The best deals are not public. They happen in the right rooms — with the right people.
At Podim, Investor Academy is that room.
Built exclusively for investors, it brings together a curated group of VCs, angels, family offices, and institutional investors focused on one thing: making better investment decisions — together.
Why investors join Investor Academy
This is not about more meetings. It’s about what actually drives returns:
Better co-investments
Meet partners you want to invest with — not just exchange business cards. Share deal flow, align on strategy, and unlock larger opportunities together.
Sharper insights
Cut through the noise with perspectives from investors actively deploying capital — across AI, deep tech, and emerging markets.
Stronger relationships
Build trust in smaller, curated settings where real partnerships start — not in crowded networking halls.
If you’re not in these conversations, you’re likely seeing deals too late.
Built for investors who value precision
This is not a volume game. It’s about precision — better conversations, stronger networks, and smarter decisions.
Investor Academy removes the generic layer of conferences and focuses on what matters most:
fund strategy, market signals, co-investment dynamics, and exit thinking.
At Podim, you won’t just meet more people — you’ll meet the right ones.
What happens inside the academy
15:00 – 16:00 Fund Strategy, Liquidity & Exits
How does capital actually return in today’s market?
Opening the Academy, this fireside brings together two experienced investors:
Jure Mikuž, South Central Ventures
Rafał Bator, Enterprise Investors
South Central Ventures is one of the leading VC funds in the CEE region, managing €300M+ in assets and backing high-growth tech companies from early stage to exit. Enterprise Investors brings over 30 years of private equity experience, with €2.5B invested across 160+ companies and more than 140 exits, including multiple IPOs.
Together, they offer a rare, end-to-end perspective—from early-stage venture bets to large-scale private equity outcomes—covering how capital is deployed, scaled, and successfully returned.
Expect a focused discussion on:
- Fund strategy in today’s market
- Liquidity challenges
- What actually drives successful exits
15:00 – 16:00 Insider Talks: What Investors Should Actually Pay Attention To
Three focused sessions, no fluff:
AI — Where We Are and What Investors Should Watch Next
→ Where is real value being created—and what matters next?
Matthew Hennigan, AI specialist at Plug and Play Ventures, UK
Quantum Computing — From Hype to Investable Opportunity
→ When does deep tech become investable?
Jasmin Güngör, Quantum Computing and Deep Tech Expert at Onsight Ventures, Austria
Impact Investing — What Matters and What Doesn’t
→ How to separate real impact from narrative.
Petr Vítek, Tilia Impact Ventures, Czech Republic
17:00 – 18:00 Investor Roundtables – Connect & Exchange
A fast-paced, investor-only format designed for real conversations — not small talk.
Discuss with peers:
- co-investment strategies
- market outlook & fundraising trends
- portfolio management in tougher cycles
- exit strategies & liquidity
- AI and emerging technologies
This is where perspectives are challenged, insights exchanged, and partnerships formed.
18:00 – 20:00 Wine Pairing Reception: Podim Pitching Competition Semi-Finals
An exclusive, invite-only gathering inside the VIP Lounge, powered by South Central Ventures.
Meet a curated group of investors, partners and speakers alongside the Top 10 Podim startups as they take the stage during the semi-finals.
In a more relaxed setting, this is where high-potential founders meet active investors — combining deal flow with meaningful, off-stage conversations.
50+ VC funds. One place.
More than 50 leading VC funds are already confirmed — find the full list here (updated regularly).
If your fund is missing, make sure you hop on board.
Built for investors who want more than access
Investor Academy is designed for one thing: helping you make better decisions, faster — with the right people.
If you’re looking for:
- stronger deal flow
- smarter co-investments
- sharper insight into where the market is going
This is where it happens.
Secure your spot at Podim and experience Investor Academy.
Check the full 2.5-day agenda and explore 80+ speakers and 50+ VC funds waiting for you at Podim.
