Ice Breakers

Ice Breakers with Radek Jezbera

July 28, 2023

Radek Jezbera is the co-founder and CEO of Kilde, a private credit investment platform offering corporates and individuals consistent returns. They leverage large amounts of data to create investment opportunities from economic activities like consumer and SME lending.

Kilde has received funding from venture funds like Big Sky Capital, Purple Ventures, Borderless Capital, and AXL Ventures.

👋🏼 How would you explain your job to someone outside tech?

I am helping companies and people to earn high returns on their savings and, at the same time, use their money for a good purpose. What the banks largely used to do but recently have forgotten about. 

🧐 What's something about you or your job that would surprise us?

People think running an investment company means shouting on the phone, staring at Bloomberg screens, or deal-making at fancy restaurants. 

It is more juggling WhatsApp messages at odd hours, staring at email, and reading the fine print in 50-page contracts. 

🏆 What has been the biggest highlight of your career so far?

Our startup Kilde is the most significant leap I have ever made and the most excellent career highlight. The best thing is that despite being in my forties the career highlights are still in front of me, not behind me. 

🔍 What's a startup trend or space you're watching this year?

Everybody is watching generative AI, probably the largest platform paradigm shift since the iPhone in 2007. At the same time, we should not forget web3, the expansion of mRNA vaccine uses, space tech, and agritech. 

In my field, I believe that we have a long way to go in fintech and particularly in wealthtech opening investing to billions of people.

💼 What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry? 

I would recommend starting in an unregulated branch of the industry where you can better hack into the growth. In any case, relentless focus on delivering what your customers want makes a difference.

🗣 What's one thing you can keep talking about for hours? 

[The] implication of computer science on philosophy and how we understand the world around us.

🎥 What's your favorite movie/TV show? 

I am undecided between Ridley Scott's Kingdom of Heaven and the original Blade Runner.

🍨 What's your go-to ice cream flavor?

Always dark chocolate.

FYI. We've edited this interview for clarity.

Know Southeast Asian tech in minutes.

The newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the top stories on tech and business in Southeast Asia. It's fun, quick and free.
You're now subscribed to BackScoop. See you in your inbox!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Know Southeast Asian tech in minutes.

The newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on the top stories on tech and business in Southeast Asia. It's fun, quick and free.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.