BlackPeak Capital Plans to Invest additional up to EUR 30m in Slovenia to Support the Internationalization of Local SMEs
The announcement was made public during an event held on May 14th, 2024, at the Grand Plaza Hotel in Ljubljana. BlackPeak shared its perspective on how it can support Slovenian entrepreneurs with their ambitious growth plan
The event was highlighted by a panel discussion led by seasoned business consultant and journalist, Katarina Matejčič. The panel included an array of distinguished speakers, including Nevenka Črešnar Pergar, a Member of the Board of Governors at AmCham Slovenia and Founder of NP Consulting. Joining her were founders from two of BlackPeak's Slovenian portfolio companies: Luka Komazec, Founder and CEO of Resalta, the leading Central and Eastern European energy efficiency and C&I renewables company, and Marko Bitenc, Founder and CEO of GenePlanet, a globally operating developer and seller of medical and lifestyle DNA tests. Additionally, insights were shared by two of the Managing Partners of BlackPeak Capital - Niklas Pichler, and Rossen Ivanov.
BlackPeak also introduced Marko Dabic, Senior Investment Associate, based in Zagreb, who will oversee the company’s investment activities in the region. Mr. Dabic is a professional with versatile experience in different aspects of capital markets and advisory.
In 2022, BlackPeak Capital successfully completed the final closing of its €126 million Southeast Europe Growth Equity Fund. The fund, based in Luxembourg, is backed by the European Investment Fund, the EBRD, the IFC, Slovenian pension funds and insurance companies, and other European private institutional investors with a strong foundation in place, BlackPeak is well-positioned to make a significant impact in Slovenia and the region.
BlackPeak's investment plans in Slovenia align with the firm's commitment to supporting innovative and successful companies that are making a positive economic, social, and environmental impact in the region. Among BlackPeak’s investments are two of the FT1000 fastest growing European companies – the Slovenian biotech company GenePlanet, and the leading SEE integrator of logistical services for e-commerce retailers - euShipments. One of BlackPeak’s latest investments is the publicly listed leading IT solutions provider Bianor Holding. In addition, BlackPeak has invested in Telelink Infra Services, a leading provider of infrastructure and digitalization solutions for the UK and German markets, and Verdino Green Foods, a Romanian plant-based meat and fish alternatives company, whose products generate 90% less CO2 emissions compared to the traditional meat industry.
‘We have very positive experience investing in Slovenia and also interacting with all participants from the local ecosystem. Slovenia is home on truly innovative companies, who are not afraid to compete on a global scale and we feel honored and excited that we can partner with some of them. We look forward to continuing investing in the country. said Niklas Pichler, Managing Partner at BlackPeak Capital. ‘