LAUNCHub Ventures, a prominent investor in South-Eastern Europe, has solidified its commitment to the Western Balkans by appointing Vedran Blagus as its new Associate Partner. Based in Zagreb, Blagus will spearhead the firm's investment activities across Croatia, Slovenia, and the wider region. This strategic hire signals a significant move to capitalize on the area's burgeoning tech ecosystem and support its most promising founders.
A Strategic Move into a Maturing Ecosystem
The Western Balkans' startup landscape has evolved dramatically, with unicorns like Infobip and Rimac Automobili shifting the narrative from risk to opportunity. LAUNCHub's decision to establish a permanent, on-the-ground presence reflects this maturation and a strong belief in the region's potential. Blagus, with his eight years of experience at South Central Ventures, brings deep local expertise and an extensive network to this new role.
A Partnership Forged in Success
The appointment is a natural progression of a long-standing relationship between Blagus and the LAUNCHub team, which dates back to 2017. Their collaboration was cemented through the co-investment in the AI security startup SplxAI. This venture proved to be a landmark deal, showcasing their aligned investment philosophies and effective partnership in action.
The success of SplxAI, which was acquired by US-based Zscaler just seven months after its 2025 seed round, highlighted a shared conviction. "With Vedran joining the team, our ambition is clear: to make LAUNCHub the preferred first institutional cheque for the most ambitious founders coming out of the Western Balkans," stated Stanislav Sirakov, General Partner at LAUNCHub Ventures. This move aims to formalize a proven and successful working dynamic.
Targeting Deep Tech and Bridging the Funding Gap
LAUNCHub is targeting founders with deep technical expertise in sectors like AI-native infrastructure, health and biotech, and B2B software. The firm plans to write initial checks ranging from €300,000 to €3 million for early-stage companies. This focus aligns with the region's strengths in producing highly skilled engineering and scientific talent ready to build globally competitive products.
A key challenge for local startups has been the scarcity of regional Series A and B funding, often forcing founders to seek capital abroad. Blagus and LAUNCHub aim to address this gap directly by leveraging their extensive network of leading European and US co-investors. This will provide local companies with a clearer and shorter path to securing crucial later-stage financing.
A Founder-Centric Mandate
Blagus's mandate is clear and centered on serving founders effectively and transparently. He aims to make LAUNCHub the first call for any ambitious entrepreneur in the region seeking funding or strategic guidance. The firm promises fast decisions, direct feedback, and a partnership focused on providing tangible value beyond capital investment.
The appointment of Vedran Blagus marks a pivotal moment for both LAUNCHub Ventures and the Western Balkans' tech scene. It represents a significant injection of on-the-ground venture capital expertise and a strong vote of confidence in the region's innovators. This strategic presence is poised to accelerate the growth of the ecosystem and help build the next wave of global technology companies.