Just three years after its launch, 3VC — formerly capital300 — is proving the case for Central Eastern Europe (CEE) as a challenger to Silicon Valley’s long reign as the world’s hottest tech incubator. The firm was founded by entrepreneurs who are passionate about technology and seasoned in start-up experiences. 3VC launched with a three-person team and a first fund of $50m USD. It now has a passionate team of diverse talent from the CEE and GSA (Germany, Switzerland and Austria) regions, noted for gender balance, business-friendly governments and skilled STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) graduates. 3VC seeks out game-changing ideas that drive humanity forward, then connects entrepreneurs with growth capital and knowledge. The firm unites three groups of like-minded stakeholders — European founders, global VCs and regional fund investors — with the goal of advancing the start-up ecosystem and generating positive returns. 3VC aims to be a catalyst for change and partners with forward-thinking organisations. It works only with top-tier funds and takes a quality-over-quantity approach to portfolio investments, primarily focusing on opportunities at Series A and growth stages. Short maturity terms have permitted two exits and several up rounds so far. 3VC won’t submit to a single label; it is an advocate and ambassador, entrepreneur and investor. The CFI.co judging panel announces 3VC as winner of the 2020 award for Best VC Technology Firm (CEE).