We are one team

General Philippe Lavigne served as NATO Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (2021–2024) and previously as Chief of Staff of the French Air and Space Force (2018–2021). Over a nearly 40-year career in defense, he led strategic transformation programs, integrated space and cyber into national and allied defense, and commanded multinational operations. A decorated fighter pilot with close to 3,000 flight hours and 50 combat missions, he brings deep expertise in strategy, security innovation, and international cooperation.

Currently, he serves as Senior Advisor at Boston Consulting Group and the GLOBSEC GeoTech Center, is a Distinguished Fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), advises Alta Ares (AI defense solutions), and sits on the Military Board of the Alvest Group. Through these roles, he bridges top-level defense leadership with cutting-edge technology and private sector innovation, providing Luminova with unique insights into dual-use technologies, security resilience, and defense market access.

Constantin Kinský is the CEO of Kinsky Žďár a.s., a family-owned enterprise committed to the sustainable management of natural resources and the revitalization of cultural heritage, including a UNESCO-listed estate. He is also an active angel investor and mentor, supporting technology-driven startups with a focus on innovation in environmental sustainability, including AI applications in forestry and clean energy solutions.

He brings over 15 years of international experience in corporate and investment banking in Paris, London, and Prague, followed by twelve years as Managing Partner of Roland Berger Strategy Consultants in Prague. There, he advised leading companies across financial services, energy, transportation, and private equity on strategy, restructuring, and growth.

From 2011 to 2020, he served as Chairman of the French-Czech Chamber of Commerce, reinforcing his strong cross-border business and diplomatic acumen.

Constantin combines strategic insight and decades of leadership experience across both the private and public sectors, with a focus on long-term value creation and cross-sector collaboration.

Lieutenant General (Ret.) Jaromír ZŮNA is a former senior military leader with extensive experience in strategic defense planning, international military cooperation, strategic and operational command. In the period 2019 - 2022, he served as the First Deputy of the Chief of General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces.

His career spans key leadership positions both in the Czech military and within international and NATO military structures, including Deputy commander/Chief of Staff of the NATO Joint Force Training Centre in Poland. In his military career he commanded Training and Doctrine Command, Military Academy, and Joint Support Division at the Ministry of Defence.

General Zůna holds multiple advanced degrees and completed senior military education programs in the U.S., Canada, and Europe, including the National Defense University in Washington, D.C. He speaks English and Russian languages, and holds numerous Czech awards as well as from other allied countries for military service and merit.

Susan E. Walton is a senior finance executive and geopolitical strategist with over 25 years of experience leading global institutional investment research at major banks in London, New York, and Hong Kong. She is a Senior Fellow at Globsec covering the Future of Financing of Defense and Security in Europe and the US, and serves on Globsec’s Women's Leadership Council. Susan is also Senior Advisor to ODI Global, Vice Chair of the CERGE-EI Foundation at Charles University, and Founder & Chair of the Price of War Conference. She has founded several ventures in technology and digital media focused on geo-economic and geopolitical analysis, and was awarded the Jan Masaryk Silver Medal by the Czech Government for her contributions to international relations. Susan was educated at Harvard University, London Business School, and University College London.

Matúš leads the legal and regulatory function at Luminova Ventures and contributes to the fund’s investment activities. He works across deal structuring, due diligence, fund operations, and cross-border transactions, helping ensure that investments are both strategically and legally sound. With a legal background and a practical mindset, he bridges law and business in a fast-moving venture environment.

Before joining Luminova, Matúš served as General Counsel for a global fintech company active in over 100 countries, advising on international expansion, M&A, and regulatory strategy. Earlier in his career, he advised international clients as part of a Big4 legal advisory team. He holds an LL.M. from Queen Mary University of London and focuses on the intersection of law, innovation, and international growth.

Petra Trubačová is an experienced marketing strategist and graphic designer with a diverse background spanning corporations, startups, and advertising agencies. At Behind Inventions, she leads strategic marketing across the portfolio, overseeing brand development and market entry strategies to drive business growth.

Her expertise covers brand building, digital campaigns, and content marketing, enabling her to craft effective strategies focused on self-sufficiency and brand expansion. Petra believes in finding the right combination of tools and approaches to support brand growth and global reach.

She has worked on high-impact projects, including Semantic Visions and FLOWBOX, where she shaped marketing, brand positioning, and visual identity. Additionally, she played a key role in establishing the brand and digital presence of the Prague Innovation Institute. She also worked as a marketing manager for the Czech company Scio, where she led marketing for individual clients and designed several products and the company’s online presence.

Petra seamlessly integrates graphic design and marketing into a results-driven approach. Her multidisciplinary expertise in design, marketing, strategy, PR, copywriting, and branding allows her to build cohesive and impactful narratives that resonate across European and U.S. markets.

With her strategic vision and innovative approach, Petra brings valuable marketing and brand-building expertise to Luminova Ventures, helping portfolio companies establish strong market positioning and long-term success.

Ilona Žďárská is responsible for ensuring the smooth execution of all activities within Luminova Ventures, managing the fund’s operational framework, strategic planning, and day-to-day coordination. Her role bridges investment execution, internal processes, and cross-functional collaboration to maintain efficiency and alignment across the fund’s initiatives.

With a strong background in operations management and strategic leadership, Ilona brings a structured yet dynamic approach to scaling the fund’s activities. Her expertise in project coordination, stakeholder management, and process optimization ensures that Luminova operates seamlessly while adapting to evolving market demands.

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Jakub Habarta specializes in business analysis and strategic research at Luminova Ventures, supporting investment decisions with data-driven insights. His focus is on identifying emerging market trends, evaluating potential investment opportunities, and analyzing business models to guide the fund’s strategic direction.

With a keen analytical mindset and a background in market research and business intelligence, Jakub plays a key role in assessing startup potential, competitive landscapes, and long-term investment viability. His expertise helps ensure that Luminova Ventures remains at the forefront of high-impact, future-driven investments.

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Petr Jeníček oversees the financial and operational structure of Luminova Ventures, ensuring the seamless management of accounting, documentation, and internal compliance processes. With extensive experience in financial operations and corporate structuring, he plays a crucial role in maintaining the fund’s financial stability and regulatory compliance.

Having spent years managing financial and operational processes at Behind Inventions and previously at various non-banking financial institutions, Petr brings deep expertise in optimizing financial workflows, and ensuring smooth back-office operations. His strategic approach to fund administration supports Luminova Ventures in its long-term growth and sustainability.

Ethan is an incoming graduate from the University of St Andrews, who is driven by his passion for early-stage startups and their transformative potential. Eager to begin his professional journey, he looks forward to joining the Luminova Ventures team as a Business Analyst, where he can expand his skill set and maximise all learning opportunities.

Raul is responsible for representing Luminova Ventures in Spain and Latin America, focusing on business development, investor relations, and expanding the fund’s presence in key international markets. With extensive experience in cross-border investments and a deep understanding of the Spanish-speaking financial ecosystem, he plays a vital role in identifying opportunities and fostering strategic partnerships.

His expertise lies in building strong relationships with investors, government institutions, and industry leaders to support Luminova’s growth in these regions. Through his work, Raul ensures that the fund effectively navigates the complexities of international markets and aligns with emerging investment trends in Spain and Latin America.

Jan Balatka is a technology-driven strategist specializing in AI, data analytics, and cyber risk management. As a partner at Behind Inventions, he focuses on identifying and evaluating cutting-edge technologies, assessing startups for business potential, and expanding the fund’s portfolio in AI-driven innovations.

With 18 years of experience at Deloitte, Jan held leadership roles in Analytics, AI, and eDiscovery, overseeing projects across Central Europe, Switzerland, Canada, and Germany. He played a key role in developing strategic alliances with major corporations, startups, and technology providers, shaping the adoption of AI and machine learning solutions.

Now also serving as Managing Director at Semantic Visions, Jan leverages his expertise to drive AI-powered risk intelligence and data analytics. His deep understanding of emerging technologies and strategic foresight make him a key player in shaping the future of AI-driven business solutions.

Pavel Heczko is a seasoned strategist and investor specializing in business scaling, digital transformation, AI, big data analytics, and M&A strategy. As a partner at Behind Inventions, he leverages his extensive experience to drive investments in high-potential tech companies with global ambitions.

With leadership roles at ČSOB, KBC, EY, and ING, Pavel has built a strong track record in corporate strategy, post-merger integration, and financial services innovation across multiple international markets. He is also an Ambassador for the Czech Fintech Association and an active mentor at StartupYard, supporting entrepreneurs in the fintech and deep tech space.

Beyond his business activities, Pavel is a member of the Aspen Institute, contributing to leadership and transatlantic cooperation initiatives. He is also deeply committed to advocating for children with rare diseases and promoting shared parenting reforms, supporting organizations that drive positive societal impact.

Lukáš Šebesta’s expertise lies at the intersection of cybersecurity and national defense, making him a crucial asset for Luminova Ventures. Lukáš brings a wealth of knowledge on cyber defense and emerging security needs. His insight ensures that Luminova’s investments in cybersecurity are both innovative and resilient, equipping companies with the technology to meet modern threats. Lukáš’s connections within the defense industry also provide valuable pathways for Luminova’s portfolio companies to access strategic partnerships and government-backed opportunities.

Olga Chabr Grillová is a visionary entrepreneur and investor, shaping the future of AI, fintech, and real estate innovation. As a Co-Founder of McEdison and Co-CEO of Leeaf, she is at the forefront of AI-driven business transformation, from revolutionizing fertility treatments to fostering groundbreaking technological solutions.

With a background in economics from the University of Utrecht and finance from the International University of Monaco, Olga has built a diverse career spanning real estate development, finance, and automation technologies. She previously served as CEO of Empirent, where she tripled revenue and led award-winning real estate projects. Additionally, her tenure at EY as an Advisory Consultant and RPA Specialist solidified her expertise in robotic process automation (RPA) and operational efficiency.

Beyond her corporate roles, Olga is the President of GWC World and a mentor for emerging startups. Her deep understanding of the technology landscape allows her to identify and invest in high-impact, transformative innovations, making her a key force in the evolving global business ecosystem.

Diana Rádl Rogerová is a seasoned executive and investor with a strong background in finance, strategy, and innovation. She is a partner at Behind Inventions, where she focuses on investing in high-potential startups in AI, data, and cybersecurity. She also serves as an independent board member of KBC Group, one of Europe’s leading financial institutions.

Before stepping into the world of venture capital, Diana spent nearly 26 years at Deloitte, rising from an entry-level role to Managing Partner of Deloitte Czech Republic and later Chief Strategic Officer for Deloitte Europe. She played a key role in shaping corporate strategies, fostering innovation, and driving digital transformation. Recognized as one of the most influential women in Czech business, she has been repeatedly featured in Forbes’ list of the most powerful women in the Czech Republic and was named Manager of the Year (2022) and Most Successful Woman in Consulting (2023) by CEO Magazine.

Beyond her investment and corporate roles, Diana is deeply engaged in initiatives that promote female leadership, financial literacy, and digital transformation. She is a member of the Inspire & Impact Network, a signatory of the Second Economic Transformation, and the founder of CzechSetGo!, a conference focused on digitalizing public administration. With a relentless drive to challenge the status quo, Diana continues to shape the future of business, technology, and leadership.