StartupYard HealthTech Ventures — Pre-Seed VC Firm ($300K–$500K Checks)

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.

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.

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.

Laurent Jaumotte is a finance leader and investor based in Prague, with more than 25 years of experience in senior finance roles at international groups. He has built strong expertise in corporate finance, capital management, risk, compliance, and organizational transformation. Across his career at Atradius, UNIQA, and AXA, he has combined strategic vision, financial discipline, and strong execution. Today, he supports startups, founders, and investors through advisory, mentoring, and investment activities.

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.

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.