About Michal Smida

Michal Smida has worked with exceptional people who joined him in his entrepreneurial endeavors and supported him with their dedication and expertise, which he attributes to his success to date. From 2013 to 2023, his primary focus was on building Twisto, a leading "Buy now, Pay Later" (BNPL) player in Central & Eastern Europe. As pioneers in the FinTech space, Twisto defined the BNPL category in its home market and became a top player in Poland. During its peak growth phase, Twisto had a team of over 300 employees, operations across four countries, served over one million customers, and onboarded more than 30,000 merchants. In late 2021, Twisto joined forces with Zip Co (ASX: ZIP), selling 100% of the shares with the vision of establishing itself as a leading global BNPL player. As the markets evolved, the strategy was adapted to focus on core markets, driving profitability, and optimizing EBITDA. In mid-2023, a strategic decision was made with Zip to divest Twisto to the leading Turkish FinTech Param, marking the next phase of Twisto's journey, fostering sustainable growth across Europe under the new ownership. Since 2024, he has taken several Non-Executive Director (NED) roles, advising high-growth companies on strategy, expansion, fundraising, and timing exits, helping other founders on their journeys. Before his entrepreneurial ventures, he began his career at an investment bank in London and spent 11 years living abroad in the United States, Russia, and the United Kingdom. Forbes 30 Under  Michal Smida. Together with the team building the next generation of financial services for the CEE region. Previously 3 year investment banking experience at Barclays Capital London. Michal Smida Lived 11 years abroad (US, Russia, UK) currently based in Prague and frequently in Warsaw.