Fundraising and financing strategies meet industry expertise and project management know-how.
BlackSwan Capital is a Vienna (Austria)-based advisory firm focused on corporate financing, M&A, fundraising and portfolio management. We support global projects in alternative energy (Europe, South America, Africa and the Middle East), hydrogen initiatives worldwide, cross-border M&A activities, and real estate developments across Europe.
Currently, wind and photovoltaic (PV) projects with a total capacity of 24.8 GWh (peak) are being developed in Europe, Africa, and the Middle East in the field of alternative energy alone.
BlackSwan Capital’s international expert team brings more than 350 years of combined experience.
The team comprises investment bankers, project developers, engineers, industry executives, and project procurement and investment specialists from around ten countries.
Our experts in private equity, debt, mezzanine financing, financial structuring and restructuring, and ESG investments work closely with our industry specialists across a wide range of sectors, thereby maximizing the value of our services for our clients.
Martin W. Steininger, MA, MBA, MLE
Senior Managing Partner / CEO
(AT / LUX)
Martin has more than 25 years of experience in financial services and the alternative energy sector.
His sector expertise includes industrial goods, infrastructure, software and alternative energy.
Martin holds a Master’s degree from WU Vienna (Austria), an MBA from IMADEC University (Vienna) as well as from the McCombs School of Business (Austin, Texas, USA), and a Master of Law and Economics (MLE) from IMADEC University (Vienna). Prior to that, he attended the renowned private school “Schottengymnasium.”
Over the course of his career, Martin has held C-level leadership roles—becoming Austria’s youngest bank board member at the age of 33—and has successfully executed numerous international mezzanine and equity transactions with a total volume of more than EUR 2.5 billion across infrastructure, energy and industrial sectors.
He speaks German, English and Russian.
Stefanie L. Wurzer, MA
Senior Managing Partner / COO
(AT)
Stefanie has more than 20 years of experience in sales, investor relations and strategic communications.
As Managing Partner, she is responsible for building and maintaining long-term client and investor relationships and supports mandates particularly in positioning companies and projects vis-à-vis capital providers, strategic partners and other stakeholders.
Her focus is on distilling complex topics with precision, developing compelling investment narratives, and professionally managing communications throughout fundraising and transaction phases.
Her sector expertise spans media, luxury goods and alternative energy.
By combining commercial expertise with strong communication skills, Stefanie helps incorporate market and investor feedback into strategy in a structured way and ensures targeted outreach to key decision-makers.
Stefanie holds a Master’s degree from the University of Klagenfurt and is a certified NLP trainer and business coach.
She speaks German and English.
Dipl.-Ing. Michael Neswal, MBA, MLE
Senior Executive Director Projects
Partner / CTO
(AT)
Michael is a qualified physicist and has around 25 years of experience in the renewable energy industry, with strong technical and operational execution expertise.
He combines scientific and technical expertise with a comprehensive understanding of the commercial and regulatory framework of energy projects.
Throughout his career, Michael has worked across the full value chain of the solar and semiconductor industries—from materials and technology topics to the development and optimisation of production processes and reliability testing, through to plant engineering, operations and maintenance.
This gives him a pragmatic end-to-end perspective that delivers direct value, particularly in assessing technical risks, safeguarding quality and performance, and executing complex projects.
Michael holds an engineering degree (Dipl.-Ing.) from JKU Linz and also an MBA from CSU Hayward as well as a Master of Law and Economics (MLE) from IMADEC University (Vienna).
He speaks German and English.
Mats Lundin, MSc, MBA, MLE
Partner
Executive Director Nordics
(CH / SW / UE / RO)
Born in Sweden, Mats is a seasoned energy professional with an impressive track record in renewable energy.
As Senior Vice President at Emergy AS, he successfully originated and acquired wind power projects totaling 360 MW in Romania.
His previous roles include Fu Gen AG, Scatec Solar and ABB Energy Ventures, where he was responsible for M&A activities and wind project development.
Mats has a strong academic background, including an Executive MBA and a Master of Law and Economics.
He currently serves as Chairman and board member of the European Ukrainian Energy Association (EUEA), contributing to the development of Ukraine’s energy markets.
Mats speaks Swedish, German, English and Russian.
Alexander Rapatz, MA, MBL
Partner / Senior Legal Advisor
(LUX / AT)
Alexander is an expert in law, corporate finance and investments, with more than 15 years of professional experience across regulated financial institutions, leading law firms and venture capital structures.
He studied law at the University of Vienna and successfully passed the bar exam with the Vienna Bar Association. Prior to that, he attended the renowned Austrian private school “Theresianum.” In addition, he was also a member of the world-famous Vienna Boys’ Choir ("Wiener Sängerknaben").
As Managing Partner of Black Manta Capital Partners, Alexander brings strong transaction and capital markets expertise to BlackSwan Capital’s mandates.
In addition, he is a foundation board member of the World Venture Forum, an independent advisor to the European Commission, and a lecturer at the Business Angel Institute.
Alexander speaks German and English.
Alfredo dos Santos Schimidit, MA
Executive Director Brazil
Project Development Brazil
(BR)
Alfredo is the long-standing managing partner of Schimidit Gazzaffi Tecnologia e Desenvolvimento Ltda. in São Paulo.
He is a qualified electrical engineer and software engineer, specialising in automation and control systems.
Alfredo has extensive experience with measurement and data acquisition systems as well as in leading and developing solar and wind projects. He is also a manufacturer of tubular and lattice meteorological masts.
Alfredo has been active in wind and solar energy since 1998 and brings deep knowledge of the wind and solar potential of Brazil and many other Central and South American countries. His impressive track record includes more than 200 wind and solar measurement campaigns for major companies in Brazil and neighbouring countries, as well as contributions to numerous wind and PV projects.
Alfredo speaks Portuguese, Spanish and English.
Csaba Csedő
Associate Partner
International Business
(HU / RO / AT)
Csaba Csedő is an expert in international business development, corporate growth, and strategic expansion.
With over 17 years of experience, he leads complex projects and drives the international scaling of companies across Central and Western Europe, the Benelux region, and the Middle East.
His focus is on fostering global networks and partnerships, implementing corporate scale-ups, and delivering business solutions across finance, management, and M&A.
Csaba combines strategic advisory expertise with executive search capabilities and a broad international network to support companies and investors in expanding their global footprint.
He operates out of Budapest, Vienna, and Bucharest, collaborating closely with European business networks as well as market partners in the USA, India, Israel, Turkey, and the UAE.
Csaba speaks English, Hungarian, Romanian and French.
Georg Thieme
Associate Partner
Head of Renewables Iberia and LATAM
(DE / ES)
Georg brings extensive experience in international markets and in building structured business relationships—ranging from trade and real estate to renewable energy.
He studied at the Hamburg University of Economics and Politics and served as CEO of an international import-export company.
He later worked as a real estate broker in Spain/Mallorca, bringing strong expertise in site and land-related matters.
Today, Georg supports project developers on solar and wind projects across Europe and internationally and advises investors as well as globally active companies.
With his robust network of developers and capital partners, he helps BlackSwan connect the right stakeholders and efficiently advance projects and transactions.
Georg speaks German, Swedish, English and Spanish.
Narendra Gitay
Managing Partner
Head of Business Development – APAC
(IN / SG / HK / VAE)
Narendra Gitay leads business development in the APAC region. With over 20 years of experience, he supports international companies in market entry, joint ventures, M&A, and large-scale industrial projects across India and Asia.
As Founder and CEO of UNIK Technologies, a leading company in technical services, project management, and industrial digitalization, he has guided numerous clients through the planning, execution, and optimization of greenfield and brownfield projects. His expertise covers the entire project lifecycle – from legal guidance, site selection, licensing, and recruitment to pre-commissioning, commissioning, supply chain management, and operational implementation.
Narendra combines deep knowledge of Indian legal and business culture with a thorough understanding of international market requirements, helping clients successfully execute global growth strategies.
He collaborates closely with partners across India, Asia, Europe, and the USA, driving the international expansion of companies and investment projects in the APAC region.
Narendra speaks English, Hindi and Marathi.
Wolfgang Schwellenbach
Associate Partner
Technology Lead Hydrogen
(DE)
Wolfgang has more than 23 years of experience in international diplomatic service and strategic advocacy.
In his role as Economic Attaché of the Central African Republic, he built economic relationships with West African states, with a particular focus on water and resource management.
In recent years, Wolfgang has expanded his focus on hydrogen and the enabling conditions of the energy transition. He has contributed to the development and positioning of hydrogen concepts—particularly at the intersection of technology, infrastructure and regulation—and supports projects in engaging relevant stakeholders, coordinating with authorities and institutions, and building robust partner structures.
At BlackSwan Capital, he leverages his regional experience and network to support projects in West Africa in particular, helping to advance their strategic development and drive local implementation.
Wolfgang speaks German and Englisch.
Dr. Martin Frank
Associate Partner
Global Head of Structured Finance
(AT)
Martin is a trained lawyer and senior banker with around 40 years of experience in the financial industry. He has held management and leadership positions at leading banks in Europe and the United States and has extensive expertise in corporate and project finance, particularly in the field of alternative energy, where he has successfully executed numerous project financings.
He attended the prestigious Schottengymnasium in Vienna and holds degrees from Tulane Law School, USA, and the University of Vienna.
His regional expertise covers Central and Eastern Europe (CEE) as well as Russia, and he maintains a proven network of institutional investors, including private equity funds, family offices, insurance groups, and pension funds.
At BlackSwan Capital, Martin serves as Global Head of Project and Structured Finance, supporting companies and investors in the development and execution of complex debt-financing strategies and international investment projects.
Martin speaks German and English.
Werner Griesmaier
Associate Partner
EPC Management & Construction
(AT / LI)
Werner is the founder and owner of SGS Industrial Services GmbH.
Since founding the company in 2004, Werner has delivered more than 925 international industrial construction projects through SGS. SGS employs over 1,000 people worldwide and serves clients from 16 locations across three continents.
He has deep expertise in the construction of facilities for alternative energy and hydrogen production.
As Head of EPC and Construction Management, Werner ensures projects are executed professionally, on time and through to completion.
His extensive delivery experience across a wide range of countries helps BlackSwan navigate complex execution challenges globally.
Dima speaks Russian and English.
Stefan Petters
Partner
Head of Technology and Infrastructure
(AT/HK)
Stefan brings more than 30 years of experience across technology, advanced materials and industrial systems, combining deep technical expertise with entrepreneurial leadership and international execution experience.
He built and led the Electrovac Group into a global high-tech player serving the electronics, microsystems and photonics industries. His track record includes technology development, industrial scaling, licensing and the establishment of international partnerships across Europe, Asia and the United States.
A significant part of his international activities has been driven through his long-standing engagement in Asia, including Hong Kong, where he structured and managed technology platforms and cross-border initiatives in complex and dynamic market environments.
His work spans semiconductor physics, material science and carbon-related technologies, including the development of advanced carbon capture and utilization concepts and their application in industrial and energy-related environments. He has been actively involved in structuring technology platforms and scaling concepts in complex regulatory and geopolitical settings.
Stefan maintains a strong international network across industry, technology providers and institutional stakeholders, built through decades of cross-border collaboration and execution.
At BlackSwan Capital, Stefan supports technology-driven infrastructure, energy and data center projects, ensuring that technical complexity is translated into bankable structures, aligned with investor requirements and executed with discipline.
Stefan speaks German, Englisch, French, Spanisch and Japanese.
Julio Pedro Uquieo
Partner
Business Development EMEA & Africa (DK)
Julio brings extensive international experience across energy, raw materials and industrial projects, combining strong technical expertise with hands-on project execution and business development capabilities.
He has held senior roles in leading global energy and engineering companies, including Halliburton and Schlumberger, gaining deep experience in project management, operations and complex industrial environments.
Julio has been responsible for activities across more than 15 African countries, developing a strong regional footprint and building an excellent network across industry, government and local partners.
His experience spans raw materials, energy and infrastructure projects, with a particular focus on project execution, cross-border coordination and the development of scalable opportunities in emerging markets.
Julio is characterized by a strongly execution-oriented working style and brings the ability to coordinate complex projects across multiple jurisdictions and deliver them successfully. He combines technical understanding with entrepreneurial thinking and a clear focus on tangible results.
At BlackSwan Capital, Julio is responsible for expanding business opportunities and driving project development across EMEA and Africa. He leverages his international network and extensive experience to identify opportunities, structure partnerships and execute projects across the entire value chain.
Julio speaks Danish, Portuguese , Spanish and English.
Dimitry Finaev
Partner
Central Asia & Strategic Relationships (RU)
Dmitry (Dima) is a Moscow-based senior advisor with extensive experience across Central Asia and the broader Eurasian region, combining deep regional understanding with a strong track record in building and maintaining high-level international relationships.
Over many years, he has developed an extensive network spanning Central Asia, the Middle East, Asia, the United States and Europe, providing direct access to key decision-makers across complex and often non-transparent markets.
Dima is recognized for his ability to originate and connect cross-border opportunities, particularly in environments where trust, local insight and strategic alignment are critical. His work focuses on identifying actionable opportunities, structuring initial pathways and facilitating alignment between international capital and regional stakeholders.
He brings a pragmatic, relationship-driven approach to business development, with a strong emphasis on execution and long-term partnerships rather than transactional interactions. His experience includes navigating complex geopolitical environments and supporting the development of opportunities in emerging and frontier markets.
At BlackSwan Capital, Dima focuses on originating opportunities and strengthening strategic relationships across Central Asia and the broader Eurasian region. He plays a key role in connecting capital, partners and projects, supporting the firm’s global platform in accessing and executing opportunities in regions that require deep local knowledge and trusted networks.
Dima spricht Russisch und Englisch.
Dr. Aurora Weiss
Associate Partner
Business Development EMEA (AT/CR)
Aurora brings extensive international experience at the intersection of geopolitics, public affairs and strategic communications, with a strong focus on interpreting complex global developments and translating them into actionable strategic insights.
Her background includes roles as a foreign and security policy advisor, investigative journalist for the BBC, and engagements with international institutions such as the United Nations. She has worked closely with political, institutional and media stakeholders, developing a deep understanding of how global narratives, regulatory frameworks and geopolitical shifts shape markets and decision-making.
Aurora is particularly recognized for her ability to navigate and interpret complex stakeholder environments, aligning political, institutional and communication dynamics in situations where clarity and positioning are critical.
At BlackSwan Capital, Aurora plays a key role in supporting business development and strategic positioning across EMEA. She contributes to the assessment of geopolitical environments, stakeholder alignment and communication strategies in complex cross-border transactions and projects, strengthening the firm’s ability to operate effectively in sensitive and high-stakes situations.
Aurora speaks Croatian, Serbian, German and English.
Antonia Steininger
Junior Analyst / Business Support (AT)
Antonia gained early practical exposure to the professional environment and supports BlackSwan Capital as an assistant in operational and administrative matters.
As a digital native, she contributes valuable know-how in social media marketing and supports the digital preparation of content, channel-appropriate communication, and the consistent presentation of projects and services.
Antonia graduated from the renowned private school “Schottengymnasium” in Vienna and is currently studying Pharmaceutical and Medical Biotechnology at the IMC University of Applied Sciences Krems.
By combining hands-on work with analytical study, she strengthens the team with structured execution, a steep learning curve and a strong understanding of digital communication.
Antonia speaks German, English, Russian, and basic Spanish.
Norbert Hofer
BlackSwan Council Member (AT)
Norbert Hofer is an experienced public affairs and infrastructure expert with a strong background in political leadership, regulatory frameworks and strategic communication.
He served in senior political roles in Austria, including as Third President of the Austrian Parliament and as Federal Minister for Transport, Innovation and Technology, where he was responsible for key infrastructure, mobility and technology agendas.
Norbert brings deep insight into regulatory environments, public sector decision-making and large-scale infrastructure dynamics, combined with an extensive network across political, institutional and industry stakeholders.
In addition to his role at BlackSwan Capital, he serves as Senior Vice President Communications at Emerald Horizon AG in Graz, further strengthening his expertise in strategic positioning and stakeholder engagement.
As a member of the BlackSwan Council, Norbert supports the firm with his extensive experience, strategic perspective and network, contributing to the development and positioning of complex projects and initiatives.
Norbert speaks German and Englisch.
International expertise for sustainable financing solutions and project delivery.
Our unique combination of financing expertise, a global network, and deep sector and industry know-how is the key to your success—your success is our success.
65
Successful financings
We have successfully financed and supported 65 projects worldwide across corporate financing, alternative energy and real estate.
29
International partnerships
Our team works with more than 25 partners across three continents on alternative energy projects.
58
Advisory mandates
We have successfully delivered more than 50 advisory mandates in the European real estate sector.
