Our team
Damir Špoljarič is a visionary entrepreneur, technology investor, and professional pilot, renowned for his innovative contributions to the tech and aviation industries. Born in 1988, in the Czech Republic, Damir demonstrated an early passion for technology and business. At the age of 17, he founded VSHosting, which rapidly grew to become one of Central Europe’s leading web hosting and cloud services providers. The company has already had 3 successful exits already.
Under Damir’s leadership, VSHosting expanded its operations significantly, earning a reputation for reliability and innovation. The company’s success culminated in its integration with Contabo Group, a major hosting company, further cementing its position in the global market.
Apart from his business endeavors, Damir is a professional airline/commercial pilot and aviation enthusiast (licensed on a private jet and Airbus A320) and pursues his hobby through one of the companies in the G21 portfolio – Alpha Aviation s.r.o., which we have been actively helping to develop and in the last year has become the largest Central European business aviation company in Europe. In 2022, Damir leveraged his entrepreneurial expertise to establish Gi21, through which it has invested in dozens of other successful projects. As managing partner and founder, Damir is personally involved in the selection of investments and is on the boards of a number of investee companies.
Media
https://forbes.cz/od-hostingu-k-investicim-kral-dat-leta-tryskacem-a-stavi-hotely-v-chorvatsku/
Jan Martinů is an experienced technology expert and entrepreneur who serves as Chief Technology Officer at Gi21. Jan has extensive experience in software development and system architecture and brings a wealth of technical knowledge and innovative vision to the company.
Jan’s journey into the world of technology began with a deep passion for computer science and engineering. He trained in information technology and honed his skills in software development and network systems. Early in his career, he successfully worked in several technology startups where he earned a reputation for his problem solving skills and technical acumen. In 2006, he co-founded VSHosting with Damir Špoljaric and is the lead designer of VSHosting’s ServerPark datacenter, which boasts 100% availability thanks to Jan’s background in energy engineering.
As CTO of Gi21, Jan is responsible for driving the technology direction of the company and its portfolio companies. He plays a key role in identifying and evaluating cutting-edge technologies and innovative startups that have the potential to disrupt markets and drive significant growth.
Jan focuses on current technology challenges, legislation and cybersecurity related to AI and blockchain.
Ilya Meshkov is an accomplished investment analyst at Gi21 Capital, where he plays a key role in evaluating early-stage technology startups and guiding venture deals. Ilya brings a strong technical foundation and a strategic perspective shaped by his diverse experience across Europe and the United States.
He holds an engineering degree in Information Technology with a specialization in Venture Capital from the University of Economics and Business in Prague, and he also completed academic studies at the McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin.
Prior to joining Gi21, Ilya worked at SAP as a Technical Support Engineer, where he delivered high-level technical solutions and collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive platform improvements—particularly in the integration of ServiceNow and other enterprise tools. His blend of engineering acumen and operational insight gives him a unique edge in assessing the technological and commercial viability of startup ventures.
At Gi21, Ilya is instrumental in scouting emerging technologies, supporting due diligence, and helping portfolio companies scale their operations.
Lucie Pelcová is a dedicated and highly skilled Executive Assistant at Gi21, providing essential support to the executive team and ensuring the smooth operation of the firm’s daily activities. With a background in administrative management and a keen eye for detail, Lucie plays a crucial role in maintaining the efficiency and organization of Gi21’s operations.
Lucie’s career is marked by her exceptional organizational skills and ability to manage complex schedules and tasks. She excels in coordinating meetings, managing communications, and handling a variety of administrative duties that keep the executive team focused and productive. Her proactive approach and ability to anticipate the needs of the executives she supports make her an invaluable asset to the company.
Before joining Gi21, Lucie gained extensive experience in administrative roles across various industries, where she developed a reputation for her professionalism, reliability, and meticulous attention to detail. Her strong interpersonal skills and ability to handle confidential information with discretion have earned her the trust and respect of her colleagues and executives.
In addition to her administrative expertise, Lucie is known for her problem-solving abilities and her capacity to manage multiple priorities simultaneously. She is adept at streamlining processes and improving operational efficiencies, contributing to the overall effectiveness of the Gi21 team.
Lucie Pelcová’s commitment to excellence and her supportive role within Gi21 are instrumental in enabling the firm to achieve its strategic goals and support its portfolio companies effectively.
Want to join us?
Do not hesitate to contact us info@gi21capital.com