📘 RapidKnowHow CEE Investment Playbook 2025

🚀 Introduction

Entering Emerging Europe with Clarity and Control

In 2025, the Central, Eastern, and South-Eastern European region offers a rare mix of geopolitical tension and economic acceleration. While challenges persist—such as proximity to war zones and political fragmentation—there are pockets of high-value opportunity for B2B leaders who act with precision and insight.

This Investment Playbook by RapidKnowHow is built to cut through complexity.
It provides clear, country-by-country recommendations with:

• Strategic sector focus
• Entry model blueprints
• Key institutional contacts
• Investment readiness scores

It is your decision support tool to navigate, enter, and grow in the region — smarter and faster.

Central, Eastern & South-Eastern Europe

Focus: B2B Strategic Business Development

---

🇵🇱 Poland

Top Sectors: DefenseTech, Smart Logistics, Cloud B2B Services
Key B2B Clusters:

• Warsaw – AI & SaaS
• Kraków – Business Services, Cybersecurity
• Wrocław – Manufacturing Automation, IoT

Entry Models:

• JV with local defense integrators (e.g., WB Electronics)
• EU co-funded digital infrastructure programs
• Partner with accelerators (e.g., Polish Investment & Trade Agency – PAIH)

Key Contacts:

• Polish Investment & Trade Agency (PAIH)
  → www.paih.gov.pl
• Digital Poland Foundation
  → www.digitalpoland.org

Entry Score: ✅ Proceed Strategically

---

🇷🇴 Romania

Top Sectors: Shared Services, AI Tooling, Circular B2B Manufacturing
Key B2B Clusters:

• Cluj-Napoca – IT & Software Hubs
• Bucharest – AI in Banking, EU Tech Projects
• Brașov – Manufacturing + Supply Chain Services

Entry Models:

• Private label software partnerships
• Local outsourcing alliances (e.g., Fortech, Zitec)
• Leverage EBRD co-funding (via Green Economy Financing Facility)

Key Contacts:

• InvestRomania – www.investromania.gov.ro
• EBRD Romania Office – www.ebrd.com/romania

Entry Score: ✅ Proceed Selectively

---

🇭🇺 Hungary

Top Sectors: Industrial AI, Robotics-as-a-Service
Key B2B Clusters:

• Budapest – Software & Automation
• Győr – Automotive Robotics
• Debrecen – B2B Innovation Labs

Entry Models:

• B2B Franchising with local systems integrators
• Contract-based automation platforms
• Collaborate with National Research, Development and Innovation Office (NKFIH)

Key Contacts:

• HIPA – Hungarian Investment Promotion Agency
  → www.hipa.hu
• NKFIH (R&D Innovation Office) – nkfih.gov.hu

Entry Score: ⚠️ Proceed with Political Risk Mitigation

---

🇧🇬 Bulgaria

Top Sectors: Cybersecurity, B2B SaaS, Fintech Support
Key B2B Clusters:

• Sofia – Tech Outsourcing, DevOps
• Plovdiv – Light Manufacturing
• Varna – TechTalent for Mobile + Web Apps

Entry Models:

• Remote-first delivery teams
• Staff augmentation with local developers
• EU SME digital innovation hub partnerships

Key Contacts:

• Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency
  → www.b2bconnect.bg
• Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry
  → www.bcci.bg

Entry Score: ✅ Proceed (Agile Remote Models)

---

🇷🇸 Serbia (Non-EU)

Top Sectors: EdTech, AI Training, Regional B2B Content Hubs
Key B2B Clusters:

• Belgrade – Startups, E-learning, Dev agencies
• Novi Sad – Creative Tech & Services

Entry Models:

• Licensing partnerships
• Digital product exports only (No fixed assets)
• Wait-and-watch on EU accession developments

Key Contacts:

• Serbian Development Agency
  → www.ras.gov.rs
• ICT Hub Serbia
  → www.icthub.rs

Entry Score: ❌ Hold – Do Not Proceed in 2025

---

🇺🇦 Ukraine

Top Sectors: Reconstruction Planning, Green Infrastructure (Post-Conflict)
Key B2B Clusters:

• Lviv – SaaS Development, Tech Talent
• Kyiv – Pre-war AI / IT Infrastructure

Entry Models:

• Market research only
• Strategic positioning for 2026–27
• Engage in public-private alliances for future recovery

Key Contacts:

• UkraineInvest – www.ukraineinvest.gov.ua
• European Business Association Ukraine – www.eba.com.ua

Entry Score: ❌ Don’t Proceed in 2025 – Monitor & Prepare

Call-to-Action:

Ready to Enter Strategically?

🤝 Partner with RapidKnowHow to localize your B2B Expansion Strategy in CEE

📩 Contact: Josef David for custom your B2B CEE entry strategies