We are extremely excited about our latest team addition being Alexandra Kurmulis completing our Investement Team. We are happy to introduce her to you with a small Q&A of what's she has been up to, her activities as an angel investor and more.
1. Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you have been up to before joining Capnamic?
For the past five years, I have been working at Perpetual Investors, which is the Family Office of the founder of one of the most well-known luxury brands in the world, setting up their VC program in Munich. During my time there, I focused primarily on European growth-stage companies in the software space. Through this work, I gained an in-depth understanding of the critical drivers of success that start-ups encounter at later stages. Some of my notable investments include Hibob, which is the next generation HCM suite for medium-sized businesses founded in Israel, and the low code DevOps platform Copado out of Madrid. Over the past few years, I have also had the privilege of supporting start-ups as an angel investor advocating for a more diverse start-up ecosystem. Angel investing has provided me with valuable insights into the challenges and key success factors for early-stage companies. While I found working with growth-stage companies to be fulfilling, I am particularly passionate about supporting founders right from the start of their entrepreneurial journey. As an investor, I believe that you can have the greatest impact on the success of a company by being the entrepreneur's wing(wo)man right from the start and the first one they call when times are tough.
2. What drives you and fascinates you when it comes to the VC world?
I first became interested in start-up investing during my studies at Columbia University, hearing founders speak at my entrepreneurship class. I loved the idea of supporting exceptional individuals who have the potential to become the pioneers of tomorrow by being their trusted advisor, supporter, and champion. Working in venture capital is a privilege that gives you the opportunity to significantly impact today's tech ecosystem and create the type of Europe you envision for future generations. The fusion of these two aspirations underscores that societal impact and economic benefit are inherently tied, and crucial for a future in which we can all thrive.
3. What’s the best advice you have ever gotten?
One of the most valuable pieces of advice I've received is to always remain humble. It's a core value that drew me to Capnamic, as they embody this principle from the very beginning. As a venture capitalist, being humble means working collaboratively and respectfully with founders, recognizing that they are the ones driving the company's success. Additionally, a humble VC acknowledges that experience and past successes don't guarantee future success. I believe that anyone from any background can become a great VC as long as they possess certain essential qualities. These include boundless curiosity, sharp critical thinking skills, active listening, a willingness to learn and adapt to change, and the ability to make calculated yet bold decisions. These skills are not necessarily developed through a specific career path, but rather through personal experiences and a humble mindset.
Ready to connect with Alexandra? Find her on LinkedIn.
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