Alior Bank at EKF 2026: Poland’s venture funding gap

13 June 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Alior Bank EKF 2026 highlighted Poland’s shortage of private equity and venture capital to back high-risk tech startups.

At the 16th European Financial Congress in Sopot, Alior Bank’s CEO Zdzisław Wojtera spoke about funding gaps. He argued that private equity and venture capital must step up. During the Alior Bank EKF 2026 session he warned banks will not finance high-risk tech startups.

Alior Bank EKF 2026: Why Poland lacks high-risk funds

The debate focused on the gap between financial markets and the real economy. Consequently, panelists asked if markets still reflect economic fundamentals. Moreover, they explored the role of speculation and short-term investors. Therefore, they discussed how monetary policy affects asset valuations. In addition, they looked at the risks when markets disconnect from production and investment.

Wojtera told the audience that banks cannot take the lead in financing risky innovation. He explained banks have prudential rules and deposit-holder obligations. Consequently, the institution must avoid high probability of losses. Moreover, private equity and venture capital can accept that risk. As a result, those funds seed early-stage firms and scale-ups. Therefore, the US looks more attractive because large pools of risk capital exist there.

The panel included Lucyna Stańczak-Wuczyńska of BNP Paribas Bank Polska, Dr. Kamil Gemra from SGH, Włodzimierz Kiciński of the Polish Bank Association, and Waldemar Markiewicz of the Chamber of Brokerage Houses. Moreover, each speaker pointed to different structural problems in Poland’s capital market. For example, they cited shallow equity markets and limited exit options for investors. Consequently, founders struggle to find long-term backers. Therefore, innovation risks often stay unfunded.

Investors watching Poland should note potential effects on hiring and services. For instance, startups may delay hiring without growth capital. Moreover, local tech clusters may struggle to scale internationally. However, Poland still shows strong human capital and STEM graduates. In addition, EU programs and public instruments can help bridge gaps. Nevertheless, private funds play an outsized role in turning prototypes into global products.

Policy makers heard recommendations on how to shape capital markets. Consequently, panels urged reforms to boost private funds and improve market depth. Moreover, they suggested incentives for institutional investors to back venture strategies. Therefore, regulators and the finance sector must coordinate to build an innovation ecosystem. In addition, banks should partner with private funds instead of substituting them.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat, understand the basics of Polish public systems. For example, ZUS handles pensions and social security, NFZ runs public health insurance, PESEL is the national ID number, and a mandat is a common fine. Consequently, these systems affect employment, benefits and administrative steps when you start a company or hire staff here.

For business-minded expats, the takeaway is pragmatic. Therefore, expect slower startup funding in Poland than in the US. However, consider local partnerships, EU grants, and co-investment vehicles. Moreover, engage with incubators and regional funds to access early capital. As a result, you can mitigate funding risk and still scale your venture.

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