Ihar Mahaniok
Immigrant engineering leader turned investor and Managing Partner at Geek Ventures
New York, USA
Joined April 2025
Network
17.8K connectionsAHYMDH
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Summary
Ihar Mahaniok is a highly experienced engineering leader with over two decades of experience building code, ML models, and engineering teams at major tech companies like Google (2007-2015), Facebook (2015-2019), and WeWork (2019-2020), and serving as VP of Engineering at Lightning AI (2020). His technical expertise spans ranking, recommendation systems, and machine learning. geek+5
Transitioning from engineering, Ihar established himself as a prolific angel and seed investor, backing over 150 startups. His impressive track record includes early investments in multiple unicorns such as Instacart, PandaDoc, People.ai, Airbyte, and Jeeves, demonstrating a keen eye for high-growth potential. geek+5
Ihar is the Founder and Managing Partner of Geek Ventures, a fund he established in 2021 with a $23 million fund size. The firm's core thesis is investing in immigrant founders, particularly in AI and robotics, reflecting Ihar's own background as an immigrant engineering leader from Belarus. He believes in creating opportunities for exceptional global talent. geek+5
Work
Education
Hobbies
Enjoys Game of Thrones, Manchester United, science fiction, photography, and hiking. geek
Notes
DSDustin Shaysaid
IMIhar Mahaniok
is one of the most supportive investors they've seen backing female-founded AI startups.Jan 20, 2026
SCSpencer Chandleesaid that if they were raising a seed or pre-seed round,
IMIhar Mahaniok
would be among their top choices for angel investors.Dec 30, 2025
SRSarah Romankosaid they've seen
IMIhar Mahaniok
make especially insightful bets on early-stage AI-driven consumer products.Dec 29, 2025
SRSarah Romankosaid
IMIhar Mahaniok
is one of their favorite investors when it comes to backing early-stage supply chain or marketplace tech companies.Dec 23, 2025
SLS.K. Leesaid that if they were raising for an early-stage tech company tackling FMCG or retail supply chain problems,
IMIhar Mahaniok
would be near the top of their investor wishlist.Dec 22, 2025
SRSarah Romankosaid that if they were building a developer tool startup,
IMIhar Mahaniok
would be near the top of their list of investors to approach.Dec 11, 2025
SRSarah Romankosaid
IMIhar Mahaniok
is one of the best engineering leaders they've seen at scaling teams and building strong engineering culture.Dec 5, 2025
MSMaks Strukovsaid they've seen
IMIhar Mahaniok
add real value to robotics or industrial startups beyond just funding.Nov 27, 2025
MSMaks Strukovsaid
IMIhar Mahaniok
has made a real difference for a startup’s user acquisition or growth through their investment or advice.Nov 27, 2025
MSMaks Strukovsaid that if they were raising a seed round today,
IMIhar Mahaniok
would be among their top choices for investors to reach out to.Nov 27, 2025
SRSarah Romankosaid they've seen
IMIhar Mahaniok
do a great job attracting investors to their venture fund.Nov 19, 2025
Nov 19, 2025
AAAsror Arabjanovsaid
IMIhar Mahaniok
is one of the most effective lead investors they've seen in tech or tourism.Nov 13, 2025
PJPankaj Jainsaid that if they were building an e-commerce SaaS company,
IMIhar Mahaniok
would be one of their top picks as an investor.Nov 11, 2025
SRSarah Romankosaid
IMIhar Mahaniok
has provided valuable guidance or support to e-commerce SaaS founders.Nov 11, 2025
JKJason Kirbysaid that if they were raising a round,
IMIhar Mahaniok
would be at the top of their list of VC partners to reach out to.Nov 5, 2025
EAEthan Austinsaid
IMIhar Mahaniok
has played a pivotal role in helping early-stage software companies succeed.Oct 31, 2025
SRSarah Romankosaid they've seen
IMIhar Mahaniok
positively impact companies through their work as a VC.Oct 29, 2025
AKArkady Kuliksaid they've seen
IMIhar Mahaniok
positively impact companies through their work as a VC.Oct 28, 2025
Oct 23, 2025
RCRachel Chalmerssaid
IMIhar Mahaniok
is someone they view as a particularly sharp early-stage investor in software startups.Oct 22, 2025
AMAlona Myskosaid they've seen
IMIhar Mahaniok
consistently add value as a software investor at the earliest stages.Oct 22, 2025
AZAlexander Zemlyaksaid
IMIhar Mahaniok
is one of the most insightful pre-seed investors they've worked with.Oct 10, 2025
AMAlona Myskosaid they would trust
IMIhar Mahaniok
to evaluate and lead investments for qualified purchasers in technology funds.Oct 2, 2025
LALesya Arnoldsaid they've seen
IMIhar Mahaniok
play a significant and positive role as an investor in startups.Oct 2, 2025
RCRachel Chalmerssaid that if they had to pick someone to handle operations for a top-tier venture fund,
IMIhar Mahaniok
would be one of their first calls.Sep 26, 2025
AMAlona Myskosaid they've seen
IMIhar Mahaniok
make especially impactful investments as an angel investor.Sep 25, 2025
SRSarah Romankosaid
IMIhar Mahaniok
is one of the most respected angel investors they've met, especially known for backing highly successful startups.Sep 23, 2025
AGAlex Galkinsaid that if they were founding a startup,
IMIhar Mahaniok
would be among their top picks for a seed investor.Sep 18, 2025
WRWojtek Rokoszsaid
IMIhar Mahaniok
is active in the angel investing community, like being part of respected networks or groups.Aug 13, 2025
SHSam Huleattsaid they've seen
IMIhar Mahaniok
make a meaningful impact as an angel investor by backing promising early-stage startups.Jul 23, 2025
MTMartin Tobiassaid that if they were starting a B2B software startup with no revenue,
IMIhar Mahaniok
would be among their top choices for early-stage investment.Jul 2, 2025