Rockaway Capital has become a new partner of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year competition, which will recognise exceptional entrepreneurs and inspiring business stories in Czechia for the 27th time.
An award that inspires the next generation of entrepreneurs
Rockaway Capital is joining the partners of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year competition alongside Česká spořitelna, Aricoma and BMW. The competition introduces the public to individuals whose entrepreneurial stories, vision and ability to create long-term value can inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.
EY founded the Entrepreneur Of The Year programme in 1986. Today, it is held in more than 60 countries across six continents and ranks among the world’s most prestigious international awards for entrepreneurs. In the Czech Republic, the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year competition has been held since 2000.
The winner is selected by an independent expert jury composed of previous holders of the national title. Thanks to the competition’s international scope, candidates in individual countries are assessed according to comparable evaluation criteria. Key criteria include honesty, integrity, an exceptional entrepreneurial story and the ability to create lasting value.
“Rockaway Capital is an example of a company that successfully combines entrepreneurial courage with a long-term vision. We are therefore delighted that it is becoming a partner of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year competition and will help us bring greater visibility to the inspiring stories of Czech entrepreneurs,” said Marek Jindra, Managing Partner of EY Czech Republic. He added: “It is all the more symbolic given that Rockaway Capital founder Jakub Havrlant is himself among the entrepreneurs recognised in recent years.”
The winner of the national competition and holder of the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Czech Republic title subsequently represents Czechia at the global finals in Monte Carlo. There, the winner meets national champions from other countries and competes for the title of EY World Entrepreneur Of The Year.
Jakub Havrlant named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year 2022
For Rockaway Capital, the partnership with the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year competition also has a personal dimension. Jakub Havrlant, founder and CEO of Rockaway Capital, was named EY Entrepreneur Of The Year Czech Republic in 2022. At the time, the independent jury recognised not only his entrepreneurial spirit, but above all his ability to create long-term value and a broader positive impact on society through his business activities. The jury also highlighted his sustainable approach to business.
“I see this victory as a reward for the long-term work of all of us and, for me, it is a sign that everything we are doing together with my colleagues is being done well. We will certainly continue on this path,” Jakub said after receiving the trophy, thanking the jury.
“Jakub Havrlant is an example of an entrepreneur who combines a bold vision with a strong drive to deliver results,” said Martina Kneiflová, then Managing Partner of EY Czech Republic. “It took him just ten years to build an investment group of pan-European significance with a number of successful brands.”
A partnership built on shared values
Since its inception, Rockaway Capital has focused on building, developing and supporting companies with the ambition to transform their industries over the long term. The investment group, which operates across Europe, has built a portfolio spanning private equity, venture capital and blockchain, combining innovation from the digital economy with the principles of the traditional investment world.
The partnership with the EY Entrepreneur Of The Year competition therefore reflects principles that have long been central to Rockaway: entrepreneurial courage, long-term vision, innovation and the creation of genuine value.