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Rony Vogel has joined the CV VC team as an advisor. As CEO of the Vogel Family Office, Rony brings a wealth of experience in the tech industry and vast experience in the investor realm. We caught up with Rony recently to find out more about himself as well as his vision for the future of blockchain.

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Rony, tell us a little about yourself. Who are you and where do you come from?

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I was born in Konstanz, Germany, close to the Swiss border. My passion for technology guided me to study electrical engineering, with a focus on coding. I did my MBA in Reutlingen and Tokyo, and my passion for the capital markets led me to found an investment club during my student years.

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You have built up a fair few companies in your time. What were they?

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My first start-up was called @net. Our mission was to provide the Internet (as it was in 1996-1998) to the private consumer through a device, similar to what tablets look like today. Our product even had some features ahead of its time such as apps and even a touch screen! 

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Other companies I’ve co-founded include EQS Group in 2000, which is the leading European SaaS company in compliance and investor relations solutions, and 3DEXITE, which offers 3D visualization systems. Both of these companies were sold to Thoma Bravo in 2023 and Dassault Systems in 2013, respectively.

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And what learnings did you take away from building these companies?

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From building these companies and my experience, I have four key takeaways to share:

1. Visualize your future every day …and feel it.
2. Listen to your clients
3. The winner takes it all – so look for your niche
4. A healthy and creative corporate culture is important

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How did you get into the Web3 and blockchain space?

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I first heard about blockchain in 2013 when I listened to a lecture about Bitcoin. It immediately hit me and so I went on to buy some. The following 2 years of news were filled with negative connotations about Bitcoin such as high energy consumption, organized crime, and tax evasion, which led to me selling them again. Later In 2023 at a CV VC event in Cape Town, I started to have another look into the blockchain space which eventually led to an investment into CV VC in Zug and the w3.hub in Berlin.

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You spend a big part of your time in South Africa. What are your views on blockchain in Africa? How do you see the African opportunity?

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From enabling micropayment systems and digital identity management to smart contracts, blockchain-based solutions can leapfrog traditional or nonexistent technology infrastructures in African nations and drive a new era of more inclusive growth. Furthermore, blockchain technology has the potential to help Africa overcome several developmental obstacles, such as poverty, a lack of financial inclusion, and a lack of trust in institutions.

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Why are you joining CV VC as an advisor?

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I believe that there is an urgent need for bridge-building between the legacy capital markets and the Web3 space. Trust and thorough understanding on both sides are needed to unlock capital and speed up the adoption rate of blockchain-based businesses. I also believe that CV VC´s super strong brand presence can be leveraged more in areas not seen today, and I look forward to supporting CV VC in continuing to generate its presence on the global stage.

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Lastly, you have a wide array of hobbies and passions. When you are not working or investing, what are you doing?

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Indeed, I have an airline transport pilot license. I operated a couple of planes and also flew an ambulance as a freelance pilot. When I stopped flying three years ago, I went into music and studied at a London DJ school. My wife Erika and I often perform together as Ron¥ka.

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Rony Vogel joins a strong team of CV VC advisors, including Ahmed Bin Sulayem (DMCC), Antonio Beja (Consensus Capital), Alex von Frankenberg (HTGF), and João Gonçalves Pereira (Portuguese Member of Parliament). Find out more about the CV VC team here.