ValkaAI lands record pre-seed round in CEE
Prague-based startup ValkaAI has raised a landmark €12 million pre-seed round, described as the largest of its kind in Central and Eastern Europe. The funding will fuel the development of real-time AI digital humans designed to transform how audiences engage with esports and traditional sports content.
The round is led by venture capital firm Rockaway Ventures, signaling strong investor confidence in the company’s ambition to redefine live fan interaction. The founding team includes former members of DeepMind, bringing deep expertise in machine learning, computer vision and real-time graphics.
Turning passive video into interactive experiences
ValkaAI is building an engine that converts conventional broadcast feeds into interactive environments populated by responsive AI avatars. Instead of simply watching a match or tournament, fans will be able to converse with digital hosts, ask questions about gameplay, and receive tailored insights in real time.
The company’s technology blends real-time rendering, natural language processing and speech synthesis to create lifelike virtual presenters and analysts. These AI digital humans are designed to understand match context, react to live events on screen, and provide commentary that adapts to each viewer’s interests and skill level.
Focus on esports and sports fan engagement
The initial focus is on the fast-growing esports sector and major sports leagues, where broadcasters and rights holders are seeking new ways to deepen engagement and open fresh revenue streams. By layering interactive AI-driven experiences over existing video, ValkaAI aims to help partners increase viewing time, personalization and monetization.
For advertisers and sponsors, the platform promises more measurable and dynamic formats, including branded AI digital humans and context-aware product placements. For teams and leagues, it offers a route to global, always-on fan engagement that is not constrained by language or time zones.
Positioning Central and Eastern Europe on the AI map
The scale of the pre-seed round underscores the growing importance of Central and Eastern Europe in the global AI innovation landscape. With backing from Rockaway Ventures and a seasoned ex-DeepMind team, ValkaAI is positioning itself as a key player in the emerging market for interactive, AI-enhanced sports and entertainment experiences.