Interview with an Investor: Roman Stanek, Founder and CEO of Systinet.
By: Kate Opekar, Deputy Editor

Roman then served at Sun as Director of Engineering for Software Platforms and Products at Sun Microsystems, Inc.

An entrepreneur as well as a seasoned engineer, Roman was responsible for delivering the Forte for Java Community and Internet Edition products, which form the basis of Sun's Java tools strategy. Prior to this, he was Sybase's Regional Director for Central and Eastern Europe.

Roman lives in Cambridge, Massachusetts and spoke to Ariadne Capital about entrepreneurship, VCs and the web services industry.

Kate Opekar, Deputy Editor, asks Roman what drives him as an entrepreneur and what it takes to succeed.

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Q. Why did you decide to found Systinet?

I don’t think that starting a company can ever be totally planned. There are too many variables in the people, the chemistry, the timing – everything. It was not my intention to start a company. I just met a group of very talented people and the idea grew on me – in this way, it was truly organic growth. Then, when we published the software on the web, there were numerous downloads. That’s when it became apparent to us that people really needed this type of product.

Q. What do you look for in a good VC? Are there differences between US and UK VC firms?

The most important quality in my eyes for a VC is their understanding of risk. By this, I mean having enough knowledge to be able to focus on the upside – and also having the “venture” mindset that recognises that it is a perilous market. But almost as important is the VCs understanding of how to actually build a company and not just how to mitigate risk.

I think that, in general, the US VCs are closer to the market and so can better understand the risks. Let’s face it: until a few years ago, there was no question that the real innovation was happening in the US. The analysts were also all based in the US, making it harder for European VCs to keep track.

Q. In your view, what are the most exciting developments in web services over the next few years?

I think web services orchestration is a very exciting new area. This entails the creation of aggregated services, and looks to take hold over the next two to three years. We’re certainly watching this space very closely.

Q. What do you think are the most important qualities of an entrepreneur?

For me, the best entrepreneurs are those who have the ability to really scale a business – in terms of both the technology and the people. Many people are very good at either small or large scale operations, but I think it is extremely difficult to take a company through the transition from 1 or 2 people to 100s of people, or from a start-up to a company with sales of $10-20 million. To do this they have to be able to deal with people and understand the dynamics of the market they are entering.

Good entrepreneurs are also usually able to do multiple jobs. I should know: I had to also be our office manager at first!

Q. What motivates you as an entrepreneur?

For me, the biggest motivator is being able to work with smart people. As a company grows, you get to meet more and more people. This in and of itself is an amazingly stimulating experience.

Roman Stanek is an investor in Ariadne Capital. For more information about Roman and other Ariadne Capital investors, visit:

http://www.ariadnecapital.com