Discover if this is a suitable investor for your startup. If they are we'll make a warm introduction for free. Otherwise, we'll connect you with matching investors.
Day One Capital is a venture capital firm founded in 2012 and headquartered in Budapest, Hungary. The firm specializes in early-stage technology investments, primarily targeting the Central Eastern European region. Day One Capital has established itself as one of Hungary's most active venture capital firms, with a total of approximately €80 million across three funds. The latest, Fund III, launched in 2024 with a size of €45 million.
The firm has a strong focus on B2B software ventures, supporting technology-driven founders who possess innovative products and significant growth potential. Day One Capital has built a reputation for bridging the gap between Central Eastern European startups and later-stage investors in Western Europe and the United States. This positioning enhances the growth potential of its portfolio companies.
Day One Capital has invested in over 20 companies, demonstrating a commitment to fostering innovation in sectors such as SaaS, fintech, healthcare, mobility, edtech, and cybersecurity. The firm’s notable milestones include successful exits such as Tresorit, Webshippy, and Gamee, showcasing its ability to identify and support high-potential startups.
Day One Capital invests primarily in Pre-seed and Seed stage companies, with a particular emphasis on B2B software ventures. The firm typically writes checks ranging from €300,000 to €2 million, targeting technology-driven founders with innovative products and established growth potential. This investment strategy is designed to support startups in their early stages, providing them with the necessary resources to scale their operations effectively.
The firm’s geographic focus is on Central and Eastern Europe, where it seeks to identify and nurture startups that have global ambitions. Day One Capital is particularly interested in sectors such as SaaS, fintech, healthcare, mobility, edtech, and cybersecurity. The firm’s investment thesis revolves around empowering founders who are developing technology solutions that can address significant market needs.
Day One Capital also emphasizes the importance of strategic guidance and operational support for its portfolio companies. The firm positions itself as a bridge to Western European and US later-stage investors, enhancing the growth potential of its startups by facilitating connections and follow-on funding opportunities.
Day One Capital has built a diverse portfolio of over 20 companies across various sectors. Notable portfolio companies include:
In addition to its current portfolio, Day One Capital has a history of notable exits, including:
These exits highlight the firm’s ability to identify high-potential startups and support them through their growth journeys.
Elek Straub: Managing Partner, Chairman of the Board. Elek has extensive experience in venture capital and has been instrumental in the growth of Day One Capital since its inception.
György Simó: Managing Partner. György brings a wealth of knowledge in technology investments and has played a key role in identifying high-potential startups.
Csaba Kákosy: Managing Partner, CEO. Csaba has a strong background in entrepreneurship and venture capital, leading the firm's strategic direction.
Zsolt Weiszbart: Partner. Zsolt specializes in operational support for portfolio companies, helping them scale effectively.
Judit Lucz: Partner & CFO. Judit oversees financial operations and ensures the firm’s investments are managed effectively.
Dóra Branyiczki: Principal. Dóra focuses on sourcing and evaluating new investment opportunities.
Peter Kromer: Principal. Peter is involved in supporting portfolio companies and managing investor relations.
András Fehér: Principal. András specializes in technology investments and market analysis.
Roland Rausz: Analyst. Roland assists in research and due diligence for potential investments.
Edit Gulácsi: Office Manager. Edit manages the firm’s administrative operations and supports the team.
To pitch Day One Capital, founders should submit their proposals through the firm's website at Day One Capital Pitch Submission or via email at info@dayonecapital.com. The pitch deck should include a clear overview of the business model, market opportunity, competitive landscape, and growth strategy. Founders should expect a response within a few weeks, and warm introductions are preferred to enhance the likelihood of engagement.
In 2024, Day One Capital launched Fund III, which has a size of €45 million and is actively deploying capital into early-stage technology ventures. The firm continues to invest in Pre-seed and Seed stage companies across Central and Eastern Europe.
Recent notable portfolio activity includes follow-on investments in companies that have raised Series A and B rounds from top-tier global VCs such as Lightspeed Venture Partners and Lakestar. This trend indicates the high quality of deals that Day One Capital is involved with.
Day One Capital has also seen successful exits from its portfolio, including the acquisition of Tresorit by Proton and the acquisition of Gamee by Animoca Brands, further solidifying its reputation in the venture capital space.
What are Day One Capital's investment criteria?
Day One Capital focuses on Pre-seed and Seed stage investments in B2B software ventures. The firm seeks technology-driven founders with innovative products and significant growth potential, primarily in Central and Eastern Europe.
How can I apply or pitch to Day One Capital?
Founders can submit their pitch through the Day One Capital website at Day One Capital Pitch Submission or via email at info@dayonecapital.com.
What makes Day One Capital different from other VC firms?
Day One Capital positions itself as a bridge to Western European and US later-stage investors, enhancing the growth potential of its portfolio companies. The firm provides strategic guidance and operational support to help startups scale effectively.
What is the geographic scope of Day One Capital's investments?
The firm primarily invests in Central and Eastern Europe, focusing on technology-driven startups with global ambitions.
What is the typical fund size and check size for Day One Capital?
Day One Capital's latest fund, Fund III, has a size of €45 million, with check sizes ranging from €300,000 to €2 million.
What is Day One Capital's post-investment involvement like?
Day One Capital actively supports its portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance, access to a network of global investors, and assistance in scaling operations.
All trademarks, logos and brand names are the property of their respective owners. All company, product and service names used in this website are for identification purposes only. Use of these names, trademarks, and brands does not imply endorsement.