Jan Cifra

Jan Cifra

Operator · Strategist · Investor

Operator, strategist, and investor based in Bratislava. I work with founders and boards across Central Europe on strategy, leadership transitions, and scaling technology businesses through inflection points.

About

I take on executive leadership roles, independent board seats, and senior advisory work across Slovakia and the wider Central Europe and DACH region. My focus is technology, SaaS, and e-commerce businesses at inflection points — scaling, leadership transitions, restructuring, or preparing for an exit.

Earlier I spent six years scaling a CEE web hosting group — WebSupport, Active24, and Webonic — from a single brand into a multi-country operation, before becoming CEO of Dedoles, one of Central Europe's fastest-growing e-commerce brands. MBA from Vlerick Business School; Executive Program in Strategy and Organization at Stanford GSB. Independent board member at Vacuumlabs and SAPIE, the Slovak alliance for innovation.

Based in Bratislava. I work in Slovak, English, German, and Czech.

Jan Cifra speaking at New Retail Summit 2026

Investments

Alongside operational and strategic work, I invest in early-stage and growth-stage companies in Central Europe — primarily technology, SaaS, e-commerce, and digital infrastructure. I look for founders who want more than capital: a hands-on partner who has run a P&L, scaled a multi-country operation, and sat on both sides of the table.

Services

I work with founders, boards, and investors who need senior strategic and operational experience — not just advice.

Board Member
Independent board representation for tech and digital companies. I bring operational depth, a founder's perspective, and a direct challenge to strategic assumptions.
Executive Leadership
Taking on CEO or senior executive roles when organisations need proven leadership during transitions, restructuring, or rapid scaling.
Turnaround & Recovery
Hands-on support when a business has lost its footing — financial distress, operational breakdown, or leadership gaps. Focused on stabilisation first, then getting back on track.
Executive Coaching
One-on-one coaching for founders and senior leaders navigating growth, organisational complexity, or personal inflection points in their careers.
M&A Advisory
Operational and strategic support through acquisitions, mergers, and exits — from due diligence and integration planning to post-deal execution.
Business Consulting
Strategic and commercial consulting for digital businesses. From market entry and growth strategy to organisational design and performance improvement.

Experience

20 years across software, cloud services, e-commerce, and consulting in Central Europe — from service desk to CEO. Currently leading Dedoles, with board roles at Vacuumlabs and SAPIE.

View full experience →

Contact

Founders, boards, investors, and partners — happy to hear from you.