In a nutshell
Presto Tech Horizons Investment Fund Announces First Three Portfolio Companies. Additionally, investor Lucie Bresova, who previously led Kiwi.com’s global expansion, joins the team.
Presto Tech Horizons Announces First Investments in AI, Defense, and Autonomous Technologies
Back in June, venture capital firm Presto Ventures and Michal Strnad’s industrial technology group Czechoslovak Group (CSG) announced the launch of an investment fund, Presto Tech Horizons.
Their investments span areas such as AI, cybersecurity, automation, robotics, logistics, defense, aerospace, mobility, energy, healthcare, advanced computing, and systems involved in managing and protecting critical infrastructure. Focused.
“The first few months of our partnership with Presto and the joint fund’s first portfolio companies confirm that we are on the right path,” said CSG Group Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, said David Cho, Chief Operating Officer.
Today, PTH announced its first three investments.
Vidar Systems, a developer of portable acoustic locators, has completed a pre-seed funding round. The amount remains undisclosed. The company specializes in portable AI-powered acoustic localization systems. This technology helps detect hostile attacks on the battlefield and improves the security of strategic assets and civilian infrastructure. The company’s products are already effectively used by the Ukrainian army to protect against artillery fire.
Presto Tech Horizons is primarily interested in companies developing dual-use solutions that serve both civil and security purposes across NATO and Allied countries.
Another portfolio company, Bavovna, successfully raised $2.7 million (€2.5 million) for its hybrid AI system for autonomous drone navigation. A U.S.-Ukrainian team has developed a hybrid AI-powered navigation system that allows unmanned vehicles (UVs) to function independently. This technology is particularly useful for drone missions in areas where GPS signals are unreliable, and has potential for future applications such as last-mile drone deliveries.
Tur.ai has secured $1.45 million (€134) in a seed funding round, with Presto Tech Horizons leading the investment with $1.2 million. The fund aims to accelerate startup growth by expanding self-service onboarding, improving customer success, and driving partner-led sales models.
Lucie Bresova joins as partner, PTH aims for new investment
European defense startups have seen an increase in funding rounds, securing deals worth $614 million in 2023, up from $408 million in 2022, according to Deal Room.
“Security research shows that we will be lucky if there is no active armed conflict on our territory over the next five years. Desiring peace does not mean turning a blind eye to reality. We need to be active participants in prevention. Just as we are currently (for now) using fusion for energy production rather than destruction, our portfolio companies are We believe that we can contribute to keeping people safe,” said Lucie Blesova, who has joined the Presto Tech Horizons team as a partner.
She will play a key role in shaping the fund’s operations and working with emerging companies.
The fund plans additional investments, including projects such as applying general-purpose AI to industrial robots and intelligent systems to secure rail transportation. Another potential investment is a startup focused on developing quantum algorithms to tackle the most complex computational challenges in cryptography, logistics, and drug development.
“I look forward to working with our portfolio companies. Being a founder with a great idea doesn’t automatically mean you’re ready to lead a growing company. My goal is to , to guide founders through this transformation. I use my experience to help them develop their leadership skills and navigate the challenges that come with scaling a business.” explained Lucie Bresova, partner at ns.
