Jan Široký

“I enjoy following new discoveries and, in general, the constant progress of human knowledge,” says
Jan Široký, a patron of Nadace Neuron, an investor at Czech Founders VC and the former CTO of the
Czech unicorn Mews, which revolutionised hotel administration.

“During my time there, Mews never grew to the size where it could afford a scientific R&D
department. On the contrary, we were the type of startup that tried to minimise technological
experiments and unproven tools and to devote itself as much as possible to customers' problems.
Perhaps that is also why I am drawn to Nadace Neuron now,” he adds.

Why did you decide to support Nadace Neuron?

I have taken a layman's interest in science all my life; I enjoy following new discoveries and, in
general, the constant progress of human knowledge. I believe that we largely owe the comfort we now
live in to science and its application. On the other hand, this enormous contribution is not
appreciated enough, especially in the case of basic research, thanks to which bread will not be
cheaper tomorrow but perhaps only in fifty years. Nadace Neuron rewards scientists, popularises
science and raises its prestige. These are all activities that resonate with me, and I am grateful
that thanks to my support too there will be even more of them.

Where do you see its contribution?

In its independence, which comes from the way it is financed through patrons, mostly from the
business world. And with that comes the spirit of the business world giving something back to the
world of science. Many successful companies and startups build on earlier scientific discoveries,
whether directly or indirectly. I also like Neuron's strong focus on the natural sciences, which
badly need popularising. And the fact that laureates can use the money they receive for whatever
they want, with no restrictions.

You were a competitive sportsman, you worked in a startup, and now you are in investment. What

drives you to deliver the best results?

It probably comes from my competitiveness, which appeared during my basketball career. One of our
coaches always told us that if you give your maximum, it does not matter whether you won or lost at
that particular moment. The results will come in time. It is a cliché, but it is also an extremely
liberating approach: you deal only with what you can influence and do not stress about what you
cannot. Although when you win, it is of course better.

Through its hotel management platform, Mews changed the way accommodation businesses work across
every department. It freed hoteliers from tedious administration and let them concentrate on the
real customer experience. Mews products are currently used by more than 5,000 hotels around the
world. The value of Mews passed one billion dollars, making it the third Czech unicorn. Jan Široký
was with Mews from its beginning in 2012 until 2022.