9 Investor Insights from Lead Investor — Ratko Knežević
A Funderbeam exclusive interview with an experienced and active investor based out of Croatia.
Since Funderbeam’s inception, we have had a number of champions who have propelled us to new heights. This showcase is intended to highlight one of our ambassadors and bring their experiences and insights to you.
In this piece, we will feature the enigmatic and engaging, Ratko Knežević.
Thanks for your time Ratko. Before we start, could you briefly share how you originally discovered Funderbeam?
Initially, I came across Funderbeam on the Internet soon after the Zagreb Stock Exchange opened their joint venture with Funderbeam. As I am passionate about investing in early-stage companies, I naturally chose to begin exploring their platform and the companies using it to raise funds.
As an early stage investor, which three questions do you always ask when evaluating a business and its management team?
As an early-stage investor, I can tell you that there is no universal answer. At first, I always try to observe the predispositions of people I’m investing in — their sensibility, chemistry, and how they present their vision.
A very important thing I ask myself is, do the founders know what they are doing and do they know where they are going? Do they possess industry experience or they are complete outsiders? But before I even get that far, I ask myself, do I have chemistry with their business?
You have been investing in companies and early-stage companies for a number of years — what is the biggest lesson you have learned?
The most significant lesson I have learned is, if there is no love at first sight, there is no love at all! Trust your instincts!
Are you sector agnostic when it comes to making investments?
I am definitely not sector agnostic when it comes to making investments as long as they meet some of the criteria I mentioned earlier.
Can you tell us about some of your favourite companies in your portfolio?
My favorite company in my portfolio is definitely Include, who raised funds on Fundrebeam. The reason they’re my favorite is simple — the people!
When you see how much passion they possess, you know that the sky is the limit for them. Within the business, there are no barriers — just will and determination towards their goal. With, of course, constant learning and checking their egos at the door.
From a global perspective, what areas do you think will present the most opportunity for early-stage investors over the next 18–24 months?
I have my eyes on the clean energy industry as well as companies connected with green thinking. For me, those focused on a sustainable future will present the most opportunity for early-stage investors.
One of Funderbeam’s key strengths is our ability to put together investors from all over the world in one syndicate. What are your favourite cities and why?
I agree — Funderbeam’s key strengths are their ability to put together investors from all over the world in one syndicate and of course including the possibility for smaller investors to participate. But I don’t have a favorite city, just favorite memories.
What books or podcasts do you frequently recommend and why?
I‘d recommend three books to you: The Intelligent Investor by Benjamin Graham, Kostolanys Börsenpsychologie by Andre Kostolany, and The Art of War by Sun Tzu because they are not just about the philosophy of investing but they are about the philosophy of life.
Tell us something people are surprised to learn about you
People are commonly surprised that I am trying not to be funny. Unsurprisingly, I am a big fan of the sea and fishing.
If you enjoyed this, read our previous Investor Insights articles:
Mihovil Barančić — 8 Investor Insights
Jaan Tallinn — Why Funderbeam?
Michael Wellesley-Wesley — 10 Investor Insights
Alex Gibb — establishing resilience within your portfolio companies
Investing in early-stage and growth companies puts your capital at risk. Please read our Risk Disclosure Statement.
The information appearing in this blog post is approved as a financial promotion by Funderbeam Markets Limited (authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority under FRN 794918). Complete and comprehensive information about an investment opportunity is only available to the investors who have been approved by a Funderbeam group entity. Funderbeam does not provide investment advice or any recommendation to invest. The investment opportunity should not be considered as an offer to the public and is not directed at or offered to anyone located in a jurisdiction where it is unlawful to do so.
