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 investment analyst at Gi21 Capital, a European family office and venture fund investing in high-growth technology companies. He specializes in sourcing, evaluating, and supporting early-stage B2B and deep tech startups, with a focus on AI, cloud infrastructure, and emerging technologies.
With a background that combines engineering expertise and international business education, Ilya brings a data-driven approach to market analysis, product assessment, and competitive benchmarking. He holds B.Sc. and M.Sc. degrees in Information Technology with a specialization in Venture Capital from the University of Economics and Business in Prague, and completed academic studies at the McCombs School of Business, University of Texas at Austin.
Prior to joining Gi21 Capital, Ilya gained experience in technology operations, product testing, and cross-border project management in the European startup ecosystem. His work included quality assurance in agile software development, technical problem-solving for enterprise platforms, and collaborating with founders on go-to-market strategies.
In addition to his venture capital work, Ilya is also active in the art investment and management sector, advising on acquisitions, building collections, and connecting contemporary artists with international markets. This dual expertise allows him to identify value—whether in emerging technologies or emerging talents—and to guide assets toward long-term appreciation.
At Gi21, Ilya plays a hands-on role in deal sourcing, due diligence, and portfolio value creation. He actively tracks global investment trends, maintains a network across European and U.S. venture markets, and supports founders in scaling their businesses toward strategic exits.
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.
Michal Fránek is the Chief Legal and Operations Officer at Gi21, where he leads legal strategy, investment structuring, and operational execution across the firm’s strategic projects. He brings a solution-oriented approach to legal and business challenges, built on over a decade of leadership across EMEA and the U.S. in corporate law, governance, compliance, and cross-border operations.
Michal holds a Master of Laws from Masaryk University in Brno, Czechia. Before joining Gi21, he served as General Counsel for a global manufacturing group, where he managed complex international projects, drove corporate governance and group structuring initiatives, and led the development of a global compliance program alongside a range of innovation-driven improvements.
At Gi21, Michal focuses on legal and operational due diligence, helps shape effective investment structures, and works closely with portfolio companies to implement governance frameworks that are both practical and adaptable to fast-paced, high-growth environments.
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.
Project Manager – Data Center Delivery & Coordination
Position: Project Manager – Data Center Delivery & Coordination
Location: Prague
Employment Type: Full-time
About Us
We are part of GI21, a private family office with proven expertise in operating mission-critical infrastructure. Building on years of operational excellence in high-performance data centers, we are now preparing several AI-ready facilities across Europe. With experienced in-house specialists covering technical design, we are looking for a skilled Project Manager to coordinate the preparation and future delivery of these projects from a commercial, technical, and operational perspective.
Role Overview
You will coordinate the full project process—from preparation and partner engagement through construction execution and commissioning to operational handover. Working closely with our internal design experts, you will ensure that all project phases are aligned, risks managed, and commercial objectives met. This role requires excellent communication, vendor management, and process control skills.
Key Responsibilities
- Coordinate and support the design process led by internal data center specialists, ensuring alignment with schedule and business objectives
- Lead partner and contractor selection, tendering, and contract negotiations
- Manage project timelines, budgets, and quality benchmarks from preparation through completion
- Identify, monitor, and mitigate risks across technical, commercial, and operational domains
- Serve as the central communication link between internal teams, external partners, and stakeholders
- Oversee commissioning activities and ensure smooth transition to operational teams
Required Qualifications
- 5+ years of project management experience in data center, infrastructure, or other mission-critical facility projects
- Understanding of operational requirements for modern data centers (power, cooling, redundancy, maintainability)
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and managing external suppliers
- Strong skills in risk management, process oversight, and stakeholder communication
- Commercial mindset with ability to balance business and technical priorities
- Fluent English; other European languages are a plus
What We Offer
- A central coordination role in preparing and delivering next-generation AI-ready data centers in Europe
- The stability and long-term vision of a strategically driven family office
- Competitive remuneration with performance incentives
- Close cooperation with top-tier technical experts and industry partners
Investment & Finance Manager
Position: Investment & Finance Manager
Location: Prague
Employment Type: Full-time
Role Overview
We are looking for a new team member to take full ownership of assigned investment projects within Gi21 — from inception to a successful exit. You will play a key role in managing and coordinating all aspects of the investment lifecycle, driving both strategic and operational excellence.
Key Responsibilities
- End-to-end responsibility for assigned investment projects
- Financial planning and co-development of business plans
- Investment monitoring, risk management, and coordination of involved parties
- Active participation in project-specific tasks and decision-making processes
Required Qualifications
- University degree in Management, Economics, Banking, or Finance
- Experience in private equity or venture capital funds
- Background in financial services or banking is an advantage
- English at C1+ level (primary working language); German is a plus
- Strong commercial mindset with the ability to balance business and strategic priorities
- Excellent project management skills
What We Offer
- Work in a fast-growing, multi-unicorn investment firm engaged in dozens of global, ambitious projects
- High level of autonomy within a small, dynamic team based in the heart of Prague
- Direct participation in the company’s success
- Opportunity to influence key decisions and contribute to all stages of the investment process
Backoffice Manager
Position: Backoffice Manager
Location: Prague
Employment Type: Full-time
Role Overview
Gi21 is an investment firm focused on building and managing a diverse portfolio of projects across multiple sectors — from early-stage ventures to established businesses. We combine entrepreneurial spirit with disciplined investment management to create long-term value and support sustainable growth. We are looking for a reliable and detail-oriented Backoffice Manager to ensure the smooth daily operation of Gi21’s office and internal processes. This role plays a key part in supporting the company’s administrative, financial, and operational activities. You will work closely with management and the investment team, handling documentation, reporting, and coordination in a structured and professional way.
Key Responsibilities
- Oversee and coordinate the daily operation of the Gi21 office and internal processes
- Prepare, manage, and organize documentation, contracts, and internal records related to investments and company operations
- Coordinate communication with accountants, legal advisors, and other external partners
- Prepare and maintain regular reports and overviews for management (cash flow, expenses, portfolio updates, etc.)
- Track agendas, deadlines, and follow-up tasks across the company’s activities
- Support management with financial tracking, internal reporting, and document preparation
- Maintain internal databases, filing systems, and digital archives
- Manage logistics, purchases, and general office needs
- Assist in planning meetings, travel arrangements, and ad hoc operational tasks
Required Qualifications
- Previous experience in office management, administration, or backoffice roles (experience in finance or investment environment is an advantage)
- Strong sense of responsibility, trustworthiness, and attention to detail
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Understanding of basic financial and reporting processes
- Proficiency in MS Office (especially Excel) and Google Workspace
- English at B2/C1 level; Czech fluent, German is an advantage
- Professional, discreet, and proactive approach
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work in a dynamic and fast-growing investment firm
- Stable and trusted environment with long-term perspective
- Meaningful and varied work with direct impact on daily operations
- Close cooperation with management and decision-makers
- Friendly, supportive work atmosphere in the heart of Prague
Want to join us?
Do not hesitate to contact us info@gi21capital.com