DIANA KOZIARSKA

Diana Koziarska stands as a pivotal figure in the Central and Eastern European (CEE) venture capital landscape, serving as a Managing Partner at SMOK Ventures. In this crucial role, Diana is instrumental in shaping the firm's investment strategy, leading due diligence processes, and providing invaluable support to portfolio companies. Her leadership ensures that SMOK Ventures remains at the forefront of identifying and funding the most promising early-stage technology startups emerging from the CEE region.

At SMOK Ventures, Diana Koziarska's investment focus is broad yet strategic, targeting disruptive technologies with global potential. She actively seeks out innovative companies in sectors such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), Software as a Service (SaaS), fintech, deep tech, gaming, health tech, and climate tech. Diana is particularly passionate about backing founders who are building scalable solutions that address significant market needs, leveraging the strong technical talent and entrepreneurial spirit prevalent in CEE.

Diana's impressive career background is deeply rooted in the startup ecosystem. Before co-founding SMOK Ventures, she was a co-founder of ReaktorX, a highly successful pre-seed accelerator based in Warsaw, Poland. This experience provided her with firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage founders, honing her ability to identify potential and provide meaningful mentorship. Her journey from an ecosystem builder to a venture capitalist highlights her unwavering commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the next generation of tech leaders. Her extensive network and deep understanding of the CEE market are invaluable assets to both SMOK Ventures and its portfolio companies.

While specific individual investments are often part of a fund's collective strategy, Diana Koziarska's influence is evident in SMOK Ventures' track record of backing high-growth companies that have gone on to achieve significant milestones. She is known for her founder-first approach, building strong relationships with entrepreneurs, and providing strategic guidance beyond capital. Her work at SMOK Ventures continues to solidify the firm's reputation as a key player in the CEE tech scene, driving economic growth and technological advancement across the region.