Raphael Budday

Raphael Budday currently serves as an Investment Manager at Venture Stars, where he plays a pivotal role in sourcing, evaluating, and executing early-stage investments in innovative digital B2C and B2B startups. Leveraging his extensive background in venture capital, transaction advisory, M&A, and equity holdings, Raphael brings a strategic and hands-on approach to supporting bold founders shaping the future of digital commerce and technology. His expertise in corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions enables him to conduct thorough due diligence, financial modeling, and valuation analyses, ensuring that Venture Stars invests in high-potential ventures with scalable business models.

At Venture Stars, Raphael is actively involved in managing the investment lifecycle—from initial deal sourcing and negotiations to post-investment support and portfolio management. His experience in strategic management and entrepreneurial ventures allows him to provide valuable insights on business development, go-to-market strategies, and operational scaling. Key projects include evaluating promising startups within the pre-seed and seed stages, structuring investment terms, and fostering value creation through strategic partnerships and operational guidance.

Prior to his current role, Raphael gained valuable industry experience at SevenAccelerator, Grazia Equity, and EY, where he honed his skills in transaction advisory and corporate finance. His academic background, with a B.A. in International Management from HS Augsburg and an M.Sc. in Management (Finance/Entrepreneurship) from the University of Mannheim, complements his practical expertise. Outside of work, Raphael’s passions include making music and exploring mountain landscapes, reflecting his creative and adventurous spirit. His proficiency in multiple languages, including English and Spanish, further enhances his ability to engage with international founders and investors. Overall, Raphael’s multifaceted skill set and entrepreneurial mindset make him a valuable asset in Venture Stars’ mission to back the next generation of innovative digital companies.