The rapidly growing investment in start-ups in Poland is attracting the attention of both local and foreign entrepreneurs. Poland is becoming one of the most attractive places in Europe for the development of innovative companies – not only thanks to its large consumer market, but also thanks to the support of international players. The latest example is the Salling Group, owner of the Netto chain, which has launched the Salling Seeds fund with a budget of €67 million.
Why are investments in start-ups in Poland gaining importance?
Poland is a market with enormous potential – 38 million consumers, a strategic location in the centre of Europe and growing importance in global supply chains. These factors make investments in start-ups in Poland increasingly attractive to foreign funds and companies looking for innovation.
The Salling Group recognised these opportunities long ago – it has been present in Poland since 1995 and acquired the Tesco chain in 2020. It currently operates 680 Netto stores and plans to expand to 1,000 outlets by 2028.
Salling Seeds – new opportunities for Start-ups in Poland
The Salling Seeds fund is €67 million dedicated to supporting innovative start-ups and scale-ups. Individual investments will range from €0.7 million to €3.5 million in the first round. The aim is to finance companies that can transform retail in Europe through technology and new business models.
The fund focuses on projects related to:
- new technologies and digital customer experience,
- sustainable development solutions,
- innovative consumer and business trends.
As Andreas Møballe, Head of Strategy and M&A at the Salling Group, emphasises, the fund is intended to be “a bridge between entrepreneurship and innovation and the scale and experience of a large retail group”.
Recruitment from 11 August – invitation to entrepreneurs
The official call for applications for the programme began on 11 August 2025. Companies can apply via sallingseeds.com, where the application process is described step by step.
Brian Olesen, CEO of Netto Polska, addressed entrepreneurs directly:
“Observing the Polish market, I can see how innovative entrepreneurs are here. It is with great pleasure that I invite them to apply for funding under Salling Seeds – I believe it is an excellent way to develop the future of retail together.”
This is a clear signal that investments in start-ups in Poland are welcome – both among local innovators and those who want to relocate or expand their business here.
Poland as a centre of innovation in Europe
Although Salling Seeds is global in nature, the fund focuses primarily on Europe – and Poland is one of its key markets. It offers high consumer potential, competitive business costs and access to talented specialists, especially in the technology and IT sectors.
Therefore, investing in start-ups in Poland can be a strategic move for entrepreneurs from around the world who want to combine technological development with access to a dynamic market.
Therefore, investing in start-ups in Poland can be a strategic move fore entrepreneurs from around the world who want to combine technological development with access to a dynamic market
