Koble

Who

are

We’re a tech company, an investment firm, and a community.

Powering our business is a group of visionaries – data scientists, builders, and investors – who recognise the limitations of traditional VC and believe there is a better way to invest in startups.

We can create the future – with unique datasets, innovative financial structures, and contrarian ideas; the kind that excite and frighten people in equal measure.

Our

team

Damian and Guy met through a mutual friend in 2016. Shortly after, they co-founded a venture builder: Zero 1. There, they launched three tech startups and raised $10 million in venture capital.

Damian Cristian

Co-Founder & CEO

Product and Data Science

Damian has 10-years startup experience and 2-years as Global Product Lead at Aviva’s Digital Garage. Armed with a degree in Electronic Engineering and an obsession for mathematics, he has successfully transitioned from engineer to serial entrepreneur. Notably, his diverse skill set extends to a deep involvement in data science, where he leverages mathematical precision and engineering acumen to drive innovation and strategic decision-making at Koble.

Originally hailing from Transylvania, Damian relocated to London in 2012 to immerse himself in the global startup ecosystem where he went on to co-found Zero 1 and then Koble.

Guy Conway

Co-Founder & COO

Commercial and Operations

Guy is an entrepreneur at heart but started off at the opposite end, studying engineering and working as a management consultant (Accenture and KPMG). Realising his entrepreneurial bug would never be satisfied there, he decided an MBA would point him in the right direction.

He studied at London Business School and upon graduation Guy co-founded Zero 1 where he led Pre-Seed ventures. He loves the challenge of commercialising early stage tech.

Paul Potsides

Engineering

Paul is a hands-on technology leader with 15+ years of software development and architecture experience. He has vast experience building disruptive startups and tech solutions including Zoe AI and Lifted.

Dragos Ciupureanu

Engineering

Machine Learning

Dragos is an experienced full-stack software engineer with a focus in Fintech. Speaker at world renowned conferences about methods for rapidly deploying and scaling tech. Beyond his proficiency in software engineering, Dragos has expertise in machine learning where he actively applies cutting-edge techniques to develop Koble’s models. He has a BSc in Computer Science.

Mahir Manghnani

Product

Mahir is an experienced Product Manager, with a keen eye for leveraging data-driven insights. With a background as a consultant at PwC, he brings a wealth of experience in navigating complex technological landscapes, combining technical acumen with a deep understanding of business objectives. He holds a degree in Electrical & Electronic Engineering from Imperial College London and an MBA from London Business School.

Raul Calugar

Machine Learning

Raul has strong technical expertise in AI and ML development with a focus on Machine Learning and Natural Language Processing. He holds a BSc in Computer Science.