Robert Schlafer

Robert Schlafer is the founder and CEO of Vai, a Luxembourg-based platform built to solve the growing disconnect between early-stage startups and venture capital.

Vai helps investors and GPs manage their inbound by filtering, structuring and standardizing the startup applications they receive, reducing noise, saving time, and surfacing only relevant deal flow.

At the same time, Vai acts as an outbound enabler for startups, helping founders present themselves in a clear, investor-ready format that increases visibility and match potential.

Robert spent over a decade in private banking before founding Lanterna Capital in 2020 and launched Vai in 2024 to create a more inclusive, transparent, and efficient startup ecosystem. He is currently working with accelerators, institutions, and VCs across Europe and the Middle East.

Originally from Sweden with Croatian roots, Robert lives in Luxembourg with his wife and daughter and remains driven by a mission to build tools that truly bridge the funding gap.