Arkady Kulik
Deep‑tech VC and founder; ex‑COO of VK; INSEAD MBA
arkady
San Francisco, California, United States
Joined January 2025
Network
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Summary
Bridges science and venture capital: Arkady runs and leads rpv, a deep‑tech VC that emphasizes rigorous scientific due diligence and partners scientists with entrepreneurs to commercialize physics‑ and biology‑forward innovations. He focuses rpv on neuroscience, new energy, photonics, advanced materials and additive manufacturing, and describes the fund as providing both capital and deep scientific expertise. rpv+2
Operator and turnaround experience at scale: Before moving into full‑time VC, Arkady served in senior operational roles — notably as COO of VK.com (2019–2021) — where he led operational ramp‑up and corporate overhaul work, and has held a business development director role at Luxoft since 2017. spacefoundation+1
Serial entrepreneur and early digital media founder: Arkady founded ThankYou.ru — a pay‑what‑you‑want digital music distribution platform — and has a history of founding and leading digital/consumer ventures prior to his MBA and VC work, giving him practical founder experience alongside his scientific training. tadviser+1
Scientist turned business leader with international background: Trained as a physicist (M.Sc./specialist from Moscow State University) and an INSEAD MBA, Arkady combines technical literacy with business education; publicly available interviews and profiles note he relocated to the United States and now operates from the SF Bay Area while running a globally focused fund. spacefoundation+1
Work
Education
Projects
Writing
Arkady Kulik — Bridging Science & Entrepreneurship (Infinite Loops EP.193)
December 14, 2023Extended podcast interview (with show notes and transcript) discussing how rpv evaluates deep‑tech deals, scientific due diligence, and his background blending physics and business.
Discover rpv | With Arkady Kulik, Founding Partner (interview)
June 21, 2022Long interview/profile describing rpv's investment thesis, focus areas, and Arkady's role in sourcing, venture building, and operations at the fund.
The Alliance of Entrepreneurs and Scientists with Arkady Kulik (Smart Friends / Eric Jorgenson)
Long‑form interview/conversation about Arkady's philosophy on the alliance between scientists and entrepreneurs, deep tech investing, and examples of companies rpv backs.
Notes
ACAC Chekansaid they would seek out
AKArkady Kulik
for their expertise in evaluating Deep Tech opportunities.Oct 6, 2025