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Marek Zmyslowski, a globally recognized entrepreneur and executive, has made his name – and his wealth – focussing primarily on frontier and emerging markets.
Commencing his entrepreneurial journey in the vibrant and diverse landscape of Africa, Marek Zmyslowski stands out as a luminary for his exceptional contributions, with a spotlight shining particularly brightly on his endeavors in Nigeria.
At the heart of his impressive portfolio lies the co-founding of Jumia Travel, an entity that has solidified its position as Africa’s preeminent Hotel Booking Portal. Through Jumia Travel, Marek harnessed the power of technology to bridge the gap between travelers and accommodations, catalyzing a transformation in the continent’s hospitality industry. This monumental achievement not only underscored his acumen but also propelled him onto the global stage as a visionary who deftly combined innovation and impact.
Jumia is now listed on NYSE as part of Jumia Group and HotelOnline.co – a travel technology company. The group has a market capitalization of over $300 million. He also co-founded, Sunroof.se – One of Europe’s biggest 2-in-1 Solar Roofs producer.
Beyond his role as an entrepreneur, Marek Zmyslowski’s multifaceted impact extends to his dynamic roles as an active angel investor and a strategic partner in a private equity firm. This firm operates with a specific focus on frontier markets, positioning Marek at the forefront of investments that carry not only the potential for substantial returns but also the promise of driving progress in regions poised for transformative growth.
With a discerning eye and a penchant for seizing opportunities that align with his ethos, Marek’s role as an investor magnifies his influence, illustrating his commitment to shaping the economic landscapes of burgeoning markets.
Marek is also a sought-after speaker, having been a guest on stages of numerous international conferences and featured in many media outlets. He is also the author of the book “Chasing Black Unicorns”, where he sheds light on his experiences in Africa and the challenges and opportunities of doing business there.
The Polish-born entrepreneur is known for his passion for sustainable business development in frontier markets. His latest project is fuelled by his love of nature, ecology and quality of life.
After moving to the Dominican Republic sixe years ago, Marek and his Dominican wife decided to roll out the ‘private city’ model in the country. This allows expats to enjoy a unique and distinctive experience in the country, in an environment that is very different to the big brand resorts that are common elsewhere in the Caribbean and Latin America.
Marek elaborates: “all through my career I have worked to support emerging markets. Now, that means investing in nature and bringing conscious capitalism to real estate development. Taking care of locals, nature, investors, and employees mean everyone benefits”.
“Privately managed cities are a ‘killer app’ for sustainable development. It is what I have been working up to throughout my career, and I can’t wait to see what the model will achieve in the Dominican Republic and beyond”.
