A venture fund for investments in defense startups in Eastern Europe and Ukraine has been established in Slovakia
The Baryon Investment Fund, a new venture fund focusing on supporting startups in the defense technology sector in Eastern Europe and Ukraine, has been founded in Bratislava. Among the key advisors of the fund is former Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov.
Baryon Investment Fund aims to leverage existing opportunities in defense technologies in Ukraine and Eastern Europe, given the growing security needs of the region. The fund focuses on investing in technologies, teams, and ideas from Ukraine, taking into account the speed of iterations and the proven effectiveness of systems in real combat conditions.
Former Ukrainian Minister of Defense Oleksii Reznikov holds significant influence in shaping the investment strategy due to his experience in leadership and procurement of defense resources. After his resignation in September 2023, he became one of Baryon’s key advisors, using his knowledge and contacts to develop the fund.
Among Baryon’s co-founders are Martin Valevsky, Michal Simko, and Robert Vas. The fund plans to invest at various stages of company development, including early stages and Seed Round.
The importance of the new fund is emphasized by its vast network of contacts in Central and Eastern Europe, as well as in NATO. This enables the fast-tracking of innovative defense solutions to the market. Such initiatives not only enhance the defensive capabilities of the region but also stimulate economic growth through the development of innovative technologies.
| Co-founders | Advisors | Mission |
| Martin Valevsky, Michal Simko, Robert Vas |
Oleksii Reznikov, John Allan, Dave Cullens |
Investments in defense startups of Central and Eastern Europe and Ukraine |
