#TŐKEPORTÁL BLOG
Miniinterview with Balázs Simon
29/12/2021 – Tokeportal’s own content
In the previous episode of our mini-interview series, Peter Schuszter answered our questions, and this time Balazs Simon introduces himself. Balázs has worked as a manager for several companies in Hungary and abroad, and is currently Head of Business Development at Snow Leopard Capital Management and Director of Heritage SICAV Plc. He has been working in Malta for more than 6 years and has been involved in several international projects as consultant or strategic manager. As an investor, he is involved in the development of business models and corporate structures of companies, and has extensive experience in stock exchange, asset management and fintech.
As Head of Business Development at Snow Leopard Capital Management, he is in constant contact with startups. What do you think are the key points for building a corporate structure for a startup?
For a startup, the initial team is particularly important. In my experience, friends/acquaintances usually form the early team in the first round, where personal relationships can distort clarity and naming problems. Therefore, I see it as a key point that, even with external help, the initial structure of the team should be one where there is clarity between the parties and everyone is largely working to the best of their abilities.
You have a lot of experience in investment management, having worked as a portfolio manager, for example. What do you think are the main signs of future success for a start-up?
First and foremost, if the startup offers a real solution to a real market need, and preferably not just in a narrow geographic location. The founders’ commitment and “passion” for the product/idea is also important, and a realistic vision can support future success. I also believe that adaptability is important, because in my experience, stubbornness destroys around 80% of good start-ups. If these are the characteristics of a team, it’s not a bad start, there will be 1000 more pitfalls anyway.
You've also been active in Malta for some time as a consultant and strategic leader. Based on your experience, what do you think are the international practices that could be transferred to Hungary to support the startup ecosystem and investment culture?
I think it is important to strengthen the broad dissemination of transition thinking not only to developers/startup entrepreneurs, but also to investors. Sustainable development will, in my opinion, be the dominant trend in the startup world for the next 50 years at least. I would consider it important to develop this approach in this country. I also think it is important to strengthen the willingness to take risks on the investor side, and to familiarise people with the basics of risk analysis, because I see that few people in this country are still thinking about such investments.
If you would like to know more about Balázs, check his mentor profile.
