Forbes AIx Central Europe
Accelerate
your AI startup's value
up to 10× Faster
"The cold and unromantic fact is that a good product with great distribution will almost always beat a great product with poor distribution."
Our mission is to help AI startups scale in CZ, SK & HU region through the credibility and reach of local Forbes publishers.
What is Forbes AIx Central Europe?
Where media power and support meet AI acceleration
Forbes AIx is a 1+1-year runway program that transforms promising AI-driven startups into market-proven, investor-ready brands.
Through focus and the Forbes CZ/SK/HU ecosystem - trusted journalism, business communities and unique broad reach - carefully selected startups gain what no accelerator can provide: kick-start in the Central European region.
Trusted journalism
Forbes editorial power behind your story
15 years of Central European (CE) presence
Global brand recognition
Premium editorial standards
Consumer & business communities
Access to end-users and business decision-makers
C-suite executives & entrepreneurs
Industry leaders & Influencers & Investors
Early adopters & tech enthusiasts
Powerful, high-impact reach
Massive amplification for your brand
Forbes CE websites
2.8M+ visitors
Forbes CE print
300K+ reach
Forbes CE Social Media
1.1M+ followers
Forbes CE events
100K+ attendees
"AIx bridges the credibility gap between innovation and market adoption — converting media visibility into measurable startup equity growth."
Why join?
Selected AI startups will go through the following acceleration process:
Media & content exposure on a 26M market
Curated Forbes articles, interviews, newsletters & video storytelling — build trust and backlinks that scale across CZ, SK and HU.
Event & community access
Stage time at Forbes Summits, AI panels & 30 Under 30 — meet investors, partners, and decision-makers.
Digital growth boost
Forbes traffic, AEO, SEO, LinkedIn reach & performance campaigns → measurable lead generation.
Equity value management
Continuous ROI tracking, milestone reviews & exit orchestration.
Capital connections
Raise meaningful funding through our extensive VC and investor network, with warm introductions and fundraising guidance built into the process.
Customized attention
We back <10 startups per year (vs 50+ at other programs), ensuring you get meaningful one-on-one time, tailored feedback, and hands-on support.
"Because every startup has an idea. Few have the distribution platform and credible brand behind to get valuable."
Who is it for?
The ideal AIx startup with high chance to succeed:
AI-first or AI-enabled startups in SaaS, FinTech, EdTech, MediaTech, HR tech, e-commerce, or CX
Early PMF achieved; shifting focus to distribution and growth.
Own or leverage non-public or proprietary data assets
Pre-seed to seed stage
Coach-ready founders — fast, transparent, data-driven
"If you're building real AI value and looking for visibility that scales, you're our kind of founder."
How it works
Submit your startup
Fill out the AIx review application form below
Get evaluated
Our AIx accelerator selection board reviews your application
Receive growth plan
Get a bespoke plan: media timeline, mentoring, milestones
Enter the runway
12+12 months: fast-track your growth, visibility, network and value
We are fast: your AI startup can start the acceleration path in less than one month.
Founders of Forbes AIx
Peter Barecz
Co-founder and Partner
Peter is co-founder and co-publisher of Forbes CZ/SK/HU which he has built into the region's most trusted business ecosystem. Entrepreneur and driver of innovations across Central Europe. His mission: transforming bold ideas into scalable businesses through strategic partnerships and capital networks.
Erik Conrad
Co-founder and Partner
Erik is co-founder and co-publisher of Forbes CZ/SK/HU which he has built into the region's most trusted business ecosystem. Entrepreneur and driver of innovations across Central Europe. His mission: turn Forbes Publishing into a growth engine for the next generation of AI companies.
Peter Kmoško
Co-founder and Managing Partner
AI & customer value growth strategist and founder of Monetize.CX, Peter has led business, digital and customer experience transformation across Microsoft, O2, Yettel, ČSOB, Genesis Motor Europe. Entrepreneur and co-founder of startups including Runology, Behavera, and LordLand.ai, his mission is to transform promising AI startups into market success.
Shared AIx mission: To multiply the value of AI startups through credibility, distribution & support.
Outcomes & impact
Expected results:
Faster growth vs. peers
Valuation increase in 24 months
AI startups in portfolio
Regional AI venture accelerator
Building the next generation of successful AI companies in Central Europe
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Because big players can now copy and scale ideas instantly. Startups must earn credibility and traction fast — before giants take the market.
Because credibility, storytelling, and community drive adoption faster than paid campaigns. That's why Forbes AIx helps founders amplify their product through the Forbes brand, authentic narratives, and the AIx community — so people don't just see your product, they talk about it.
Our accelerator doesn't run in batches or include mandatory learning sessions — we focus on individual growth and real business traction.
Yes, that's possible.
Yes. We actively support startups with distribution, credibility, and visibility, and we also provide guidance on product development and team growth.
Our main "investment" is not cash, but a tailored package of media, content, reach, access and hands-on support – typically in the value range of €50k, €100k or €200k with concrete and detailed breakdown. This package is priced like an equity investment and usually converts into shares at your next funding round on the same terms as cash investors. Direct cash funding is not excluded, but available only in very limited cases.
We usually don't fix a percentage on day one. Instead, we invest a defined value of media, access and support (for example the equivalent of €100k) that converts into equity at your next priced funding round, on the same terms as cash investors. In practice this typically converts in 5–20% ownership, depending on your growth and the financing round details. The goal is to keep founders well-incentivised while giving us meaningful skin in the game and keeping future rounds clean.
Any startup focused on growth in Czechia and/or Slovakia and/or Hungary can apply. Founders of any nationality are welcome.
Yes. We may also consider such applicants.
Yes. You don't have to be fully AI-first (AI+); you can also be AI-powered (+AI). AI simply needs to be a meaningful part of your solution.
Yes, both B2B and B2C AI startups are welcome.
We primarily accept software-based solutions with a working product. If your startup operates outside our defined areas, feel free to apply — we'll evaluate each case individually.
• A working product. • Solving a big problem for a clearly defined niche audience (rather than a broad one). • First users or a signed Memorandum of Understanding. • A strong founding team — ideally with prior startup experience, even from a failed attempt. • Founders eager to scale fast — aiming to be the king of the mountain, not just the hill. • Bonus: A product that can bring value within the Forbes Publishing House ecosystem.
Yes — in two ways: • Through hands-on consulting from experienced entrepreneurs and managing founders. • By offering test use and validation within the Forbes Publishing House network.
No. Our capacity is limited, and each startup receives a tailored acceleration plan based on its maturity and potential.
Ready to 10× your startup's value?
Submit your AI startup for a free AIx review — we'll assess your growth potential, synergy with Forbes, and readiness for acceleration.
Limited spots available — we accept fewer than 10 startups per year