The RockawayQ division, which was created with financial support from Petr Otava’s MTX Group, was launched by the investment group this summer. The first stage of the project is to target Czech and Slovak profitable companies with growth potential thanks to the implementation of advanced technologies – including AI. „We believe that the modernisation of traditional companies is just the beginning and will be a key factor for their competitiveness in the next decade. RockawayQ helps both financially and through direct implementation of technology solutions. We want to be an active investor and partner working side by side with management or business owners on their way to successful transformation and growth, “ explains the new CEO of RockawayQ Michal Šmída.
Michal has spent the last ten years building Twisto, a payment app that he built as a „digital disruptor“ in the Consumer Finance segment not only in the Czech Republic but throughout Central and Eastern Europe. Thanks to his approach, Twisto has risen to the position of the market leader in deferred and online payments. Within Twisto, they have managed to build a strong team and gain experience in scaling the business in Europe and later in EMEA, especially after the sale of Twisto in 2021 to global player Zip Co.
RockawayQ, which is now a joint-stock company, is built on an „evergreen“ concept – it is not tied to a traditional fund structure that creates pressure to exit within 5 to 7 years. „We don’t have a set investment period. Our goal is not a quick exit and we are flexible in terms of investment structure and holding period of companies. We look for companies where we can generate a dividend over the long term and actively participate in their operations. Unlike conventional investors, we are also flexible in terms of investment structure, which allows us to make primary investments, i.e. direct capital injections into companies to support their growth, and secondary transactions, i.e. buying out shares, from a significant minority to 100%, from existing shareholders or investors, “ comments Michal Šmída.
Today, RockawayQ is looking for companies mainly in the Czech Republic and Slovakia, in the B2B segment with EBITDA of CZK 25-100 million. Typically, these will be companies with around 150 to 300 employees and turnover up to CZK 1 billion. We will also be actively looking at technology companies that have a strong product-market fit, unique technology or IP and that are looking to grow and expand further. „We believe that the segment of smaller and medium-sized companies in our region is the key to the economic transformation of our country and its long-term competitiveness within Europe,“ Šmída adds. The long-term investment ambition is to gradually reach the whole of Europe. The key is to recognise the transformation potential in the company and to strive to implement changes in cooperation with the existing management and owner.
RockawayQ is part of the new investment strategy of the Rockaway Capital group, which intends to open up fully to external investors through a fund structure. It complements the already established Rockaway Ventures Fund and RockawayX in the portfolio.
ABOUT ROCKAWAYQ
RockawayQ is an investment division established in 2024 by Rockaway Capital in partnership with MTX Group. Its primary focus is the digital transformation of traditional businesses through modern technology. It provides not only financial support, but also strategic advice and implementation of technology solutions, helping companies remain competitive in the rapidly changing digital environment of the 21st century. The holding focuses mainly on established companies with turnover up to CZK 1 billion and EBITDA of CZK 25-100 million.