We are thrilled to spotlight our esteemed alumnus, Márton Sebestyén, a remarkable finance and digital marketing professional. As the co-founder and Investment and Growth Strategist at Online Capital Investments, a digital investment fund, Márton identifies and nurtures high-potential ventures, taking financial responsibility for their success. With over a decade of experience leading innovative search and social media marketing projects, as well as performance-driven online campaigns, he has been instrumental in helping both emerging companies and established market leaders thrive.

Márton’s inspiring journey began at IBS, where he graduated in the Class of 2007 with a degree in International Marketing. He expresses deep gratitude for his time at our institution, describing it as a pivotal milestone in his success. The skills he developed in business English, presentation, and negotiation have been essential in shaping his entrepreneurial path.

On September 20, 2024, Márton returned to IBS as a guest speaker during Orientation Week, eager to connect with current students and share his insights into the finance and marketing industries through the lens of his own experiences. During his engaging online session, he shared how he identifies and creates "star" companies based on the BCG matrix, helping them maximize their market share and profitability. Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of well-being, noting that while financial success is valuable, true happiness stems from self-awareness, often nurtured through daily practices like meditation.

Following this insightful session, Márton returned to campus to meet with the new team led by Dr. Serge Sych, Pro-Rector for Stakeholder Engagement, to discuss ways alumni can re-engage with the university.

During their conversation, Márton reflected on his time as a student. He acknowledged that while IBS equipped him with essential knowledge for professional success, he initially struggled to connect theoretical concepts with real-world applications. This is why he believes in the importance of alumni sharing their experiences — current students can learn from the successes and best practices of those who have been here before them. Understanding the challenges of the Hungarian educational and job markets, he values IBS as one of the few institutions that is independent, innovative, and agile.

Márton is passionate about contributing to the school’s curriculum development, advocating for education that emphasizes practical skills in venture capital, including raising funds. He envisions IBS not just as a leader in Hungary, but as a prominent institution throughout the region, where theoretical knowledge seamlessly integrates with real-world practice.

Márton expressed his interest in joining the soon-to-be-established Alumni Board, which would serve as a sounding board for university leadership, recognize active alumni, and help shape the ways alumni can give back to the IBS community. Such ways to give back include serving as guest speakers and international chapter leaders, supporting student employment, connecting companies and organizations to IBS, helping organize alumni events and reunions, and facilitating philanthropic support for the school.

Acknowledging that the culture of philanthropic support for education is not well-established in Hungary and the CEE region, Márton shared his interest in supporting scholarships and other initiatives that enhance the education, well-being, and development of students.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Márton for his loyalty and ongoing support.

If you are part of our alumni community and would also like to contribute to the IBS community, please fill out our Volunteer Interest Survey!