Between January and July 2026, five CEE-connected startups—Mews, Preply, Oxylabs, Fonoa, and Viktor—captured roughly two-thirds of the nearly €1 billion raised in the region's top 15 funding rounds, according to Vestbee. The concentration of capital reveals a maturing CEE startup ecosystem, yet one increasingly top-heavy. While significant capital flows into the region, it funnels into a select few later-stage deals, starving nascent ventures and potentially stifling future innovation if early-stage funding mechanisms fail to adapt.
The Big Deals: Who's Getting the Capital?
The top 15 CEE funding rounds from January to July 2026 saw five companies dominate, capturing two-thirds of nearly €1 billion. The trend extends to sector-specific flows, with Vestbee data showing increased capital in security and defense.
- Mews: $300M Series D, January 2026.
- Preply: $150M Series D, January 2026.
- Oxylabs: $130M Series A, July 2026.
- Fonoa Technologies & Viktor: Both featured among the top five deals, though specific amounts remain undisclosed.
1. Mews
Mews secured the largest single funding round in CEE, a $300 million Series D in January 2026, bringing its total funding to $817.3 million. The $300 million Series D capital injection confirms its market dominance and investor confidence, but its later-stage focus offers little precedent for early-stage ventures.
2. Preply
Preply raised $150 million in its Series D round in January 2026, accumulating $320.1 million in total funding. The $150 million Series D investment reinforces its strong market position, yet further illustrates the trend of capital flowing to mature businesses, not nascent startups.
3. Oxylabs
Oxylabs secured a remarkable $130 million in a Series A round in July 2026. The $130 million Series A suggests substantial de-risking occurred pre-round, effectively redefining 'early-stage' in CEE and setting an elevated bar for new entrants.
