Accelerateyour AI startup's valueup 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
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 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 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.
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
Frequently asked questions
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.
Apply now→Limited spots available — we accept fewer than 10 startups per year