Investor insights: March 2026 portfolio insights

March kept the pace high across our portfolio, with companies rolling out updates, forming new collaborations, and gaining recognition in their fields. Teams continued to push forward, scaling their products and exploring new opportunities.

Here’s a snapshot of what’s been happening lately. 🚀

Alcatraz

Alcatraz announced that it has raised $50 million in a Series B funding round to support the expansion of its AI-powered physical access control platform. The round was led by BlackPeak Capital, Cogito Capital, and Taiwania Capital, with participation from existing investors.

The company develops a facial authentication system designed to replace traditional badge-based access, enabling secure entry without storing personal biometric data. Its solution is already deployed across sectors, including data centers, airports, and large enterprises, where secure and efficient access control is critical.

With the new funding, Alcatraz plans to expand into additional industries and international markets, while continuing to develop its platform to address growing demand for privacy-focused security solutions.

Druid AI

Druid AI announced that it has been featured in The RISE 40 report by Huron, which highlights companies shaping the future of the student lifecycle across areas such as recruitment, retention, and career readiness.

The inclusion places Druid AI among a group of organizations focused on improving the integrated student experience through technology and innovation. The report recognizes companies contributing to the transformation of higher education systems and services.

Footprints AI

Footprints AI announced the launch of Eurocash Retail Media & Shopper Insights, developed in collaboration with Grupa Eurocash, to support brands in reaching and engaging shoppers more effectively.

The platform combines AI with first-party data to enable omnichannel retail media campaigns across Eurocash banners, allowing brands to plan, activate, and optimize campaigns across in-store, online, and mobile touchpoints. It also provides reporting based on real shopping behavior and purchase data.

Designed to support advanced retail media capabilities, the solution offers features such as audience targeting at the local store level, real-time campaign optimization, and closed-loop measurement linked to actual sales. The launch follows a pilot phase involving multiple brands and reflects the company’s focus on building data-driven retail media infrastructure in Poland.

Mewery

Mewery announced that it secured 3rd place at the SelectUSA Startup Pitching competition, part of the SelectUSA Investment Summit initiative hosted by the U.S. Embassy in Prague.

The company presented its cultivated meat technology to an international audience of investors and industry stakeholders, positioning itself within a global ecosystem focused on supporting high-growth startups entering the U.S. market.

SiGaN

SiGaN announced that its bootloader solution now enables the TI TMS320 platform to meet the requirements of the EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), supporting compliance with evolving cybersecurity standards for digital products across Europe.

The development addresses increasing regulatory demands for secure design, reliable update mechanisms, and stronger protection against cyber threats in embedded systems. By enhancing the platform’s compliance capabilities, SiGaN aims to support manufacturers in adapting to the new regulatory framework.

Swisspod

Swisspod shared an update on AERYS's progress, announcing that the AERYS 1 prototype reached 115 km/h during recent testing.

The milestone represents an early validation of the company’s high-speed mobility technology, as it continues to develop and refine its hyperloop-based system. The test results provide initial insights into performance and system capabilities under real-world conditions.

SWIPE

SWIPE announced the opening of a new retail location in Ruse, marking the company’s seventh store and a continued expansion of its physical presence in Bulgaria.

Located in the city center, the new store provides customers with access to SWIPE’s full range of devices, accessories, and related services. The expansion reflects the company’s strategy of strengthening its retail network while improving accessibility for customers across key regional markets.

Voxa

Voxa announced that it has raised over €4 million in a funding round led by Catalyst Romania Fund II, with participation from Crescendo Ventures and SeedBlink, alongside Bravva Angels.

The company operates an audiobook and e-book streaming platform across Southeast Europe, serving more than 1 million users with a catalog of over 200,000 titles. Following the investment, Voxa plans to expand into new markets in the Balkans, strengthen its position in Hungary, and continue developing its product offering.

The funding will also support the introduction of new features, including a freemium model and expanded distribution partnerships across e-commerce and telecom channels, as the company continues its efforts to scale its presence in the regional digital content market.