Jakub Havrlant is not your average investor. As the founder of Rockaway Capital, one of the most ambitious investment platforms in Central Europe, he’s reshaping the path from founder-led capital to a globally scalable asset management structure. At a recent fireside chat, he offered rare insights into what it takes to build an investment powerhouse with global ambitions — and why he’s betting on bold vertical plays in blockchain, AI, and beyond.
From Private Wealth to Structured Asset Management
“In the beginning, Rockaway was more of a private investment vehicle,” Havrlant admitted. “But staying small felt like a path to stagnation. I didn’t want to run a family office guarding wealth — I wanted to build something bolder with real impact.”
This strategic shift is now taking form through multiple vertically focused funds, each with its own investment thesis and dedicated team. From early-stage venture to private equity and blockchain, Rockaway is embracing a fund-of-funds structure with international ambitions — and external LPs on board.
Venture Requires Velocity — And Capital
Havrlant was candid about the limits of bootstrapping in the investment world: “You can’t build a dynamic, opportunity-ready investment platform without third-party capital. Private capital alone limits your capacity to respond to trends and seize big opportunities.”
By opening up to external investors, Rockaway gains the flexibility to scale, diversify, and stay competitive globally — particularly in fast-moving sectors like blockchain and tech infrastructure.
Focused Strategies, Not One-Size-Fits-All
What’s next? Rockaway is launching sector-specific funds — from open-ended venture capital vehicles to more conservative private equity plays like Rockaway Alpha. Each fund is led by a team with deep vertical expertise.
“Risk appetite must match the strategy,” Havrlant explained. “A blockchain fund can afford to be aggressive. A private equity fund must be more balanced. Structuring that distinction is key to making bold bets without losing discipline.”
The Global Game: Aim High, Execute Locally
Rockaway isn’t just playing in Central Europe anymore. With its blockchain arm RockawayX, the firm is already operating globally. “The Czech market doesn’t define us anymore — we benchmark against global leaders,” Havrlant noted.
While global expansion in private equity is a slower burn (“you need serious firepower to consolidate mature markets,” he said), Rockaway is investing heavily in building international-grade teams and accessing broader LP networks.
The Real Trend: Underhyped Value Creation
In a world obsessed with the next big thing, Havrlant sees opportunity in what others overlook: “We’re drawn to businesses that may not look sexy on the surface — but have solid fundamentals and real cash flow. Value-for-money is underrated.”
With global supply chains shifting and the world embracing deglobalization, Rockaway sees resurgence in overlooked verticals like manufacturing, B2B infrastructure, and industrial tech.
AI x Blockchain: The Next Tech Convergence
Unsurprisingly, Havrlant is also eyeing AI. But not just for the hype.
“What excites us is actionable AI — autonomous agents making real decisions — and its intersection with blockchain,” he said. “Blockchain enables secure, transparent transactions between machines. That’s a layer traditional finance isn’t ready for — and we see massive potential there.”
Jakub’s Style: Detail-Obsessed and Hands-On
Despite running a platform with over 50 portfolio companies, Havrlant remains deeply engaged. “I’m still in the weeds — often diving into product meetings, marketing strategy, even UX,” he laughed. “I show up, ask uncomfortable questions, and keep everyone sharp.”
That unpredictability, he believes, keeps the culture entrepreneurial.
And the Favorite Project?
Of the cultural events Rockaway supports — from KVIF, Designblok to Colours of Ostrava — Havrlant confesses a soft spot for KVIF (Karlovy Vary International Film Festival).
“It’s unique, creative, and has a soul. That’s what I love,” he shared. “And with Colours, we’re turning it into something more like SXSW — not just a music fest, but a cultural movement.”
Why it matters:
Jakub Havrlant’s evolution from solo founder to institutional investor is a masterclass in scale, structure, and ambition. As Rockaway steps onto the global stage with a new fund model and sharper vertical focus, it’s clear they’re no longer playing local — they’re aiming for world-class.
