Seznam.cz

What Seznam.cz does

Seznam.cz, a.s. is a privately held Czech internet platform founded on April 30, 1996, by Ivo Lukačovič, who remains 100% owner after repurchasing the stake held by Sweden's Spray Ventures in 2016. The company operates more than 30 interconnected products and services spanning search, web portal, email (Email.cz, Email Profi), maps and navigation (Mapy.com), advertising (Sklik.cz), price comparison (Zboží.cz), real estate (Sreality.cz), automotive (Sauto.cz), general classifieds (Sbazar.cz), business directory (Firmy.cz), news (Seznam Zprávy, Novinky.cz, Sport.cz, Super.cz, Právo via Borgis), terrestrial TV broadcasting (Televize Seznam, on air since 2018), video streaming (Stream.cz), regional radio (Expres FM and Classic Praha, acquired 2019), a unified Seznam Účet single sign-on, and Seznam Prohlížeč, a proprietary browser. The platform reports reaching approximately 90% of the Czech internet population and attracting nearly 4 million daily homepage visitors.

Underlying the consumer-facing portfolio is proprietary infrastructure including a Czech-diacritics-aware full-text search engine (in-house since 1997) and two owned data centers, with the second, Nagoja, opened in Benátky nad Jizerou in March 2023. A unified Seznam Účet enables cross-product sign-on and supports verification via BankID and MojeID, plus Google and Microsoft identity federation.

Seznam's revenue model is multi-stream: banner and native advertising is described as the main source of financing (delivered via Sklik, display on Seznam properties, and Seznam Brand Studio), supplemented by subscription fees (Email Profi, Stream), marketplace commissions across classifieds verticals, and grant-based advertising credits to nonprofits via the Seznam Grant program. Go-to-market combines a product-led, free-to-consumer model that builds reach and engagement with a sales-led motion for Sklik advertising and enterprise partnerships. The company employs more than 1,900 people across 11 office locations in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Name

Seznam.cz

Legal name

Seznam.cz, a.s.

Website

https://o.seznam.cz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1996

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Seznam.cz is the dominant Czech internet platform founded in 1996, operating 30+ services including search, email, maps, classifieds, advertising (Sklik), news, TV, and streaming, reaching 90% of Czech internet users. It is fully owned by founder Ivo Lukačovič.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Web Search and Internet Portal

NAICS

Media Buying Agencies (541830), Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Media Streaming Distribution Services, Social Networks, and Other Media Networks and Content Providers (516210)

SIC

Services-Advertising (7310), Television Broadcasting Stations (4833)

akta.pro primary industry

Search Engine Marketing (SEM) Media Buying (MPAAABAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Lead Generation & Performance Media (B2B/B2C) (MPAAACAK)

Keywords

• Web search engine
• Online advertising platform
• Digital classifieds marketplace
• Video streaming service
• Internet portal services

Headquarters

HQ city

Praha, Czech Republic

HQ country

Czechia

HQ region

Europe

Offices11 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Digital Commerce or Content

Cost components

Personnel, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Operations

Revenue model

1. Advertising Revenue: Banner advertising is the main source of financing for development and service innovation. Includes Sklik advertising platform, display ads on Seznam properties, and native advertising through Seznam Brand Studio
2. Subscription Services: Email Profi subscription service with features like nested folders for professional email management
3. Marketplace and Classifieds: Commission-based marketplace services including Sreality.cz (real estate), Sbazar.cz (classifieds), Sauto.cz (automotive), Zboží.cz (product listings)
4. Streaming Subscription: StreamTV streaming service with TV profiles, purchase history, and premium content access

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

Seznam.cz operates a Czech internet platform with 30+ products and services including a proprietary full-text search engine, free email (Email.cz), maps and navigation (Mapy.com), video streaming (Stream.cz), news portals (Seznam Zprávy, Novinky.cz, Sport.cz, Super.cz), terrestrial television (Televize Seznam), regional radio stations (Expres FM, Classic Praha), price comparison (Zboží.cz), and classifieds marketplaces (Sreality.cz, Sauto.cz, Sbazar.cz). The company monetizes primarily through its Sklik advertising platform, native advertising via Seznam Brand Studio, marketplace commissions, and subscription services (Email Profi, Stream premium).

Product overview

Seznam.cz is a Czech internet platform founded in 1996 by Ivo Lukačoviť (who regained sole ownership in 2016), operating a portfolio of over 30 digital products and services across search, advertising, email, news, television, streaming, classifieds, and e-commerce. The core platform is Seznam.cz — the dominant Czech web portal and search engine that reaches 90% of the Czech internet population and attracts nearly 4 million daily visitors. The ecosystem includes Sklik.cz for advertising; Mapy.com for mapping and navigation; Email.cz and Email Profi for email; Seznam Zprávy, Novinky.cz, Právo, Sport.cz, and Super.cz as news and media properties (operated through the Borgis publishing subsidiary acquired in 2019); Televize Seznam (terrestrial TV since 2018) and Stream.cz for broadcasting; Expres FM and Classic Praha (regional radio stations acquired in 2019); Zboží.cz for price comparison; Sreality.cz for real estate; Sauto.cz for automotive; Sbazar.cz for classifieds; Firmy.cz for business directories; and numerous other services. A unified Seznam Účet provides single sign-on across all services, supported by verification via BankID and MojeID. The company operates its own data centers (Nagoja opened in 2023) and has been recognized with Křišťálová Lupa awards.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Borgis: Publishing house that publishes daily newspaper Právo and creates content for Novinky.cz, Sport.cz, and Super.cz
• Classic Praha
• Expres FM
• Televize Seznam
• Mapy.com
• Email.cz
• Stream.cz
• Seznam Zprávy
• Sreality.cz
• Sauto.cz
• Sbazar.cz
• Zboží.cz
• Firmy.cz
• Sklik.cz
• Novinky.cz
• Sport.cz
• Super.cz
• Lidé.cz
• Právo
• Sdovolená.cz
• Kupi.cz
• Garáž.cz
• Proženy.cz
• Počasí.cz
• Médium.cz
• Podcasty.cz
• Email Profi
• Kalendář
• Televizní program

Products and services

• Seznam.cz Portal The flagship Czech internet portal and search engine launched in 1996, serving as the entry point to Seznam's ecosystem of more than 30 services. The portal reaches 90% of the Czech internet population and attracts nearly 4 million daily visitors for search, news, entertainment, and homepage access.
• Sklik.cz Advertising Platform Seznam's proprietary online advertising platform that enables advertisers to run banner, targeted, and retargeting campaigns across Seznam's network of websites and partner sites. Includes cookieless targeting options such as interest-based targeting, purchase intent targeting, keyword targeting, and simple content campaigns.
• Email.cz Free web-based email service providing inbox, storage, and email management features for Czech internet users.
• Email Profi Professional email service offering advanced features including nested folders for improved email organization and management. Operates as a subscription offering.
• Mapy.com Interactive mapping and navigation service that includes route planning and GPS-based turn-by-turn navigation for Czech and international destinations.
• Stream.cz Czech video streaming platform offering on-demand TV shows, original content, and web series through the StreamTV service with TV profiles, purchase history, and premium content access.
• Sreality.cz Czech real estate listing portal for buying, selling, and renting properties, including apartments, houses, and land across the Czech Republic. Operates as a commission-based marketplace.
• Sauto.cz Czech online automotive classifieds marketplace for buying and selling new and used vehicles.
• Sbazar.cz Czech general classifieds marketplace for individuals to buy and sell second-hand goods across various categories.
• Zboží.cz Product price comparison service that aggregates offers from Czech e-shops, enabling consumers to compare prices and find the best deals across multiple retailers.
• Firmy.cz Czech business directory and company search service for finding businesses, professionals, and trade services.
• Seznam Zprávy Seznam's flagship news division and digital news portal offering national and international news coverage.
• Televize Seznam Seznam's terrestrial television station launched in 2018, broadcasting news, sports, and entertainment content on TV screens.
• Expres FM Regional radio station in Prague, broadcasting music and entertainment content. Since June 2023, its broadcasts include the AI-generated synthetic voice Hacsiko. Expanded to western Bohemia in 2023.
• Classic Praha Regional radio station in Prague focused on classical music programming, acquired by Seznam in 2019.
• Novinky.cz Major Czech online news portal covering national and international current affairs, owned by Seznam through its Borgis publishing subsidiary.
• Sport.cz Czech sports news portal covering national and international sporting events, operated by Seznam through Borgis.
• Super.cz Czech lifestyle and entertainment magazine covering celebrity news, lifestyle, and pop culture, operated by Seznam through Borgis. Completely redesigned in 2023.
• Právo Czech national daily newspaper, part of the Borgis publishing house acquired by Seznam in 2019.
• Lidé.cz Czech social networking and community platform connecting people.
• Prozeny.cz Czech lifestyle portal targeting women, covering topics such as fashion, beauty, health, and relationships.
• Pocasi.cz Czech weather forecast service providing local and national weather information, including a widget integrated on Seznam's homepage.
• Podcasty.cz Czech podcast discovery and aggregation platform for finding and listening to podcasts.
• Médium.cz Czech blogging and long-form content publishing platform for writers and content creators.
• Kupi.cz Czech discount and deal aggregation service that notifies users of special offers, bargains, and promotional campaigns from retailers.
• Garáž.cz Czech automotive portal focused on garage-related content, car reviews, and automotive community features.
• Sdovolena.cz Czech travel and vacation planning service connecting users with travel agencies and holiday packages.
• Televizní program TV program guide service providing schedules and listings for Czech television channels.
• Kalendář Calendar service integrated with Seznam Email, offering work scheduling features and a dark mode as of 2023.
• Borgis Publishing House Publishing house acquired by Seznam in 2019, publisher of the daily Právo newspaper and content provider for Novinky.cz, Sport.cz, and Super.cz.
• Seznam Prohlížeč (Browser) Seznam's proprietary web browser for desktop and mobile, featuring safe browsing, geolocation via Google Maps API, VPN detection, URL diagnostics, translation, statistics, and crash reporting.
• Seznam Účet Seznam's unified user account system that provides single sign-on across all Seznam services, including account verification via bank identity (BankID) or MojeID, and third-party login support for Google and Microsoft.

Quantifiable outcome

• 90% of Czech internet users reached
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers2 records

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration9 records

AI capability8 records

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered minor.

• Acomware.czminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner agency assisting selected nonprofit organizations with advertising campaign management as part of Seznam Grant program
• AdvelominorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner agency assisting selected nonprofit organizations with advertising campaign management as part of Seznam Grant program
• AdvisiominorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner agency assisting selected nonprofit organizations with advertising campaign management as part of Seznam Grant program
• Dentsu ČRminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner agency assisting selected nonprofit organizations with advertising campaign management as part of Seznam Grant program
• Publicis GroupeminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner agency assisting selected nonprofit organizations with advertising campaign management as part of Seznam Grant program
• WPP media ČRminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerPartner agency assisting selected nonprofit organizations with advertising campaign management as part of Seznam Grant program
• Národní divadlo (National Theatre)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural partnership supporting Czech theatre, opera and ballet scene
• KVIFF (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerCultural partnership bringing world cinema to Czech Republic
• Colours of OstravaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerMulti-genre music festival partnership
• Český hokej (Czech Ice Hockey)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with national ice hockey representing Czech Republic internationally
• FAČR (Football Association of Czech Republic)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerPartnership with Czech football's governing body supporting representation and competitions
• Česká unie sportu (ČUS)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerSports partnership supporting Czech sports institutions
• České vysoké učení technické (ČVUT)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerEducation and technology partnership supporting conferences and knowledge sharing

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Centrum.cz: Czech internet portal and search engine, owned by Economia (Czech media group). Competes directly with Seznam.cz in the Czech search and portal market, reaching a smaller but meaningful Czech user base.
• LY Corporation (Yahoo Japan / LINE): Japanese internet platform combining Yahoo Japan's search/portal with LINE's messaging/social. Operates an integrated digital ecosystem similar to Seznam's portal + media + messaging structure, though at much larger scale.
• Naver Corporation: South Korean internet conglomerate operating a dominant search portal (Naver), vertical services (maps, news, shopping, blogs), and content platforms. Closest international analog to Seznam's integrated portal-plus-verticals model.
• Yandex: Russian-origin search engine and internet platform with proprietary technology, vertical services (maps, news, ride-hailing, classifieds), and advertising platform. Closest peer in business model as a regional search-led internet ecosystem.

Broad incumbents

• Meta: Global social/advertising incumbent (Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp). Competes for Czech user attention and ad spend, pressuring Seznam's portal engagement and advertising inventory value.
• Google: Global search and advertising incumbent. Competes with Seznam in Czech search and increasingly in display advertising via Google Ads; the dominant force shaping Czech digital advertising market dynamics.

Regional players

• TV Nova (Nova.cz): Czech commercial broadcaster with terrestrial TV, news portal (Nova.cz), and digital properties. Competes with Televize Seznam for broadcast audience and Czech digital advertising budgets.
• iDNES.cz (Mafra): Czech news portal operated by Mafra (part of Agrofert). Competes with Seznam Zprávy and Novinky.cz for Czech news audience and digital advertising spend; strong regional content competitor.

Emerging players

• Bezrealitky.cz: Czech direct-listing real estate platform competing with Seznam's Sreality.cz. A specialized Czech PropTech competitor focused on the same real estate vertical as Seznam's marketplace.
• Heureka Group: Central European price comparison and shopping platform dominant across Czech, Slovak, Hungarian markets. Competes directly with Seznam's Zboží.cz in product comparison and affiliate commerce.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/seznam_cz
• Facebookfacebook.com/sledujseznam
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/seznam.cz
• Instagraminstagram.com/seznam_cz

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Subsidiaries4 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Seznam.cz