Angel Investor

Prof. Bolesław Rok

An academic (professor at Kozminski University) and CSR expert, Bolesław has become an angel investor focusing on impact-driven startups. He earned a special award in 2022 for contributions to impact investing. Associated startups: Impact and sustainability startups (recognized for championing ethical investment practices).

PolandWarsawPre-SeedImpactSustainability

Details

Location

Warsaw, Poland

Category

Angel Investor

Stage

Pre-Seed

Profile

/poland/angel-investor/prof-boles-aw-rok

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