In this episode of Pragmatic Talks, we're joined by Jarek Pilarczyk, a Operating Partner and visionary entrepreneur. Our conversation delves deep into Jarek’s transition from tech entrepreneur to a seasoned investor and the innovative strategies he employs at his venture capital firm to nurture and scale up-and-coming startups. Highlights of the conversation include:

🔹 From Startup Founder to VC Visionary Jarek shares his journey from founding multiple tech companies, recognized by Forbes Diamonds and the Financial Times, to becoming a key player in the venture capital space. He discusses how his background in IT and expertise in intelligent transportation and smart cities has shaped his approach to investing. Jarek emphasizes the importance of understanding both the technology and the market needs, ensuring investments are not just technologically sound but also market-ready. 🔹 Supporting Startup Growth Beyond Funding Learn about the critical role Jarek plays in supporting startups post-investment. It's not just about financial backing—Jarek provides strategic mentorship and access to an extensive network, helping founders navigate the challenges of scaling their businesses. He discusses how being actively involved can drive a startup’s growth and help refine their vision and strategy. 🔹 What Makes a Startup Attractive to Investors? Jarek breaks down the key factors he considers when evaluating startups for potential investment. This includes the team's passion, the innovation's scalability, and the potential market impact. Hear Jarek explain how these elements combine to make a startup stand out in the competitive VC landscape. Thanks for watching! 0:00 - Welcome to Pragmatic Talks 2:39 - Introducing Jarek Pilarczyk: The Journey from Entrepreneur to VC 5:44 - Jarek's First Investment: The Launchpad Startup 7:05 - Deciding Factors: What Jarek Looks for in a Startup 9:52 - Investment Phases: Exploring the Stages Jarek Invests In 10:54 - Angel vs. Venture Capital: Understanding the Distinctions 16:57 - Exploring Roles: The Dynamics of GP and LP in Venture Capital 19:36 - Inside the Venture: A Look at Jarek's Current VC Firm 27:49 - Investment-Worthy Teams: The Anatomy of a Successful Startup 41:21 - The Next Steps: Post-Investment Actions for Startups 46:19 - Growth Strategies: Their Importance in Startup Investments 51:58 - Startup Trends: A Review of the Past Few Years 54:44 - Valuing a Startup: How Jarek Determines Investment Stakes 1:01:12 - Co-Investors: When and How to Engage Them 1:04:39 - The Investor's Role Post-Investment 1:11:14 - Founders' Approach: Engaging with Angels and VCs 1:12:53 - DIY Investing: Tips for Personal Startup Investments 1:20:01 - The Future of VC: AI's Role and Beyond 1:23:58 - Next Big Trends: Future Investment Opportunities in Tech 1:26:39 - Education and Entrepreneurship: Is Europe Doing Enough? 1:28:34 - Why Venture Capital? Jarek's Motivation Explained