Red Rooster Dispatch #16
December check-out
Hello readers!
January is a natural moment to pause for a second before jumping fully into what’s next. This edition of Red Rooster Dispatch is our December check-out: a calm look back at the signals that closed 2025 and the early movements shaping the start of a new year.
Inside you’ll find a short reflection on what last year brought to our community, fresh capital flowing into Polish startups, strong signals from the French and European tech ecosystems and a few concrete things to keep on your radar for January and beyond. We also share new Venture Café dates, opportunities for French talents abroad and a refreshed set of roles on our job board.
✨ Looking back at the year, one thing is clear
Before diving fully into what’s next, we took a moment on our social media to sum up what 2025 brought to our community and it felt like a meaningful pause. The past year was built on conversations, shared ideas and meetings that often started online and continued face to face.
What stayed with us most are the people, the trust and the collaborations that grew naturally along the way. We start the new year grateful for what we built together and curious about what comes next.
🎁 New year, new moves for your startup
If the start of the year has you thinking about next steps for your startup, this might be a useful stop along the way. Our Welcome Pack for Startupers in Poland is a simple resource for anyone curious about the local tech ecosystem.
Inside, you’ll find a practical overview of the Polish startup landscape and a curated list of top Polish VCs to keep on your radar whether you are launching or scaling.
All you need is your email:
🇵🇱🚀 Fresh capital for Polish startups
More than 260 million PLN has just been unlocked for new investments, heading straight into early and growth stage startups. New funds are coming into play, from data and AI focused teams to investor founders and angel backed setups. All supported by EU funding under FENG.
Capital is clearly moving again and for founders, this is a very good moment ✨
📈A strong indicator from the French Tech ecosystem
Brevo has officially joined the unicorn club after a 500 million euro funding round. It’s another clear sign that European tech can scale with confidence and global ambition.
The fresh capital will support further AI development and Brevo’s expansion in the US. A big milestone for the team led by Armand Thiberge and a moment worth noting for the wider French Tech community.
🩺 Two strong healthtech signals from Europe
Poland and France both closed the year with solid news from the healthtech space.
🇵🇱 In Poland Jutro Medical raised €24M in a Series A extension, reaching €36M in total funding. A strong step for an AI-first primary care player already reshaping healthcare online and offline.
🇫🇷 In France Doctolib is reportedly in talks around a large secondary investment, showing continued confidence in European digital health at scale.
🔎What’s new at Venture Café?
Thursday Gathering #248 New Year New Tools
🗓 15 January 2026
🕒 18:00-21:00
📍 CIC, Varso Place, Warsaw
The year starts with a practical focus. This Thursday Gathering is all about tools you can actually use in your daily work. From building visibility and sales, through leadership basics, to smart personal branding, the sessions are designed to help you start 2026 with clarity and momentum. Expect hands on insights and conversations that turn ideas into action.
Thursday Gathering #249
🗓 29 January 2026
🕒 18:00-21:00
📍 CIC, Varso Place, Warsaw
The community comes together again at the end of January for another evening of learning and connection. Thursday Gathering #249 is your space to exchange perspectives, meet new people and pick up inspiration that carries into the rest of the year. As always at Venture Café Warsaw, everyone is welcome and the conversations continue well beyond the sessions.
Global Gathering Tokyo 2026
🗓 19 February 2026
📍 Tokyo, JapanFemTech Friday #17
Another open coworking day for founders, leaders and creators shaping the future of FemTech. This edition includes a special public speaking workshop in English, perfect for anyone who wants to feel stronger and more confident on stage.
✨ Calling French talents abroad
Applications are still open for the next edition of the Trophées des Français de l’étranger, rewarding inspiring French talents living abroad. Entrepreneurs, creators, innovators and engaged professionals can apply through a single form.
📅 Deadline for applications: January 16, 2026
💼 A new year, new possibilities
The start of the year is a good excuse to pause and check what is out there. We have just added new job offers and V.I.E. roles to our job board. Even if you are not actively looking, a quick look might spark an idea or two for what comes next.
