The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing 30 million euro to Rohlik Group, an innovative Czech online grocery retailer, to support its development of advanced automation and artificial intelligence. The operation complements the initial 90 million euro expansion financing the EIB provided to Rohlik Group two years ago, which helped it expand into several European markets.

The investment will accelerate the commercial scale-up of Veloq, Rohlik’s AI-powered technology platform for same-day shopping management and delivery, to manufacturers in Europe and the United States. As in 2024, the support takes the form of an expansion debt facility, a type of long-term financing for fast-growing companies.

Founded in Prague in 2014, Rohlik is one of three Czech startups valued at over $1 billion, the threshold for unicorn status. Over the past 12 years, the company has expanded beyond the Czech Republic’s borders to Hungary, Austria, Germany and Romania, combining a highly automated operating model with advanced software and AI-powered processes.

“Rohlik is a clear example of a European technology champion that has successfully transitioned from rapid market expansion to the development of proprietary, scalable technology,” said EIB Vice-President Marek Mora. “The company combines strong consumer recognition and deep technological know-how. With this investment, we support Rohlik in the next stage of its journey to transform its proven, AI-powered logistics solutions into Veloq, a platform with the potential to benefit the wider distribution and logistics ecosystem in Europe.

The operation responds to a market need for the availability of venture capital for European companies at an advanced stage of expansion and high growth. It is supported by the European Union’s InvestEU programme through a ‘Future Technologies’ financing opportunity.

“European customers want baskets full of fresh groceries, delivered on their schedule,” said Rohlik CEO and founder Tomáš Čupr. “For a decade, we have built the technology that makes this possible, profitably, in five markets. The EIB’s continued support helps us make it available to other grocers through Veloq.”

The company will carry out its activities covered by the new EIB financing in the Czech Republic, generating benefits in the form of innovation, job creation and know-how in retail and logistics distribution networks in Europe.