Is Czech Republic a Good Place to Launch a Startup?

Where you start your company still matters – but sticking too closely to one location might limit what you’re able to build. In today’s startup landscape, geography shapes your path – but it doesn’t have to define your potential.

Czech Republic has emerged as a strong hub for entrepreneurship, offering access to funding, talent, and infrastructure. But with growing competition, rigid local programmes, and support often reserved for the most polished startups, relying solely on what’s nearby can slow you down – or hold you back.

In this article, we’ll explore what Czech Republic gets right – and where founders often run into friction. We’ll also show how EWOR offers an alternative: a global, remote-first platform that gives you access to funding, mentorship, and community – no matter where you’re based.

1. Access to Funding in Czech Republic

Funding is one of the most critical ingredients in building a successful startup – and Czech Republic offers a growing ecosystem of support. From venture capital firms to government grants and angel investors, founders in this region have several pathways to raise capital and gain early traction.

The early-stage funding scene in the Czech Republic is dynamic, supported by various players despite facing some hurdles. Notable VC firms active in the early stages include Kaya VC, Credo Ventures, and Presto Ventures. Angel investors also play a role, with networks like DEPO Ventures Angels supporting founders. Government support is available through initiatives like CzechInvest's programs aimed at startup creation and internationalization, and a new "Fund of Funds" is being launched with EU and private capital, partly targeting early-stage companies and those with a connection to Ukraine. However, challenges persist. A significant concern among investors is the perceived lack of quality startups, a challenge flagged by nearly two-thirds of investors in a recent survey, showing an increase from the previous year. While overall investment sentiment remains positive for 2025, with many planning to maintain or increase activity, a seed-stage funding gap has been noted, with relatively low activity compared to the rest of Europe. Interest in exclusively Czech startups has also seen a downward trend as investors increasingly look towards Central and Eastern Europe more broadly. Macroeconomic factors and global events are also seen as potential influences on the investment landscape.

A More Flexible Path Forward

In the wake of these challenges, founders don’t have to rely solely on local funding options. EWOR offers a more flexible path – providing up to €500,000 in early-stage capital But EWOR is more than a cheque. Our capital comes bundled with personalised support, investor-ready storytelling, and access to a network of over 400 active European investors – many of whom regularly participate in our Grand Pitch events. On average, EWOR fellows who complete the programme and pitch go on to raise €2 million in follow-on funding – over 10x more than founders from comparable European initiatives.

2. Innovation and Startup Culture  

Czech Republic has become a centre of innovation, with numerous tech hubs, coworking spaces, and accelerators that foster creativity and new ideas. The local startup culture is vibrant, with a growing community of entrepreneurs working together to push the boundaries of what’s possible.

The Czech Republic has a burgeoning startup and innovation ecosystem, particularly strong in IT, cybersecurity, and AI. Prague is a major hub, often called the "Silicon Valley of Central Europe," but Brno and other cities also contribute significantly. Entrepreneurial activity is increasing, with a notable rise in new businesses in early 2025. Coworking spaces are prevalent in cities like Prague and Brno, offering flexible workspaces and networking opportunities. The country hosts numerous tech events and conferences throughout the year, covering various fields like AI, cybersecurity, and web development. The ecosystem supports early-stage founders through various incubators and accelerators like StartupYard, UP21, and those supported by CzechInvest. These programs often provide mentorship, funding, and network access. While there are competitive programs, there's also a focus on supporting early phases of development and helping startups access domestic and foreign markets, suggesting personalized support exists alongside standardized initiatives. Government strategies aim to further position the Czech Republic as an innovative nation.

For many entrepreneurs, the energy and resources available in Czech Republic can provide the ideal environment to test new ideas and gain early traction. The collaborative atmosphere allows founders to connect with fellow innovators and build networks that can help their startups grow.

While the local startup culture is vibrant, the support founders actually receive can be hit or miss. VCs might offer funding but little time. Angel investors often give advice, but it’s scattered and inconsistent. What’s more, many accelerators rely on a one-size-fits-all model that doesn’t reflect the needs of exceptional founders. In fast-moving, competitive ecosystems like Czech Republic, standing out is hard enough – getting the right kind of support shouldn’t be.

The Alternative to Cookie-Cutter Programmes

Finding a programme that truly adapts to your journey, not the other way around, is rare. However, EWOR offers the kind of depth and flexibility that many local programmes simply can’t match. Instead of following a fixed curriculum, our fellowships are modular and tailored – giving you the right support at the right time, based on where you are in your journey.

But the real strength of EWOR goes beyond structure. Fellows often describe the community as the most unexpected – and valuable – part of the experience. As some have put it: “The real magic lies in the community: the kind of conversations, insights, and connections that lead not only to breakthroughs – but to lasting friendships with some of the most fascinating people they’ve ever met”.

3. Talent and Workforce Availability

One of the greatest assets of launching a startup in Czech Republic is access to a skilled and diverse talent pool. With universities producing top-tier graduates in technology, business, and other fields, startups can tap into a wealth of expertise to help grow their teams.

The Czech Republic offers a strong talent pool for startups, particularly in technology and engineering, supported by a robust educational system. Universities like Charles University and Czech Technical University produce skilled graduates in IT and technical fields. The workforce is noted for its technical skills, with a significant percentage of STEM graduates. This local talent contributes to entrepreneurial growth by providing a skilled workforce for key industries like AI, cybersecurity, and software development. While a shortage of digital professionals exists, government strategies and university programs aim to address this. The presence of incubators and accelerators further supports the integration of local talent into the startup ecosystem.

Like funding, competition for talent can be fierce, especially for highly specialised roles in fields like software development or AI. For startups looking to scale quickly, hiring the right people at the right time can be a challenge, leading some founders to look outside the region for remote talent solutions.

Get Global While Local

While hiring locally in Czech Republic can be competitive and slow, EWOR gives you instant access to a global network of exceptional talent. Built by founders for founders, the EWOR team has launched and exited companies worth over €12 billion – and they bring that experience directly into your venture. It's not just about funding or surface-level advice; it's akin to having a co-founder from day one. 

The team collaborates closely with you to refine your idea, challenge your thinking, and support you through real-world decisions – just like a hands-on partner would. Moreover, with EWOR’s exclusive co-founder pool, you can find the right person to build with, regardless of their location.

4. Infrastructure and Support Systems

Czech Republic boasts a strong infrastructure that supports the growth of new businesses. From modern office spaces to high-speed internet, entrepreneurs have access to everything they need to run their startups smoothly. Government policies may also provide tax breaks, legal support, and other incentives that make starting a business more attractive in this region.

The Czech Republic offers a supportive environment for startups with a growing infrastructure. Numerous incubators and accelerators, such as StartupYard, UP21, and those associated with universities and corporations, provide mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. Organizations like CzechInvest play a key role, offering programs like CzechAccelerator to help startups expand globally and providing access to funding information. Government initiatives include the Startup Visa for foreign entrepreneurs and a Fund of Funds, in collaboration with the European Investment Fund, targeting early-stage digital technology startups. The government is also working on a new startup law to address financing gaps and reduce bureaucracy, inspired by models in other European countries. While funding for AI startups has seen fluctuations, there's a commitment to fostering growth through strategies like the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2030. The ecosystem benefits from a skilled workforce and a central European location.

But what looks good on paper often proves more complicated in practice. Bureaucracy can be time-consuming and opaque, especially for first-time founders unfamiliar with local laws. Incorporation takes longer than expected. Accessing public funding often means navigating slow processes, strict requirements, or hard-to-reach advisors. And operational costs – from accounting to regulatory compliance – can quickly eat into early budgets. 

A System That Moves With You

With access to expert guidance, practical legal resources, and a network of experienced entrepreneurs who’ve built across a range of regulatory systems, EWOR is well positioned to help founders navigate the bureaucratic and legal complexities that often come with building in Czech Republic. Instead of wasting time figuring things out alone, you’ll have the tools and support to stay focused on what matters most – growing your venture.

And while we’re remote-first, our support is anything but distant. Through in-person gatherings like the EWOR House, city-based meetups, and our twice-yearly Grand Pitch event, you’ll still build meaningful relationships with investors, peers, and mentors. It’s a system that helps you focus on building – not just dealing with paperwork.

Can Czech Republic Be Considered the Best Place to Launch a Startup?

There’s no doubt that Czech Republic provides a vibrant environment for startups, with access to funding, innovation, talent, and infrastructure that can help entrepreneurs build successful businesses. For many, it’s a strong contender for the best place to launch a startup, thanks to its growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and support systems.

Entrepreneurs launching startups in the Czech Republic encounter several challenges. While the cost of doing business and living can be relatively lower compared to Western Europe, competition exists within the local market and from international players. Regulatory hurdles, including administrative burdens, lengthy procedures, and non-unified regulations, can pose significant obstacles. Additionally, navigating the legal system and keeping up with new legislation can be complex. Access to quality talent and the need for improved soft skills like storytelling and marketing are also noted challenges.

However, it’s important to remember that the location of a startup is no longer the be-all and end-all. In today’s digital age, location-independent options like EWOR allow entrepreneurs to access world-class mentorship, funding, and resources from anywhere in the world. Whether you’re based in Czech Republic or elsewhere, EWOR’s remote programmes are designed to support founders no matter where they are located.

So, while Czech Republic offers significant advantages, it’s worth considering options like EWOR that enable you to launch and scale your startup with global support – whether you’re in the heart of a bustling startup hub or working from a quiet corner of the world.

Image credits: by Andreas Brücker on Unsplash