Hi! My name is Adrian and this is VC in the CEE. Podcast about the venture capital ecosystem in Central and Eastern Europe.
Just 10 years ago venture capital almost did not exist in the CEE region and now it is one of the most common ways of funding startups and technology companies. This podcast is about people who help startup founders turn their ideas and projects into real-live products and solutions. You'll hear here about their investment strategies, opinions about startup ecosystems as well as how they evaluate potential investment opportunities.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Hi! My name is Adrian and this is VC in the CEE. Podcast about the venture capital ecosystem in Central and Eastern Europe.
Just 10 years ago venture capital almost did not exist in the CEE region and now it is one of the most common ways of funding startups and technology companies. This podcast is about people who help startup founders turn their ideas and projects into real-live products and solutions. You'll hear here about their investment strategies, opinions about startup ecosystems as well as how they evaluate potential investment opportunities.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
šļø Get ready for an insightful discussion about investing in early-stage startups, the differences between VC ecosystems in CEE countries, and why founders need to be 'cockroach superheroes' with today's guest, Diana Koziarska, Founding Partner at SMOK Ventures. Before SMOK Ventures, Diana co-founded ReactorX and helped numerous first-time founders develop their startup ideas. SMOK Ventures invests primarily in software and gaming companies, and in their portfolio, you can find companies like Alokai (previously known as Vue Storefront), inSTREAMLY, and SunRoof.
Explore key insights:
š Differences in raising SMOKās first and second funds.
š Regional influences on fund discussions with potential LPs.
š¦ø The unique traits of 'cockroach superhero' founders that Diana seeks.
š» Recent changes in the software sector and their impact on Dianaās evaluation process.
š® The reasons why founders of gaming companies should be cautious about VC funding.
āļø How travels across CEE shape Dianaās views on the Polish VC landscape.
Diana's book recommendation: āVenture Dealsā by Brad Feld and Jason Mendelsonāa must-read for every aspiring VC. Find it at venturedeals.com.
If you want to learn more about 'Cockroach Superheroes', hereās an article written by Borys Musielak, the other Managing Partner of SMOK Ventures: Founders in 2023 Have to Be Cockroach Superheroes.
Without further ado, let's dive into today's engaging conversation filled with invaluable insights for both investors and entrepreneurs alike! š
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
