Investment & Fund Management

In Bratislava, Slovakia, EDO-KIN Group, a company specializing in sushi, faced significant challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Just as they were expanding their operations by opening three new restaurants, the pandemic forced immediate closures, resulting in a financial strain exceeding EUR 300,000. The company had to pivot quickly to adapt to the new market conditions, focusing on take-out, delivery, and lunchbox offerings to sustain their business.

To navigate this crisis, co-founders Michal Sramko and Karol Galik sought financial assistance from SZRB, which provided a loan backed by the European Guarantee Fund (EGF). This funding was crucial for maintaining operations and preserving jobs, as the founders were committed to not laying off any employees, including waitstaff who were not needed during the transition. Their strategic shift included partnering with Yeme, a high-end supermarket chain, to supply sushi lunchboxes, which proved to be a successful initiative.

As a result of these adaptations, EDO-KIN Group not only survived the pandemic but also thrived. They established their own factory for producing sushi boxes, and their restaurants have continued to perform well, capitalizing on the growing popularity of sushi in Slovakia. The company now operates eight restaurants and has solidified its position as a market leader in the local food and beverage sector, employing 60-70 people. The experience reinforced the founders' belief in a winning mentality, drawing parallels between their business challenges and their backgrounds in sports.