Pawel Kuznicki

What makes Merak different? Our values ⤵️ Our values are what make us different from other private equity and investing companies. We: 👉 Believe in life balance. 👉 Recognize that each business is unique. 👉 Have a purpose and we build a culture with the team. 👉 Are not financial engineers… we are hands-on operators. 👉 Only speak the long-term language, never the short-term. 👉 Reinvest profits, instead of only thinking of distributions. 👉 Love to do business, but not at any cost… values come first. 👉 Have been there….just like the companies we pursue, we started small. 👉 Are humble and we keep our feet on the ground… we never forget our beginnings. 👉 Work very smart, with a lot of passion and professionalism, but we will have fun too. How important are values to you? #PrivateEquity #Investing #Values #Business

5

1 Komentar

𝕎𝕙𝕪 𝕎𝕖 ℕ𝕖𝕖𝕕 𝕄𝕠𝕣𝕖 𝔽𝕖𝕞𝕒𝕝𝕖 ℂ𝕝𝕚𝕞𝕒𝕥𝕖 𝔼𝕟𝕥𝕣𝕖𝕡𝕣𝕖𝕟𝕖𝕦𝕣𝕤 🌱 At kopa ventures, we're passionate about early-stage climate tech and see a vital need for more women in this space. Despite outperforming boys in digital literacy, far fewer women pursue STEM careers. Let's change this together! 💪 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗦 👥 Gender Bias: Outdated stereotypes still hold women back. 🏋‍♀️ Lack of Role Models: We need more relatable mentors to inspire the next generation. 💰 Funding Gaps: Shockingly, only 3% of capital goes to all-women teams in Europe. 𝗢𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗨𝗡𝗜𝗧𝗜𝗘𝗦 💭 Women offer unique and invaluable insights into climate challenges, drawing from their firsthand experiences and perspectives. 𝗜𝗡𝗦𝗣𝗜𝗥𝗔𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡 🌍 Meet The Earth Prize winners: Adorbsies (Vietnam): Developed biodegradable sanitary pads from dragon fruit peels. Delavo (Türkiye): Invented a device to reuse 90% of laundry wastewater. Their advice? Stay tenacious, find great mentors, and enjoy the journey. 🌟 ➡ Check out this insightful piece “Why the world needs more (Female) Climate Entrepreneurs” from Maddyness to learn more: https://lnkd.in/eDYYQqiH #ClimateTech #FemaleFounders #Diversity #Innovation #Sustainability #Entrepreneurship

47

𝗠𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗼𝘂𝗿𝗰𝗲 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗰𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝘁𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗳𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀 (300+ climate tech investors list)   Raising capital for your start-up is the most challenging part of your startup journey.  Specifically for climate tech startups, which are different from other startups because they take longer to become profitable.   To make your climate tech fundraising journey easier, here is the climate tech map by Dealroom.co, where you can find over 300 climate tech investors.   👉 Check it out here https://bit.ly/4b6VDeK   The map classifies investors into: > Sector specific > Generalist VCs with dedicated climate tech fund > Generalist VCs with significant climate tech efforts > Corporate climate tech VCs > Impact funds > Private infrastructure investors Climate tech startups are emerging quickly, and so are the investors who are interested in climate tech. The fact that climate tech increased 45x in just one decade. The combined value of climate tech start-ups dropped 20% in 2022 to $2T but recovered immediately in 2023 to $2.5T.   Geographically, Europe surpassed US in climate tech funding in 2023—$10B in Q3. Global investment in the energy transition rose 17% to $1.8 trillion in 2023.   City-wise, London and Stockholm are on the top, followed by Boston and the Bay area.   Raising capital for your climate tech startup could be hard, but with the right strategies and communities, it becomes 10x easier.     Credit: Shout out to Dealroom.co, led by Lorenzo Chiavarini, for this amazing resource.   #Venturecapital #AI #Deeptech #Startups   Follow us for strategies and resources for Deep Tech founders and VCs!   And get access to exclusive content on Deep Tech startups like contextflow, Avinew, KIVU Technologies (GmbH), HAAWK, Inc., and Phantasma Labs in our newsletter:   🗻 https://lnkd.in/dtTX49AF

91

6 Komentar

🌟 The Power of Meaningful Connections in Start-up Fundraising 👨‍💼 As CIO of Asia Pro Ventures, I've seen firsthand how genuine relationships catalyze startup success. Our signature "Meet The Founders" events aren't just about fundraising—they're about creating strategic alignments that transform ventures. 💎 Recently, one founder shared something that resonated deeply: Beyond securing potential investments at our "Meet The Founders" event, he "struck gold" by connecting with partners who could truly elevate his startup's trajectory. I had earlier advised him to consider bringing on a female co-founder to champion gender equality in tech leadership. Post fund-raising event, I was thrilled with what unfolded. He not only connected with potential investors but also met exceptional female candidates for both CFO and CMO positions. This is exactly why we meticulously curate our guest lists across different tech verticals. 🔑 During my journey in the investment and startup ecosystem, I've learnt this truth: While capital is crucial, relationships are the real foundation. When founders focus on building authentic connections, the funding often follows naturally. 🤝 As a people connector, my greatest satisfaction comes from seeing these carefully cultivated relationships bloom into transformative partnerships. It's not just about matching capital with opportunities—it's about creating an ecosystem where innovation thrives through meaningful collaboration. 💭 What's your take? How has relationship building transformed your business journey? What's been your most valuable connection that opened unexpected doors? Share your story below! #Startups #VentureCapital #Networking #Innovation #investor #angelinvestor #InvestmentStrategy #technology #familyoffice

50

22 Komentar

Read about our most recent investment in the lending infrastructure space in Indonesia!

9

It's hard to do startups, and it's even harder in SEA, when funding is currently lacking. We do need a systemic change in the way startups grow and how VCs invest. Until the tap of 'free money' opens up, it's going to be fairly dry. The expectations of return by VCs are based on the SV model, and we need to recalibrate to the environment of SEA. Hopefully, new funds that are about to launch have this in mind and not ape what SV is doing. The gap has even widened with AI plays driving the market into stratospheric region, in terms of money and valuation, one that SEA market isn't able to meet. This doesn't mean we don't have a chance, just need to really take in the last twelve years of lessons and recalibrate. Nice article from DSA in their latest report. https://lnkd.in/g9ANhJwk

39

2 Komentar

#EmpoweringMillions: Manu Chopra Vision to #TransformLives with #AI and #Data I had privilege of connecting with Manu , the visionary #founder of Karya over the past two years—both in person and virtual discussions. Manu and Karya , who has been featured on the cover of TIME magazine, is on a mission to lift millions out of #poverty using the power of AI and data. Karya Inc. is #nonprofit; it’s a groundbreaking initiative that ensures its workers are compensated fairly, paying at least $5.00 per hour, with additional payments every time a company licenses their work to build new AI systems. Currently, Karya focuses on gathering datasets of Indian languages that have long been overlooked by the AI industry. As Manu shared with TIME, "I genuinely feel this is the quickest way to move millions of people out of poverty if done right." Having been born into #poverty himself, Manu’s journey—fueled by a scholarship to Stanford University reflects his belief in redistributing wealth to #communities that have been left behind. Our latest conversation was a freewheeling exchange of ideas on how to scale his mission. Manu’s energy is infectious, his aspirations boundless, and his pride in being Indian unwavering. Here are some of the key philosophical insights we discussed: 1. Cultivating an #OwnersMindset: An owner’s mindset embodies integrity, independence, and #fearlessness. It means having the #freedom to speak, act, think, choose, and—most importantly—say "No." This mindset should be embraced by everyone within the organization, ensuring that purpose and values remain at the core in other words create #clones of Manu 2. #OutcomeDriven Focus: With such ambitious goals, it’s essential to prioritize outcomes over effort. Working long hours isn’t the measure of success; instead, it’s about aligning results with the company’s mission. This approach fosters discipline, focus, and urgency in achieving impactful results. 3. The Role of a #Guru: If I had one wish when I am reborn , it would be to have a Guru from the age of 3—someone to inspire, energize, and guide with clarity. A true Guru is 10% parent, 70% friend (like Vidhur from Mahabharata), and 20% child, blending wisdom with nurturing support. 4. #CosmicEnergy Through #Devotion: I believe that when we are driven by a higher purpose, the cosmos aligns to help us achieve our goals faster. Devotion taps into this universal energy, accelerating our journey towards success. 5. Concept of #Wealth and #Happiness : whenever we run a not for profit we do tend to get a question why the business should not be #ForProfit , the answer lies in the definition of happiness which is living in the now and wealth can be health , spiritual , intellectual, Dosti (friendship ) , brand and reputation , legacy and monetary .. Manu, I wish you all the best, dost. May all your dreams come true, and may you continue to inspire and uplift millions. Sarcha Advisors Vivek Seshadri MeitY Startup Hub NITI Aayog

66

2 Komentar

Over the years, we at GFR Fund have solidified our investment thesis, which is that we invest in "emerging digitally native communities." These communities can be built around games, social media, and any consumer applications. Now, founders have many easy-to-use tools to build user communities, such as Discord, X/twitter, Instagram, etc, and we believe the founders should start building communities even before they launch a product. The communities can help founders: - reach PMF faster - acquire users cheaper - retain and engage users longer - build better UX/UI, and - hire early employees Below, you can see how RTFKT and Omeda Studios built the community and then worked with them to create a product the users really wanted. We would love to talk to the founders who think the community is essential in building a product!

47

Yesterday, I had the chance to hear Siqi Chen from Runway talk about the power of storytelling in startups. Siqi has mentored Fuelin, and his insights as a master storyteller and entrepreneur were invaluable. Here are three key takeaways that really struck a chord: 1. Storytelling is Central: Siqi stressed that storytelling isn't just for marketing. It's vital in pitching to investors, recruiting talent, building products, and engaging customers. His advisor, Wolfgang Hammer—who has experience running Miramax and was an executive producer on House of Cards—was crucial in refining Runway’s narrative. 2. Contrast Worldviews: Effective stories highlight the global dominant view (mainstream beliefs) and the underdog view (Runway’s unique perspective). This contrast makes stories compelling and relatable. 3. Consistent Messaging: Once you have a strong story, use it consistently across all mediums—videos, social media, pitches. This creates a cohesive and powerful brand narrative, driving inbound leads and building customer trust. Siqi’s insights reinforced the importance of a compelling narrative. It’s crucial for defining your startup's brand and aligning your team with a common vision. This has made me think deeply about how to craft and refine Fuelin's story to truly resonate with our audience and propel our mission forward. While we don't all have access to our own Wolfgang, we can certainly draw inspiration from his approach and insights. #storytelling #startup #entrepreneurship #marketing #branding #leadership

50

1 Komentar

I think Elena Lipilina and I could stay 2 more hours talking! It was great to be with you in Femtech Real Money Talks. Sharp questions, demystifying some concepts and having fun! She could also make me confess one of my biases when evaluating founders to invest in (we all have biases, some of us are aware of it). Oh, and in the end, I recommended a dear friend to be one of the next guests in the podcast. Who is it? #angelinvesting #startups #femalefounders #founders #innovation #funding #fundtheworldyouwant #coreangels

29

1 Komentar

#technology helping adapt to climate change - an interesting market for growth capital? Yes - the latest [HEAT] research by PT1 offers some compelling insights on this topic. Here are a few findings that caught my attention: 95% of #climatetech VC investments are currently directed towards climate mitigation startups, rather than climate adaptation (Reducing emissions > dealing with the consequences of climate change?) Actual annual investments in climate change adaptation are 17 times smaller than the levels determined in the Paris Climate Agreement, leading to a global #funding gap of $1 trillion per year. Given this funding gap, even a small percentage allocated to venture capital creates an underserved market opportunity for VC and PE investors, further accelerated by the long-term demand for climate adaptation solutions. Credits to DWR eco & PT1.

12

Exploring the intersection of sheltertech and climate tech uncovers immense potential for transformative impact. The built environment, responsible for a significant share of global emissions, offers a prime opportunity for innovation and sustainable development. This journey through the emerging opportunities in sheltertech investment has revealed a pressing need to bridge the gap between our climate ambitions and the realities of urban development. By prioritizing investments in affordable, sustainable housing technologies, we have the power to catalyze climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts. This is not just about building homes; it's about reshaping our future towards a more sustainable and equitable world. Let's take this call to action seriously and leverage sheltertech as a pivotal arena for driving environmental sustainability and social well-being. For a deeper understanding and to explore the opportunities within sheltertech, I encourage you to check out the full report here: https://lnkd.in/eHrjw3c5 #Proptech #ShelterTech #Sustainability

27

1 Komentar

Hi everyone, Recently, my team and I have been thinking about HOW tokenization is changing the investment and management of traditional assets after all We conducted research on the impact of tokenization technology in various sectors including real estate, agriculture and finance. I'm sharing our article with you, which focuses on real-world cases that highlight the significant growth and profound changes tokenization is making in traditional asset management. Learn why experts are predicting huge growth in market size and how tokenization is setting the stage for a more inclusive and efficient financial future. 🔗 Read the full article at: https://lnkd.in/e4krpssH

4

🙌 Welcome back to Startup Wednesdays, featuring #VC, #founder & #operators here in South-East Asia. For this week, we have Pat Naranpat Thitipattakul, Investment Director at ORZON Ventures 💭 What does Orzon Ventures focus on? The idea is to combine the flexibility and decision-making expertise of a traditional VC with the extensive resources and ecosystem of a large corporate entity like OR. This approach aims to help startups grow by leveraging OR's existing customer base, infrastructure, and market presence. Orzon Ventures focuses on investing in startups particularly in sectors like mobility, lifestyle and food and beverage. The goal is to find innovative solutions that can benefit from OR's resources and customer network, ultimately fostering startup growth and corporate synergy. 💭 What motivated you to join 500 ? Unlike many who are determined to become venture capitalists,I initially applied for a position to manage an accelerator program at Disrupt, which was run by one of the GPs of 500 TukTuks. My interest in startups was piqued when a friend invited me to participate in a hackathon, which turned out to be an exhilarating experience. The fast-paced environment & the opportunity to connect with innovative founders inspired me to apply for the accelerator manager position. During the interview process, the CEO offered me a dual role: managing the accelerator program & joining the venture capital team. Despite my initial unfamiliarity with venture capital, I accepted the challenge. This dual role allowed me to witness the entire journey of startups, from their inception at hackathons to becoming fully-fledged companies. 💭 What are the biggest challenges for Thai startups? The Thai market faces significant funding challenges, with limited early-stage VC funds & a reliance on CVCs that invest mainly in Series A and beyond, creating a funding gap for earlier stages. Investors in Thailand are risk-averse & while there are fragmented angel investors, their limited capital makes funding difficult. This forces many Thai startup founders to reach profitability quickly or bootstrap, which can lead to better investment terms but is challenging. Additionally, foreign investors show interest but often lack confidence due to difficulties understanding the local ecosystem. 💭 What has been the biggest challenge as a VC in Thailand? For Orzon, the biggest challenge has been finding startups that synergize well with OR's existing operations. This adds extra criteria to our investment decisions, such as ensuring the new company does not overlap with current offerings and that there is cultural compatibility between founders and Orzon. 👉 For more news like this on the Southeast Asia startup and tech scene, make sure to hit the "Follow" button to stay updated 🚀 #Thailand #tech #innovation

27

🎙️ Cohort talks: fundraising masterclass with Arjit Johri (VP, Mars Shot Ventures)🚀 We hosted Arjit for a no-nonsense chat on fundraising last week. Key insights: 1️⃣ Perfect the pitch: master multiple versions—1-minute, 5-minute, 15-minute, and a detailed deck. 2️⃣ Follow-up: keep potential investors engaged with strategic updates and progress. 3️⃣ Rejection isn’t final: when it comes to investors, a “no” today doesn’t mean never. Maintain relationships, keep them in the loop. This advice echoes what my YC mentors shared during my own fundraising journey. What stood out for you? Bhavesh Kotwani, Nikhil Mehta, Pooja Midha, Rana Vivek Singh, Pawan Kumar, Mohit Nagaria, Navajith Karkera, Kartik Subodh, Sparsh Arya, Jitesh Bhasin, Akshat Grover Varun Aggarwal Shailendra Nath Jha

32

From Commercial Observer by Philip Russo KP Reddy doesn’t like the term “proptech.” What the founder and general partner of seed-stage #proptech (sorry! — “tech”) venture capital firm Shadow Ventures does like is thinking like the civil engineer he was trained to be rather than like a typical venture capitalist. Having earned a bachelor’s in civil engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, where he later ran the university’s incubator, Reddy wrote a textbook on building information management, BIM for Building Owners and Developers, which along with a serially successful entrepreneurial career, put him on his path to becoming a tech VC. Founded in 2018, Atlanta-based Shadow Ventures numbers some two dozen startups in its portfolio, including well-known companies such as Arena, ICON and Stake..... ...As a VC, there’s no recourse really when someone stops your capital call. You can’t really do much about it. The existing dry powder that we think is out there may not actually be out there. That’s one thing that I think people don’t like to talk about. If we work with one of your LPs, are they going to send me money? Probably not. That’s one dynamic when it comes to raising new funds. I think so many of the strategies are on pause. We at The Dandy Horse, Inc. Our #proptech #solution for Leed v4.1 bike parking The Intelligent Bicycle Parking Solutions JV project by Dandy™️ aims to utilize its patent portfolio and expertise in system processes to address the challenges faced by commercial landlords. One of the primary logistical obstacles faced by landlords is meeting tenant demands for secure micromobility environments aligned with decarbonization efforts and incentives. Corporate America has various carbon reduction initiatives, including benefits and incentives for employees to commute by #bicycle. #VIDAT

2

Bill McKibben's latest post on the impact of climate change on economies resonates with me. We have seen major climate disasters in recent years, and it's clear that they are not just impacting local economies but also global ones. It's concerning that big businesses continue to resist change, despite the long-term economic benefits of sustainable practices. Why do some businesses choose to churn through resources when it's ultimately bad for their bottom line and branding? Sustainable solutions are the way forward, and the data shows that they ultimately provide better returns. By using resources sustainably, we can ensure the longevity of our brands and economies. It's time for businesses to shift their thinking and embrace climate change solutions. Short-sightedness and small-minded thinking will only lead to further danger for all of us. Let's work together towards a sustainable future. #climatechange #solar #batterystorage #DER #climatechangesolutions #decarbonization

6

2024 Fundraising Trends: What We’ve Seen “This year, we guided exceptional founders through shifting fundraising landscapes. From navigating the Series A crunch to unlocking opportunities in emerging markets, one thing was clear: adaptability is key. In 2025, Pay Close Attention will continue to champion innovative strategies for founders scaling their dreams.” #FundraisingStrategy #VentureCapital #2024Recap

2

🔍 Understanding Pari Passu in Venture Capital 🔍 In our latest HealthVC newsletter, we're diving deep into the principle of pari passu—a cornerstone of fairness and transparency in investment agreements. Whether you're a founder or an investor, knowing how pari passu impacts anti-dilution protections, liquidation preferences, and investor rights is essential. Join us to explore how this principle shapes a level playing field in the world of venture capital. Read the full newsletter and stay informed on how to navigate fair and equitable investments! #VentureCapital #InvestorRelations #PariPassu #StartupGrowth #InvestmentStrategies

5