Lak is the founding CEO and Managing Partner of Next47, where he focuses on identifying industry-changing innovations and supporting entrepreneurs building the future.
Throughout his career, Lak has worked at the intersection of technology, investment, and entrepreneurship, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, vertical SaaS, robotics, mobility, and emerging deep-tech sectors.
Prior to Next47, he founded Hewlett Packard Pathfinder, combining venture investing with business development to help portfolio companies scale through HP’s global ecosystem. During this time, he invested in companies such as Adallom, later acquired by Microsoft, and HortonWorks, acquired by Cloudera.
Earlier, at Cisco Systems, Lak led major acquisitions including Meraki and Starent Networks, and contributed to strategic investments like Control4.
Beginning his journey as an engineer during the dot-com era, Lak developed deep respect for the passion and resilience required to build successful startups.
Today, he is known for building strong trust with founders and helping them make critical decisions to create world-class businesses.
Lak is also the author of Anticipate Failure, a candid guide that helps founders and leaders overcome challenges and build ventures that succeed.
