Spinoffy: From the Lab to the Market

21. October 2026

Article Opportunities Researchers

Universities and research institutions develop technologies with global potential. But turning scientific discoveries into viable businesses is rarely straightforward. Who would use the technology? Would anyone pay for it? How do researchers secure a licence and build a company around their work? Traditional venture capital investors often enter once a startup already exists. Yet research teams may need the most support long before that point.

Vision

We want promising technologies to have a real chance beyond the laboratory. To help researchers find out whether their innovations can succeed not only scientifically, but commercially. And when the potential is there, to help build companies capable of reaching customers around the world.

Gamechanger

Spinoffy combines a venture capital fund with hands-on venture building. It does more than invest in startups. It helps create them, sometimes from the very beginning. Unlike traditional VC funds, Spinoffy can get involved before a startup even exists, when there is only a research team and a promising technology. As Lucie Poláková explained at October’s Velvet Innovation Meetup: “Together, we try to find out whether there is a real use for the technology, how we could turn it into a successful business, and whether anyone would actually pay for it.” Beyond funding, Spinoffy supports projects in three key areas. They help negotiate technology licences and establish relationships with universities, work directly with teams on business and financial models, team development and investment readiness and connect research teams with industry partners and potential customers, including internationally. One principle is particularly important: market validation should start early. Spinoffy encourages teams to speak with potential customers and partners rather than waiting until their technology is fully developed.

Who is it for?

Researchers and teams from universities and research institutions developing technologies with global potential who want to explore whether their work could become a successful startup. Spinoffy also supports early-stage spin-offs that have already completed proof of concept and are looking for pre-seed or seed investment and a partner for further growth.

What has worked so far?

Spinoffy has established a model combining investment capital with its own hands-on incubator for scientific spin-offs. According to Spinoffy, it is the first fund of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe.

Working on a technology that deserves a chance beyond the lab? Or know someone who is? Spinoffy is looking for research teams and technologies with global potential. They are also keen to connect with industry experts and companies willing to help validate new technologies in practice, as well as fellow investors.

I want to get in touch with Spinoffy