Michal Pastier is a renowned Slovak entrepreneur, investor, and marketer with over 15 years of experience in brand development and marketing innovation. Named among Google and Financial Times' Top 100 European Innovators and featured on Forbes' cover and 30 Under 30 list, he has worked on more than 250 brand projects. As the founder of branding studio GoBigname and hybrid agency Darwin & the Machines, he has been instrumental in scaling several successful startups, including Exponea (valued in hundreds of millions of euros), Slido's rebranding, and Berlin Brands Group's (formerly Chal-Tec) transformation into a unicorn across 28 markets. His creative work has earned over 200 awards, including Slovakia's first Euro Effie gold for the most effective advertising campaign in Europe and the historic Cyber-Young Lions award at Cannes Lions.

In his role as an investor, Pastier has been particularly focused on supporting and scaling companies in the CEE region. His involvement with Exponea from its early days through to its substantial valuation demonstrates his ability to identify and nurture high-potential ventures. He has contributed his expertise in brand building and marketing to help portfolio companies achieve significant market presence across multiple European markets.