Silicon Gardens

Silicon Gardens is a pioneering venture capital firm based in Ljubljana, Slovenia, distinguished by its "founders for founders" investment philosophy. Established by seasoned entrepreneurs from the Adriatic region, the firm aims to leverage its operational experience and network to support early-stage startups. Their primary geographic focus encompasses the Adriatic region, including Slovenia, Croatia, and Serbia, with an eye towards promising ventures across the broader Central and Eastern European (CEE) landscape.

Silicon Gardens primarily targets pre-seed and seed-stage companies, providing crucial capital at the earliest phases of development. They seek out innovative startups with strong teams and scalable business models, particularly in sectors such as SaaS, AI, deep tech, fintech, and health tech. Their typical initial investment, or first cheque, ranges from approximately $108,000 (€100,000) up to $540,000 (€500,000). This strategic funding is designed to help founders achieve key milestones, accelerate product development, and secure initial market traction.

Beyond capital, Silicon Gardens emphasizes providing hands-on support, mentorship, and access to a robust network of industry experts, potential customers, and follow-on investors. This founder-centric approach is rooted in their belief that experienced entrepreneurs are uniquely positioned to understand and address the challenges faced by nascent startups. Their first fund, Silicon Gardens Fund I, had a reported size of around €10 million, underscoring their commitment to fostering a vibrant startup ecosystem in a region historically underserved by early-stage venture capital. By combining strategic funding with operational guidance, Silicon Gardens plays a vital role in nurturing the next generation of tech leaders in the Adriatic and CEE regions.