Matej Ftacnik is a pioneering openly gay entrepreneur in Slovakia, where LGBTQ+ rights face significant challenges. As founder and managing partner of Next Wave Advisory and chairman of the Open Society Foundation Slovakia, he channels capital and leadership to support queer founders and civil society in a hostile environment. Matej co-hosted the 2026 YPO Lambda retreat in Prague, marking the network’s first gathering in Central Europe, and actively mentors young LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs across the region. His early work includes co-founding Vacuumlabs and helping launch Daylight, a digital banking product for the LGBTQ+ community. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 and EY Tech Entrepreneur of the Year, Matej uses his platform to speak openly about his identity and advocate for inclusion, despite facing harassment. His visibility and investment create vital pathways for underrepresented founders in Central Europe’s startup ecosystem.
