering
Premium catering
Dealflow access
Networking app
Networking app
Investor dinner
Investor dinner
LP Side Track
LP Side Track
ecosystem
ticket
399 EUR
+ VAT
Access to DAY 1
Access to DAY 2
All day catering
All day catering
Dealflow access
Networking app
Networking app
FOUNDER
TICKET
219 EUR
+ VAT
Access to DAY 2
All day catering
All day catering
Networking app
Networking app
Opportunity to pitch
if applied in Startup Showcase
get ready for
PANEL DICSUSSIONS
What will it take for Europe to become more resilient and technologically independent? Our panels bring together investors and industry leaders to explore the role of defence, fintech and AI in shaping Europe’s future. We’ll also explore how the CEE venture capital ecosystem is growing and what comes next for the region.
STARTUP Showcase
The second day puts Europe’s emerging startups in the spotlight. Selected founders across pre-seed, seed and Series A, as well as defence, space and fintech, will have three minutes to pitch. Each group is reviewed by investors with relevant stage or sector expertise. For founders, it’s a chance to get in front of international investors and start conversations about their next round.
NETWORKING
Networking is an essential part of venture capital and therefore a core part of the conference. The networking hall will be a lively meeting point throughout both conference days.
Expand your professional network of partners, investors, and founders, and make deals in an intimate and engaging atmosphere.
1:1 MEETINGS
Make your time at Engaged count before you even arrive. The networking app lets you browse attendees, find relevant LPs, GPs, founders and ecosystem partners, and request meetings in advance.
Choose a time, meet at an assigned table and get straight into the conversation.
SIDE TRACKS
Explore the topics that matter to you in more depth. Alongside the main programme, dedicated side tracks bring together people working in fintech, defence and other key areas. Each offers a focused programme and more opportunities to meet investors, founders and industry experts with a shared interest.
SIDE EVENTS
Make the most of your time at Engaged. Join breakfasts, dinners and smaller gatherings hosted by us and our partners beyond the conference programme.
Meet new people, continue conversations and build deeper connections in a more relaxed setting.
agenda
9:00 - 10:00 Registration
The Maturity of the CEE Venture Capital Ecosystem
European vs US VC returns: “Rider’s Cup” data visualization comparing 20-year performance
How VC Can Participate in Building European Defence Resilience
agenda
European vs US VC returns: “Rider’s Cup” data visualization comparing 20-year performance
The Maturity of the CEE Venture Capital Ecosystem
How VC Can Participate in Building European Defence Resilience
Re-shoring Europe's supply chain and what that means for VC
agenda
European vs US VC returns: “Rider’s Cup” data visualization comparing 20-year performance
The Maturity of the CEE Venture Capital Ecosystem
Can Europe Build Its Own Defence Champions?
Strategic AI, Sovereignity & Infrastructure: How can EU use AI to become more resilient, secure and technologically independent?
speakers
Learn from experienced investors with proven track records from thriving startup ecosystems.
Marcel Müller-Marbach
Senior Regional Representative
European Investment Fund
Martin Olczyk
Early-stage Investor
ex-Techstars Managing Director
Ben Kolada
Managing Director & Head of US Tech Investment Banking
ICON Corporate Finance
Jan Nalbert
Investment Director
Warsaw Equity Group
Jakob Stein
Vice President
Creandum
Kyle A. Park
Managing Director
Harvest Management Partners, LLC
Lt. Mykyta Puz
Defence Industry Liaison Officer
National Guard of Ukraine “Azov”
Erin Hallock
Partner
NATO Innovation Fund
Marcel Müller-Marbach
Senior Regional Representative
European Investment Fund
Martin Olczyk
Early-stage Investor
ex-Techstars Managing Director
Ben Kolada
Managing Director & Head of US Tech Investment Banking
ICON Corporate Finance
Jan Nalbert
Investment Director
Warsaw Equity Group
Jakob Stein
Vice President
Creandum
Kyle A. Park
Managing Director
Harvest Management Partners, LLC
Lt. Mykyta Puz
Defence Industry Liaison Officer
National Guard of Ukraine “Azov”
Erin Hallock
Partner
NATO Innovation Fund
Marcel Müller-Marbach
Senior Regional Representative
European Investment Fund
Martin Olczyk
Early-stage Investor
ex-Techstars Managing Director
Ben Kolada
Managing Director & Head of US Tech Investment Banking
ICON Corporate Finance
Jan Nalbert
Investment Director
Warsaw Equity Group
Jakob Stein
Vice President
Creandum
Kyle A. Park
Managing Director
Harvest Management Partners, LLC
Lt. Mykyta Puz
Defence Industry Liaison Officer
National Guard of Ukraine “Azov”
Erin Hallock
Partner
NATO Innovation Fund
Get
a taste of
a taste
engaged investments
of engaged investments
Lineup of Side Events
Listed events are approved and recommended by Engaged Investments. Guest lists are managed by the partnering organizers, with events being either invite-only or subject to pre-registration.
Lineup of Side Events
Lineup of Side Events
October 21
18:00 - 22:00
Engaged Investor Dinner hosted by DEPO Ventures
Invite only
MAIN ORGANIZER
GOLD PARTNER
SILVER PARTNERS
BRONZE PARTNERS
ECOSYSTEM PARTNERS
MEDIA PARTNERS
FAQs
Frequently asked questions
Who is this conference for?
Can I pitch my startup at the conference?
Can I purchase multiple tickets or request an invoice?
Can I see who is attending and connect with them in advance?
How can I attend a side event?
Can startups attend both days of the conference?
I’m attending the Fintech or Defence Track. Can I also access Engaged?
DETAILS
Engaged Investments s.r.o.
ID: 21438544
VAT Nu.: CZ21438544
Trojská 40/154
171 00 Praha
CONTACT US
Experience the power of engagement
DETAILS
Engaged Investments s.r.o.
ID: 21438544
VAT Nu.: CZ21438544
Trojská 40/154
171 00 Praha