Insights from our Experts-in-Residence Program 2025
We just wrapped up the latest edition of the Experts-in-Residence (EiR) program, welcoming six outstanding professionals from our corporate sponsors – Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), Raiffeisen-Holding Niederösterreich-Wien, and Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark – for a week-long deep dive into the world of venture capital, fintech, and innovation-driven investments.
The EiR program is specifically crafted to bridge the knowledge and experience gap between traditional banking operations and the dynamic venture capital space. By immersing participants in the daily operations of Elevator Ventures, we aim to provide them with a comprehensive understanding of how VC funds operate, how startups are evaluated, and how investment decisions are made.
This July, colleagues from different departments and business areas joined us for this learning journey:
- Stefan-Christian Kappel, Group Subsidiaries & Equity Investments, RBI
- Dijana Tanasic, Group Subsidiaries & Equity Investments, RBI
- Amaryllis Sereinig, Strategy & Innovation, Raiffeisen-Holding Niederösterreich-Wien
- Amanda Saric, Strategy & Innovation, Raiffeisen-Holding Niederösterreich-Wien
- Judith Grabner, Equity Department, Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark
- Peter Kramer, Riskmanagement, Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark
Throughout the week, the participants were fully integrated into our team’s activities and routines. They took part in workshops, project discussions, and investment evaluation sessions, getting hands-on exposure to the tools and practices that shape our decision-making.
Topics included startup analysis, cap table management, venture capital valuation methods, and fund financials, offering both theoretical and practical perspectives.
We received great insights on venture capital in general as well as about the daily business and the challenges of Elevator Ventures. The program was well structured and no matter if you are totally new to the topic or already work in investment management – there is for sure something to learn for everyone! Furthermore, I really enjoyed getting to know the team not only during the sessions, but also over lunch & at the afterwork get together.
One of the highlights of the program was the visit to Austria’s largest VC fund – Speedinvest. During this visit, the participants had the opportunity to exchange views with Markus Lang, General Partner at Speedinvest, gaining valuable insights into the broader European VC ecosystem. Elevator Ventures, together with Raiffeisen-Holding Niederösterreich-Wien and Raiffeisen-Landesbank Steiermark, is a proud investor in the latest Speedinvestfund.
The pinnacle of the EiR week was a hands-on case study focused on startup analysis and valuation. In small teams, participants applied the VC method of valuation, tackled real-world business model assessments, and analyzed cap tables.
The week concluded with final presentations, in which the experts showcased their findings and pitched their startup evaluations to the Elevator Ventures team. These sessions also opened the floor to constructive feedback, Q&A, and peer exchange.
Running the EiR program continues to show us the immense value of connecting with experienced professionals from our corporate LPs. Each participant brought unique insights from their background in equity investments, risk management, and strategy, enriching the conversations and learning on both sides.
Their input not only elevated the week’s discussions but also provided valuable outside-in perspectives on our processes and portfolio strategies. By fostering knowledge sharing, collaboration, and mutual learning, the EiR program strengthens the relationship between Elevator Ventures and its corporate investors – a relationship based on trust, strategic alignment, and a shared vision for innovation.
Given the positive feedback from this year’s edition, we are already looking forward to welcoming new participants in future cohorts of the Experts-in-Residence program!
For more insights from past EiR programs, feel free to browse our blog post.
