THE NEW APPEAL FOR 2025
15th anniversary

A philanthropist, social entrepreneur, and investor with a big heart, who decided to channel his experience into helping others. Ladislav studied law at Comenius University in Bratislava and supplemented his education with specialized courses at Utrecht University, Harvard Law School, and the JFKennedy School of Government. After a brief internship at the United Nations in New York, he worked for four years in London and Frankfurt. He started in financial controlling for asset management and later moved into mergers and acquisitions of asset management companies. Later, as an investment banker, he helped large companies, cities, and countries secure their capital needs. Upon returning to Slovakia, he spent 10 years developing real estate projects and investing in venture capital. Since 2014, after selling his startups, he has been fully dedicated to developing the BUDDY program and managing assets with social impact. His love for art inspires him to merge the worlds of philanthropy with the best principles of business and science. He strives to connect people, opportunities, time, and resources to create high added value, especially for those who haven't been as fortunate in life as he has. The idea to found the BUDDY program came to him by chance in 2006, when he bought beads from children in an orphanage. He probably paid more than they expected, prompting the caregiver to invite him to visit the orphanage. When he asked how he could help, she replied: “Come up with quality ways for the children to spend time outside the orphanage.” Laci took this as a task he couldn’t let go of. Building the BUDDY program and his personal volunteer experience with the long-term care of two boys from an orphanage taught him patience. He is the heart of the organization, which he continues to lead pro bono and drive forward. He is responsible for strategy, relationships with key supporters, and the long-term financial sustainability of the organization. In the Wings Scholarship Program, he supports students and also mentors young aspiring entrepreneurs. Less