Srdja Ivekovic is currently setting up an impact venture fund. His advice about investing is from a song, “know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.”
What’s your story?
I have basically been a principal investment ‘analyst’ for most of my career; whether it was as an institutional in Cairo or London or Bishkek, or as an independent presently in Zagreb.
What is your involvement with Investment?
Having managed, designed and advised a few private market investment funds, executed well over 70 PE/VC/PF transactions in emerging markets, my partners and I are now looking to set up an impact venture fund of our own.
How did that come about?
By chance, I beat my first PE boss at chess, and he liked my ‘green statistical mind.’
What are some of the key things you have learnt about Investing?
I like the song verse “know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.”
What mistakes do you see less experienced investors making?
Probably along the lines of the song – they don’t know “when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em.”
What mistakes do you see Entrepreneurs making?
They are scared of numbers (excel)
What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?
Investment is all about the people involved.
What advice would you give to those seeking funding?
Think long term, and stay relentless and focused.
Who inspires you?
All of those in business who systematically seek a double bottom line.
What have you just learnt recently that blew you away?
That the expected lifespan of humans will grow over 100 years in the next decades!
What business book do you recommend the most?
Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies (Koller, Copeland, Goedhart and Wessels)
Shameless plug for your business/organisation:
Apart from the fund, very happy to be involved with two exceptional projects: http://professor-balthazar.weebly.com & https://easy2u.co
How can people connect with you?
[email protected]
Social Media profiles?
https://www.linkedin.com/in/siveks/
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This article is part of the World Business Angel Forum media partnership with AsianEntrepreneur.org
If you would like more information about WBAF, please contact Callum Laing WBAF High Commissioner for Singapore. [email protected]
