Scroll

A philanthropist, social entrepreneur, and investor with a big heart, who decided to channel his experience into helping others.

“I believe in unity and equal opportunity for all. I believe that creating, preserving and giving back can be combined.”

Ladislav („Laci“) studied law at the Comenius University in Bratislava and complemented his education with specialized courses at the Utrecht University, Harvard Law School, and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. After a brief internship at the United Nations in New York, he worked for four years in London and Frankfurt. He started in financial controlling for asset management and later moved into mergers and acquisitions of asset management companies. Later, as an investment banker, he helped large companies, cities, and countries secure their capital needs. Upon returning to Slovakia, he spent 10 years developing real estate projects and investing in venture capital. Since 2014, after selling his startups, he has been fully dedicated to developing the BUDDY program and managing assets with social impact. The idea to set up the BUDDY program came to him by chance in 2006, when he bought a bracelet from children living in a children’s home. He probably paid more than they expected, prompting the caregiver to invite him to visit the children’s home. When he asked how he could help, she replied: “Find a way for these children to spend their free time away from the children’s home.” Laci took this task to his heart and has never let it go. Building the BUDDY program and his personal volunteer experience with the long-term support of two boys from a children’s home taught him patience. He is the heart of the organization, which he continues to lead pro bono and drive forward. He is responsible for strategy, relationships with key supporters, and the long-term financial sustainability of the organization. In the Wings Scholarship Program, he supports students and also mentors young aspiring entrepreneurs. In his free time, he enjoys modern art and philosophy. He loves to write (especially in nature 😊), play basketball, and follow his favorite stand-up comedians. He believes in equal opportunities, truth, beauty, love, freedom, and a better world. He strives to connect people, opportunities, time, and resources to create high added value, especially for those who haven't been as fortunate in life as he has. He aims to bring the best from investment, business, science, and art into sustainable solutions to critical social issues. His life motto is "the beauty of the unexpected."