Carebot
AI for automated analysis of X-ray imaging in hospitals
Early-Stage VC · HealthTech AI · Central & Eastern Europe
We back pre-seed HealthTech AI startups in Europe with global ambitions
Before it works. Before it is obvious.
Stage
Pre-seed
Focus
CEE+
Ticket Size
€150-400k
01 / Who we are
Who we are
Early-stage VC for AI-powered healthcare
We invest at pre-seed into AI startups solving real problems in healthcare - from diagnostics and imaging to workflow automation, data interoperability, and patient engagement. Whether building healthcare infrastructure or domain-specific clinical tools, we back CEE founders with global ambitions.
02 / Our platform
Our platform
From CEE's longest-running accelerator to a dedicated HealthTech fund
StartupYard HealthTech Ventures builds on the StartupYard Accelerator, based in Prague - over 14 years of supporting early-stage tech companies, 130+ startups accelerated, €100M+ raised. Our first healthtech cohort produced companies like Carebot and Kardi AI, turning a thesis into a fund.
03 / Our approach
Our approach
Built-in expertise for regulated markets
We've assembled a team of healthcare operators, clinicians, and venture builders who work hands-on with our founders. Combined with StartupYard's decade-long network across CEE, our startups get more than capital - they get the expertise to navigate regulated markets and scale.
Track Record
Selected Companies backed by StartupYard
A 14-year track record of backing Europe's most ambitious technology founders
Kardi AI
AI-powered home ECG analysis and cardiac health monitoring
Vitadio
Digital therapeutics for diabetes and chronic disease management
Datrics
Workflow automation and generative BI for health insurance
Rossum
AI platform for automated document and invoice processing
0+
Startups backed & accelerated
Over 15 years running StartupYard Accelerator
0+
startups reviewed
€0M+
raised by StartupYard companies
0%
of StartupYard companies secured follow-on funding
0 years
in AI and Machine Learning
Our Team
Meet our leadership
Nikola Rafaj
Partner
Partner at StartupYard, where he has invested in over 100 early-stage startups and plays a key role in supporting healthtech ventures. A serial entrepreneur, he has co-founded 4 companies and achieved 3 successful exits. He is also an active community builder, contributing to initiatives such as Startup of the Year and the E-commerce Forum. Nikola holds an MSc in Computer Science, combining technical expertise with a strong track record in building and scaling technology-driven businesses.
Cedric Maloux
Partner
Originally trained as an AI engineer in the early 1990s, Cedric Maloux is an entrepreneur-turned-investor with over 25 years of hands-on experience building, scaling, and sometimes failing startups. He has founded multiple startups, shaping a pragmatic, execution-driven approach to backing founders. He has worked with more than 120 early-stage companies as a Partner at StartupYard, giving him a strong pattern recognition of what drives success and failure at the earliest stages.
Venture Partners
Petr Lesny
Venture Partner
Petr brings specialized expertise in healthcare innovation and technology entrepreneurship. With a strong background in the HealthTech sector, he provides mentorship and strategic insights to portfolio companies navigating the European market.
Matej Misar
Venture Partner
Founder of Carebot and a leading voice in healthcare AI across CEE. EY Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2024 (also recognised by Deloitte), he operates at the intersection of healthtech, policy, and clinical deployment. Chairman of the Healthcare Group at the Czech Association of Artificial Intelligence and member of the AI Committee at the Czech Ministry of Health, he advises stakeholders across the region on credible, scalable AI adoption. A former media professional, he combines sharp public communication with hands-on implementation experience.
Nicolas Clavreul
Venture Partner
Managing Director of global pharmaceutical company for the Czech Republic and Slovakia, bringing a strong combination of scientific, clinical, and business expertise to the pharmaceutical industry. He graduated in Biotechnology from the École Normale Supérieure de Lyon, earned a PhD in Cardiovascular Pharmacology from Boston University, and completed an MBA at HEC Paris. In addition to his executive role, he serves as a Foreign Trade Advisor for France (Conseillers du Commerce Extérieur de la France) and mentors healthcare startups at the HEC Paris incubator.
Founder Voices
What founders say
From the teams we've backed and built alongside
It's been a life-changing experience. Rossum would not be where it is today if it was not for all the work we did during our time with StartupYard.
At StartupYard, we met some extremely inspiring people who helped us how to do business, build a financial plan, discussed revenue opportunities, and advised us on healthcare. We wouldn't be where we are now without them.
Building a company from nothing is a great undertaking in life. And I am so glad now that we didn't choose to do it alone. StartupYard has become a vital part of our DNA, and has been with us 100% along the way.
StartupYard is a supportive and reliable partner for Kardi Ai. We appreciated their willingness to help with introductions, market activities, and connections to relevant people from the startup and investor ecosystem. Their network and ongoing support have been valuable throughout our growth journey.
