Hard2beat

We invest in early stage Polish startups with a clear technological edge

Founded by serial entrepreneurs and seasoned investors.
We back ambitious software-driven and hardware-enabled startups solving real, challenging problems.

Sector
Anything deeptech

Initial check

Up to 3m PLN

Follow-on

Up to 5m PLN

Stage

Pre to early revenue

Geography

Poland / use funds in Poland

Must have

Strong tech moat

How We Invest?

We invest at the pre-seed and seed stages in deep tech startups solving hard problems with software-driven or hardware-enabled solutions.

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Defensible Tech

A clear technical edge that’s hard to copy
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Early Validation

Proof-of-concept, pilot results, or first customers
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Resilient Founders

Ambitious, resourceful, and relentless – truly Hard2beat

We don’t invest in B2C, marketplaces, or generic SaaS.

Think you’re a fit? We’d rather hear from you early than too late.

Companies from our portfolio

Neuromedical

Neuromedical has developed VGuard, a non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation system (tVNS) that has demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients in clinical trials. 

DefendEye

DefendEye is developing autonomous dual-use UAV systems for both civil and military markets. Applications include deployment by rescue teams or critical infrastructure protection, personal soldier protection or border surveillance.

Defguard

Defguard is an Open Source, zero-trust enterprise VPN that integrates advanced security features such as Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) directly into the WireGuard® protocol.

Why Hard2beat?

We’re more than capital - we’re your toughest wingman, providing strategic support from day one.

Founders + Funders at the Table

We blend firsthand founder experience (scaling businesses to €14M+ ARR, multiple exits) with deep VC expertise (100+ investments). We quickly spot what matters and act fast.

Strategic Support from Day Zero

Deep, hands-on advice on global sales, R&D, fundraising, and legal structuring – no fluff, no micromanaging. When things get tough, you’ll want us in your corner.

A Network That Moves the Needle

Access our local and international network of 250+ investors, angels, and industry partners. Whether you’re raising funds, closing deals, or hiring key roles – we connect you fast.

Meet Your Wingmen

Operators. Investors. Your closest allies when it counts. Meet the team in your corner.

Companies We’ve Built and Backed Before Hard2beat
maciej_zawadzinski

Maciej Zawadziński

Founding Partner

Serial founder with 3 successful exits. Built and scaled B2B SaaS businesses to €14M+ ARR. Expert in privacy tech, enterprise go-to-market, and building from scratch – knows what it takes to win.
maciej_frankowicz

Maciej Frankowicz

Founding Partner

Veteran VC with 40+ pre-seed deals under his belt. Deep expertise in R&D-heavy startups, company-building, and fundraising strategy. Gets technical founders and what they need to thrive.

konrad_trzyna

Konrad Trzyna

Founding Partner

VC legal ninja with 10+ years of experience and over €100M in closed transactions. Master of cap tables, term sheets, and making sure founders don’t get screwed.
filip_bogdziun

Filip Bogdziun

Investment Manager

5+ years in VC. Leading deals, supporting portfolio companies, and navigating founders through scaling and exits. Brings a sharp operator mindset and a deep understanding of startup chaos.
sara_takeushi

Sara Takeuchi

Investment Analyst

Former CVC scout connecting startups with corporates. Deep understanding of PoC design, enterprise integration, and tech commercialization. Based in Kraków, always exploring what’s next, especially in deep tech and enterprise.

michal_lechowski

Michał Lechowski

Investment Associate

Got a startup no one understands? Michał will. With a mix of deep VC experience (deeptech and hardware focus) and a founder’s background, he turns complex tech into scalable businesses. PhD researcher in AI.

Curious how it all started?

Inside HARD2BEAT

Konrad Trzyna

Why we invested in Neuromedical

Neuromedical has developed VGuard, a non-invasive method that has demonstrated significant improvements in cognitive function in Alzheimer’s patients in clinical trials.

Read More »
Maciej Zawadziński

Why we invested in Defguard

Defguard brings the benefits of modern and flexible VPN & access management with advanced security features and control that enterprises need.

Read More »