Lazar is available for hire
Hire LazarLazar Vujaklija
Verified Expert in Management Consulting
Management Consulting Expert
Lakeland, FL, United States
Toptal member since January 10, 2023
Bio
Lazar is an M&A partner, strategic advisor, and venture co-founder specializing in cross-border deal structuring and capital mobilization. His experience spans consulting for the IFC (World Bank Group), co-founding an investment fund, and leading M&A transactions in emerging markets. Whether guiding early-stage startups through seed raises or connecting high-value assets with global family offices, he excels at sharpening business narratives and bridging opportunities with strategic capital.
Career Highlights
Consultant
World Bank Group
Director and Partner
Systema Capital Partners
Manager
BDO Serbia
Case Studies
Consolidation of Machining Sector in France
M&A StrategyPost-merger IntegrationM&A Value CreationBusiness DevelopmentBusiness StrategyMergers & Acquisitions (M&A)+ 11 more
Advice for a Medical Client
ModelingStrategySales StrategySales Commission StructureCost Cutting (Cost-out)Growth Strategy+ 6 more
Expertise
- Business Development
- M&A Strategy
- M&A Value Creation
- Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A)
- Operational Efficiency Improvement
- Post-merger Integration
- Strategy
- Value Creation
Work Experience
Consultant
2024 - PRESENT
World Bank Group
- Contributed to a key IFC initiative aimed at fostering sustainable economic development through the establishment and promotion of eco-industrial parks (EIPs) across the Western Balkans.
- Provided technical expertise for the identification, assessment, and structuring of potential EIP sites to enhance their viability and investment readiness.
- Facilitated stakeholder engagement with private companies and local communities to promote the EIP concept and build local capacities.
- Advised real-estate companies on aligning their business models with the Eco-Industrial Park concept to enhance profitability. Guided project prioritization and strategies for improving access to finance.
Focus areas: Eco-friendly Production, eco-industrial parks, Investments, Private Equity Consultant, Cash Flow Analysis, Clean Energy, Grants, Institutional Investors, Microsoft PowerPoint, Accounting, Quality of Earnings, Information Memoranda, Development Finance, Development Finance Institutions (DFI), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Rating, Manufacturing, Technology, Private Equity, Debt Financing, Transaction Advisory, Investment Briefs, Value Proposition Design, Business Analysis, Business Writing, Excel Modeling, Technical Writing, Green Energy, Negotiation, Financial Presentations, Presentation Development, Corporate Finance, Presentation Design, Scenario Analysis, Leadership, Executive Consulting, Financial Reporting, Excel Expert, Board Reporting, Operational Audits, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Strategy Consulting, Business Modeling, Competitive Analysis, Organizational Design, Three-statement Modeling, Contract Negotiation, Contract Review, Operations, Term Sheet Advisory, Distressed Assets, Real Estate Investment, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Director and Partner
2024 - PRESENT
Systema Capital Partners
- Oversaw the sale of a 55 MWp solar power plant in development to a large energy group. We advised on the sale structure, defined deliverables up to ready-to-build (RTB) status, and secured a premium exit price for our clients.
- Advised a client on raising the debt necessary for a 270MWp solar power plant with both commercial banks and development finance institutions. Total capex was close to €200 million.
- Onboarded clients for the M&A department, negotiating contracts, fees, and deliverables. These include both sell-side and buy-side mandates. Sectors include corporate benefits, manufacturing of metal components, real estate, and frozen goods.
- Structured a complex sale-leaseback transaction for a portfolio of commercial real estate assets with a major PE-backed retailer, demonstrating end-to-end expertise in deal origination, negotiation, and execution.
- Led a sell-side M&A mandate for a manufacturer, securing a strategic partnership at a high valuation. Structured a favorable earn-out for the owner, ensuring a successful exit with continued upside.
- Guided a restaurant startup's fundraising from launch to expansion, securing capital via equity and crowdinvesting. Subsequently joined their board to provide strategic oversight as they grew to four locations (both owned and franchised).
- Led the refinancing of the debt held by a shopping mall developer with bridge financing institutions, avoiding default and raising sufficient funds to build a new location.
Focus areas: Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Private Equity Consultant, Cash Flow Analysis, Clean Energy, Grants, Buy-side, Institutional Investors, Microsoft PowerPoint, Accounting, Quality of Earnings, Information Memoranda, Development Finance, Development Finance Institutions (DFI), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Aerospace & Defense, Technology, Private Equity, Acquisitions, Deal Structuring, Debt Financing, Term Sheets, Transaction Advisory, Investment Briefs, Asset Purchase Agreements, Value Proposition Design, Fundraising Strategy, Business Analysis, Business Writing, Excel Modeling, Investor Reporting, Startup Consulting, Technical Writing, Fundraising Consultant, Green Energy, Negotiation, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Financial Presentations, Presentation Development, Board Presentations, Corporate Finance, Presentation Design, Scenario Analysis, Leadership, Executive Consulting, Financial Reporting, Excel Expert, Restructuring, Board Reporting, Operational Audits, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Vendors & Suppliers, Strategy Consulting, Business Modeling, Competitive Analysis, Organizational Design, CFO, Three-statement Modeling, Contract Negotiation, Contract Review, Operations, Early-stage Startups, Term Sheet Advisory, Distressed Assets, Real Estate Investment, Cash Flow Management, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
General Partner
2021 - PRESENT
Western Balkans Private Equity Fund
- Oversaw relationships with major development finance institutions, such as the IFC, DFC, and private sector investors, including HNWIs and family offices. Worked on their due diligence and negotiated terms and commitments.
- Hired and trained a team of analysts to support the fund pre-launch and to create a pipeline of targets.
- Defined the fund strategy, including ticket size, geography, sector focus, and target maturity.
- Spearheaded the fundraising process, from creating the pitch deck to defining the fund strategy and terms. Collaborated directly with investors, both private and institutional.
Focus areas: Private Equity, M&A Strategy, M&A Value Creation, Fundraising, Fund Analysis, Fund Management, Fundraising Strategy, Due Diligence, M&A Due Diligence (Financial), Due Diligence Consultant, Business Strategy, M&A Pipeline Management, Business Operations, Pitch Decks, Investor Presentations, Storytelling, Debt Raises, Investment Banking, Pitch Presentations, Debt, Equity, Financials, Investor Relations, Financial Modeling, Valuation, Data Analysis, Forecasting, Communication, Business Services, Professional Services, Market Research, Energy, Internet of Things (IoT), Investment Memoranda, Venture Capital, Restaurant Operations, Control & Cost Analysis, Cost Reduction & Optimization (Cost-down), Financial Analysis, Food & Beverage, Exit Strategy, Value Creation, M&A (Buy-side), Revenue & Expense Projections, Cash Flow Modeling, M&A (Sell-side), Waterfall Modeling, Real Estate Development, Executive Presentations, Asset Management, Real Estate, Compliance, Private Equity Consultant, Cash Flow Analysis, Grants, Buy-side, Institutional Investors, Microsoft PowerPoint, Accounting, Quality of Earnings, Information Memoranda, Development Finance, Development Finance Institutions (DFI), Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Acquisitions, Deal Structuring, Term Sheets, Investment Briefs, Asset Purchase Agreements, Value Proposition Design, Business Analysis, Business Writing, Excel Modeling, Investor Reporting, Fundraising Consultant, Negotiation, Financial Presentations, Presentation Development, Corporate Finance, Presentation Design, Scenario Analysis, Leadership, Financial Reporting, Excel Expert, Board Reporting, Operational Audits, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Vendors & Suppliers, Business Modeling, Competitive Analysis, Contract Negotiation, Contract Review, Term Sheet Advisory
M&A Expert
2025 - 2025
Rewrite Capital Advisors Inc
- Led a comprehensive due diligence review for a social services company with over 700 employees to facilitate its transition to an Employee-owned Trust (EOT). The analysis involved dissecting more than 200 individual government-funded programs.
- Identified and quantified critical risks across the organization, providing actionable recommendations before the transaction's completion.
- Synthesized complex and fragmented data from multiple sources—including internal reports, various funder contracts with differing terms, and financials from distinct legal entities —to build a cohesive operational source of data.
Focus areas: M&A (Buy-side), Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Microsoft Excel, Financial Modeling, Due Diligence, Compliance, Cash Flow Analysis, Buy-side, Microsoft PowerPoint, Accounting, Quality of Earnings, Information Memoranda, Deal Structuring, Transaction Advisory, Business Analysis, Excel Modeling, Technical Writing, Presentation Development, Board Presentations, Corporate Finance, Presentation Design, Scenario Analysis, Executive Consulting, Financial Reporting, Excel Expert, Healthcare, Operational Audits, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Vendors & Suppliers, Competitive Analysis, Three-statement Modeling, Contract Negotiation, Contract Review, Operations, Term Sheet Advisory
Manager
2021 - 2022
BDO Serbia
- Led multiple buy-side mandates, preparing comprehensive due diligence reports for strategic and financial buyers. Facilitated engagement with other working teams (legal, operational, etc.) to draft a comprehensive report.
- Hired and trained several analysts, developed teams, and managed cross-departmental projects.
- Facilitated the sale of a family-run business, reaching 20% greater valuation than expected by managing a competitive process.
- Developed a 5-year strategy for a tech client, which was accepted and implemented by their board.
- Advised clients on fundraising and M&A processes in various sectors, from healthcare, manufacturing, retail, and mining. Supported the entire process from the preparation of the investment presentation to the transaction closing.
- Led multiple hands-on, buy-side Due Diligence projects for clients, performing quality of earnings (QoE) analysis, EBITDA adjustments, and comprehensive financial and operational due diligence.
Focus areas: Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Fundraising, M&A Strategy, Strategy, Business Strategy, Client Relationship Management, Surveys, Change Management, Cosmetics, Corporate, Corporate Structure, Business to Consumer (B2C), B2C, Business Plan Consulting, Financing, Financial Modeling, Hospitality, Credit/Debt, Investments, Family Office, Fund Analysis, Deal Sourcing, Fund Structure, Deal Analysis, Revenue & Expense Projections, Investment Banking, Business Models, Pitch Decks, Go-to-market Plans, Go-to-market (GTM) Strategy, Market Entry, New Business Development, B2B Lead Generation, Deal Closure, Consulting, Digital Transformation, Market Research, Data Science, Investor Presentations, Pitch Deck Consultant, Storytelling, Pitch Presentations, Debt, Equity, Business Planning, Financials, Accounting, Taxation, Real Estate, Commercial Real Estate, Real Estate Development, Investor Relations, Startups, Valuation, Data Analysis, Forecasting, Communication, Business Services, Professional Services, Market Segmentation, Energy, Energy Management, Internet of Things (IoT), Investment Memoranda, Venture Capital, Restaurant Operations, Control & Cost Analysis, Cost Reduction & Optimization (Cost-down), Financial Analysis, Food & Beverage, Exit Strategy, Value Creation, M&A (Buy-side), Cash Flow Modeling, M&A (Sell-side), Fractional CFO, Waterfall Modeling, Executive Presentations, Executive Coaching, Training, Manufacturing, M&A Due Diligence (Technology), Compliance, Private Equity Consultant, Cash Flow Analysis, Buy-side, Institutional Investors, Microsoft PowerPoint, Quality of Earnings, Information Memoranda, Development Finance, Aerospace & Defense, Technology, Private Equity, Acquisitions, Deal Structuring, Debt Financing, Term Sheets, Transaction Advisory, Investment Briefs, Asset Purchase Agreements, Value Proposition Design, Fundraising Strategy, Business Analysis, Business Writing, Excel Modeling, Startup Consulting, Technical Writing, Fundraising Consultant, Negotiation, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Financial Presentations, Presentation Development, Board Presentations, Corporate Finance, Presentation Design, Scenario Analysis, Leadership, Executive Consulting, Financial Reporting, Excel Expert, Healthcare, Restructuring, Board Reporting, Operational Audits, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Vendors & Suppliers, Strategy Consulting, Business Modeling, CFO, Three-statement Modeling, Contract Negotiation, Contract Review, Operations, Early-stage Startups, Term Sheet Advisory
Manager Consultant
2019 - 2021
Tecla Consulting
- Oversaw a project in Europe that resulted in a 20% increase in efficiency, increased management competence, and significantly decreased waste.
- Trained the client's management in Lean and TPM methodologies to create in-house experts.
- Consulted a manufacturing group in structuring a management buyout.
Focus areas: Operational Efficiency Improvement, Lean, M&A Strategy, Strategy, Process Improvement, Business Strategy, Process Mapping, Process Flows, Sales, Client Relationship Management, Marketing, Change Management, Culture, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Market Entry, Sales & Marketing, New Business Development, Deal Closure, Lead Generation, Consulting, Data Science, Storytelling, Business Planning, United States, Data Analysis, Forecasting, Communication, Professional Services, Market Research, Market Segmentation, Energy Management, Internet of Things (IoT), Management Consulting, Control & Cost Analysis, Cost Reduction & Optimization (Cost-down), Financial Analysis, Value Creation, M&A (Sell-side), Executive Presentations, Coaching, Executive Coaching, Training, Manufacturing, Microsoft PowerPoint, Development Finance Institutions (DFI), Post-merger Integration, Integration, Technology, Aerospace Engineering, Private Equity, Value Proposition Design, Business Analysis, Technical Writing, Presentation Development, Presentation Design, Executive Consulting, Excel Expert, Board Reporting, Fractional COO, Operational Audits, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Vendors & Suppliers, Organizational Design, Operations, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Strategy Manager
2016 - 2019
DJ Meca By White Technologies
- Hired and managed engineering and commercial teams that drove a 50% increase in export sales. Built a B2B customer base in Germany, which benefited the entire group.
- Assisted with the acquisition of several manufacturing companies in Europe with exposure to various sectors, including specialized sectors such as aerospace and defense.
- Screened acquisition targets, performed initial assessments, and prepared recommendations for the company board while building relationships with advisors.
- Acted as the primary liaison between ownership and factories in several European locations, working hands-on with management and shop floor teams to drive post-merger integration.
Focus areas: M&A (Buy-side), Value Creation, Strategy, Growth Strategy Consultants, Business Strategy, Sales, Client Relationship Management, Pricing Strategy, Marketing, Change Management, Corporate, Corporate Structure, Credit/Debt, Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Investments, Family Office, Deal Sourcing, Deal Analysis, Business Models, Family Office Management, Market Entry, Sales & Marketing, COO, Business Operations, New Business Development, B2B Lead Generation, Deal Closure, Lead Generation, Consulting, Market Research, Pitch Decks, Storytelling, Business Planning, Financials, Investor Relations, Data Analysis, Forecasting, Communication, Investment Memoranda, Control & Cost Analysis, Cost Reduction & Optimization (Cost-down), Financial Analysis, Exit Strategy, Revenue & Expense Projections, Cash Flow Modeling, M&A (Sell-side), Fractional CFO, Executive Presentations, Manufacturing, Private Equity Consultant, Cash Flow Analysis, Buy-side, Microsoft PowerPoint, Accounting, Quality of Earnings, Information Memoranda, Aerospace & Defense, Integration, Technology, Aerospace Engineering, Private Equity, Acquisitions, Deal Structuring, Debt Financing, Term Sheets, Transaction Advisory, Investment Briefs, Asset Purchase Agreements, Business Analysis, Excel Modeling, Investor Reporting, Technical Writing, Negotiation, Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Financial Presentations, Presentation Development, Board Presentations, Corporate Finance, Presentation Design, Scenario Analysis, Leadership, Excel Expert, Restructuring, Board Reporting, Fractional COO, Operational Audits, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Vendors & Suppliers, Strategy Consulting, Business Modeling, Competitive Analysis, Organizational Design, Three-statement Modeling, Contract Negotiation, Contract Review, Operations, Cash Flow Management, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
Education
2011 - 2015
Bachelor's Degree in International Affairs
John Cabot University - Rome, Italy
Skills
Finance
Mergers & Acquisitions (M&A), Fundraising, M&A (Buy-side), Value Creation, Financial Modeling, Credit/Debt, Fund Analysis, Fund Structure, Deal Analysis, Revenue & Expense Projections, Private Equity, Due Diligence, Market Research, Forecasting, Investment Memoranda, Cost Reduction & Optimization (Cost-down), Cash Flow Modeling, M&A (Sell-side), Development Finance, Development Finance Institutions (DFI), Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A), Corporate Finance, Pricing Strategy, Debt Raises, Debt, Accounting, Valuation, Data Analysis, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Rating, Investment Briefs, Financial Reporting, CFO, Three-statement Modeling, Fund Management, Taxation
Output Software
Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Excel
Industry Expertise
Food & Beverage, Institutional Investors, Corporate Structure, Hospitality, Sales & Marketing, Real Estate, Real Estate Development, Professional Services, Energy, Asset Management, Aerospace & Defense, Technology, Healthcare, Early-stage Startups, Real Estate Investment, Commercial Real Estate, Venture Capital
Geographic Expertise
United States
Other
M&A Strategy, Growth, Strategy, Growth Strategy, Growth Strategy Consultants, Business Strategy, Sales, Client Relationship Management, Marketing, Change Management, Investments, Family Office, Deal Sourcing, Investment Banking, Pitch Decks, COO, Business Operations, Deal Closure, Investor Presentations, Pitch Deck Consultant, Pitch Presentations, Equity, Business Planning, Investor Relations, Communication, Control & Cost Analysis, Financial Analysis, Fractional CFO, Executive Presentations, Coaching, Executive Coaching, Training, Manufacturing, Private Equity Consultant, Cash Flow Analysis, Quality of Earnings, Information Memoranda, Acquisitions, Term Sheets, Asset Purchase Agreements, Business Analysis, Technical Writing, Negotiation, Financial Presentations, Presentation Development, Presentation Design, Scenario Analysis, Leadership, Executive Consulting, Restructuring, Board Reporting, Operational Audits, Small & Medium-sized Enterprises (SME), Vendors & Suppliers, Strategy Consulting, Contract Negotiation, Contract Review, Term Sheet Advisory, Operational Efficiency Improvement, Lean, Post-merger Integration, Business Development, Lean Manufacturing, Process Improvement, Process Mapping, Process Flows, Surveys, Cosmetics, Corporate, Culture, Business to Consumer (B2C), B2C, Business Plan Consulting, Financing, Business Models, Fundraising Strategy, M&A Due Diligence (Financial), Due Diligence Consultant, Go-to-market Plans, Go-to-market (GTM) Strategy, Market Entry, New Business Development, B2B Lead Generation, Lead Generation, Consulting, Digital Transformation, Storytelling, Financials, Business Services, Market Segmentation, Energy Management, Internet of Things (IoT), Management Consulting, Restaurant Operations, Exit Strategy, Waterfall Modeling, M&A Due Diligence (Technology), Compliance, Clean Energy, Grants, Buy-side, Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), Integration, Aerospace Engineering, Deal Structuring, Debt Financing, Transaction Advisory, Value Proposition Design, Business Writing, Excel Modeling, Investor Reporting, Startup Consulting, Fundraising Consultant, Green Energy, Board Presentations, Excel Expert, Fractional COO, Business Modeling, Competitive Analysis, Organizational Design, Operations, Distressed Assets, Cash Flow Management, Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), M&A Value Creation, Modeling, Sales Strategy, Sales Commission Structure, Cost Cutting (Cost-out), M&A Pipeline Management, Family Office Management, Data Science, Startups, Eco-friendly Production, eco-industrial parks
Collaboration That Works
How to Work with Toptal
Toptal matches you directly with global industry experts from our network in hours—not weeks or months.
1
Share your needs
Discuss your requirements and refine your scope in a call with a Toptal domain expert.
2
Choose your talent
Get a short list of expertly matched talent within 24 hours to review, interview, and choose from.
3
Start your risk-free talent trial
Work with your chosen talent on a trial basis for up to two weeks. Pay only if you decide to hire them.
Top talent is in high demand.
Start hiring