VU Cohorts
VU Cohort Members
Meet the investors, founders, and operators who have joined Venture University's Investment Apprenticeship Program across our global cohorts.
VU Cohorts: 2026
52
Cohort 52: Winter 2026
ClimateTech
4 membersClimateTech
Spencer Lederman
- •Triple Master graduate (MSc in Management from LMU Munich, Diplôme Grand École from SKEMA, and MBA from Loyola New Orleans)
- •Multifaceted understanding of international markets, M&A, financial analysis, and strategic management
- •Passionate about innovation and startups
ClimateTech
- •9+ years experience as an award-winning Founder at VNCCII
- •Architect of the Galacta.i.ssance Movement
- •Best-selling author of 'VNCCII: The Awakening of a Divine Warrior', to be preserved on the Moon as part of NASA's Astrobotic Griffin-1 Lander Mission
- •Space Diplomacy Envoy at the Garibay Institute
ClimateTech
Hanoz Mistry
- •Applied Finance graduate aspiring to build a career in Venture Capital
- •AI startup co-founder driven by early-stage building and scalable innovation
- •Believes in investing in people, conviction, and long-term value over ideas alone
- •Video game enthusiast and sports fan who thrives on strategy and competition
ClimateTech
Nicole Chen
- •Hybrid background combining technical understanding of AI/ML with practical domain expertise in FinTech and regulated enterprise sectors
- •Invests with a research-driven, first-principles lens
- •Focuses on sustainable business models and long-term defensibility
Healthcare
3 membersHealthcare
Marialucia Massaro
- •Decade of experience in R&D turning biology into next-generation medicine
- •PhD in immuno-oncology & advanced therapeutics
- •Building at the frontier of pre-revenue biotech & venture creation
- •Co-leads 40 early-stage biopharma programs in a global incubator
Healthcare
Mark Zheng
- •Venture & Strategic Partner at Venture University
- •Dual background in Molecular Biology and Finance
- •Founder of TopContenders Network
- •Organizer of founder-investor programs focused on AI, healthcare, biotech, and deep tech
Healthcare
Ruchika Bajaj
- •Focused on learning deliberately to move fluidly between the lab and the term sheet
- •Strong emphasis on intellectual curiosity
53
Cohort 53: Spring 2026
ClimateTech
1 memberClimateTech
Shamil Ibragimov
- •20+ years in public policy for innovations
- •Experienced executive in international development and philanthropy
- •Passionate about EduTech, ClimateTech and all sorts of innovation
- •Responsible investor
FinTech
2 membersFinTech
Hanoz Mistry
- •Applied Finance graduate aspiring to build a career in Venture Capital
- •AI startup co-founder driven by early-stage building and scalable innovation
- •Believes in investing in people, conviction, and long-term value over ideas alone
FinTech
Nicole Chen
- •Rare hybrid background combining technical understanding of AI/ML with practical domain expertise in FinTech and regulated sectors
- •Identifies founders solving fundamental, high-value problems with clear paths to commercialization
- •Research-driven, first-principles investor focusing on sustainable business models and long-term defensibility
Frontier
2 membersFrontier
Spencer Lederman
- •Triple Master Graduate: MSc in Management from LMU Munich, Diplôme Grand École from SKEMA, and MBA from Loyola New Orleans
- •Multifaceted understanding of international markets, M&A, financial analysis, and strategic management
- •Passionate about innovation and startups
Frontier
Samantha Tauber
- •Award-winning Founder at VNCCII
- •Architect of the Galacta.i.ssance Movement
- •Multidisciplinary multi-media artist, creative technologist, Web 3/Metaverse strategist
Growth & Secondaries
2 membersGrowth & Secondaries
Fuyuan Wang
- •Master's in Quantitative Management from Duke University
- •Strong foundation in finance, data analytics, and investment research
- •Hands-on investing experience across strategic investment, equity research, audit, and consulting, with exposure to AI, robotics, consumer, fintech, and new energy infrastructure
Growth & Secondaries
John Gowan
- •Aerospace executive with investment experience and extensive human spaceflight, strategy, and partnership expertise
- •20+ years at NASA JSC as Division Chief, strategist, technical manager, and Space Shuttle flight controller
- •Private equity real estate investor and licensed Investment Banker
54
Cohort 54: Summer 2026
Frontier
12 membersFrontier
Spencer Lederman
- •Triple Master graduate (MSc in Management from Ludwig Maximilian University, Diplôme Grand École from SKEMA, and MBA from Loyola University)
- •Multifaceted understanding of international markets, mergers and acquisitions, financial analysis, and strategic management
- •Passionate about innovation and startups
Frontier
Samantha Tauber
- •Award-winning Founder at VNCCII
- •Best-Selling Author of 'VNCCII: The Awakening of a Divine Warrior'
- •Space Diplomacy Envoy at the Garibay Institute
Frontier
Nicole Chen
Frontier
Louise Yeung
- •Portfolio manager of public equity in technology companies for five years
Frontier
Frontier
- •I bring a unique mix of technical and strategic expertise, with a multi-disciplinary background spanning construction, civil and environmental engineering, chemistry, philosophy, and international affairs
- •I invest in deep-tech and high-impact ventures, specifically in advanced wellness technologies, clean food sourcing, space tech, robotics, and industrial technology
- •Strong intercultural/international mindset to identify global investment opportunities
Frontier
- •Dynamic and forward-thinking Digital Transformation & Corporate Innovation Expert with 7+ years of international experience across various sectors
- •Economist by profession, bringing curiosity, analytical and strategic foundation to business innovation and transformation initiatives
- •Hands on experience working closely with startups fostering collaboration, sperimentation, and impact to the innovation ecosystem
- •Passionate about building bridges between corporates, startups, and emerging technologies to create sustainable innovation and long term value
Frontier
Frontier
Frontier
- •Toni brings 20 years experience including on founding startup teams
- •Experience in fundraising, investing, family offices
- •Passionate about building relationships, connecting dots and accelerating momentum
- •Broad industry experience including leading cross-functional and multidisciplinary team
- •Background in governance, startups, NGO’s, advocacy/policy and corporate partnerships
Frontier
- •I am a Venture Capital and Business Development executive with a track record in scaling startups, deep tech, and industrial innovation globally
- •I bring a unique mix of traditional VC (VU Venture Partners, Kleiner Perkins), Corporate VC (Hyundai, Enplas, Siemens, BMW), and startup leadership – with a strong focus on Deep Tech
- •Invested $100M+ across 45+ startups (AI, Robotics, Semiconductors, Materials, Mobility, Energy, Climate, Space, Life Sciences), with 6 exits, 9 unicorns, and served on 12+ Boards
- •Led Hyundai’s strategic investments, achieving 4.2 TVPI, 1.0 DPI (top 6% of 2020 vintage)
Frontier
- •Former Professional Athlete with the same resilient mindset, who wants to change the world and win
- •Founding member of a US accelerator’s European arm; oversaw cohort launch and initial funding rounds
- •Currently building an innovation consultancy specialized in financial engineering. We identify the optimal funding solution for projects by structuring a mix of private equity, debt financing, and national and European grants. To date, we have successfully deployed over €10M in grant capital
Generalist
9 membersGeneralist
Sarah Wang
- •Researched technology — PhD in Applied Science, MS in Computer Science
- •Built technology — Product GTM Lead at Morningstar
- •Invested in technology — Alternative Investments at Macquarie and Ninepoint Partners
Generalist
Anastasia Filippova
- •15+ years of experience in technology, innovation, venture capital, and startup ecosystem development
- •Deputy Director for Investments at IT Park Ventures, focused on venture investments, portfolio growth, and international partnerships
- •Experienced in supporting startups from idea to scale through incubation, acceleration, mentorship, and venture funding
- •Passionate about building bridges between founders, investors, and innovation ecosystems across emerging markets
Generalist
Simran Jindal
- •CEO & Managing Director, Capgemini Denmark | Investor | Working at the intersection of technology, leadership, and trust
Generalist
- •15+ years of impactful work experience in management consulting and investment management sectors, working with both startups and mature firms
- •PhD in theoretical astrophysics, MBA in corporate finance and strategy
- •Holding various professional certificates in AI/data science and risk management
- •Passionate about the entire VC and VC-adjacent ecosystems
- •Former personal trainer, archerer, sprinter, ... a friend, a teammate, a colleague
Generalist
- •30+ years in capital markets and foreign exchange, holding Managing Director roles in FX corporate sales at PNC, BMO Capital Markets, and Citi
- •Angel investor and startup mentor through Island Sunset LLC, backing early-stage founders across diverse industries
- •Board Member of the North Texas Angel Network (NTAN), helping a group of accredited investors evaluate and support early-stage companies
- •Works hands-on with founders and their finance teams on treasury fundamentals, financial strategy, and cross-border currency exposure, helping companies secure competitive FX rates from day one
- •Career rooted in corporate audit and treasury at Sara Lee, Acco Brands, and PwC
Generalist
- •Founder, Builder, and operator with 15+ years of experience scaling technology companies across enterprise, startup, and venture-backed environments
- •Brings a rare operating edge across supply chain, manufacturing, procurement, NPI, and execution, helping founders turn ambitious ideas into scalable companies
- •M.Eng in Electrical and Electronic Engineering, with a specialization in neural networks and robotics
- •Startup builder and investor focused on exceptional founders, high-growth markets, and companies with category-defining potential
Generalist
- •Global Corporate executive in HR/People Operations with 15+ years consulting experience in various sectors including: enterprise, energy, media, and fintech
- •Strategist, entrepreneur investor and venture partner in enterprise and frontier ventures
- •On a mission to bring upgraded, reliable infrastructure and renewable energy to emerging markets in Africa
Generalist
- •Managing Partner of EMM Venture Capital (fund in formation), a €65M EuVECA-regulated fund providing European family offices with institutional access to Silicon Valley venture deals via a formal Venture Partner seat at VU Venture Partners
- •20+ years in financial advisory across private banking and HNWI wealth management, with deep expertise in risk-aware capital allocation, co-investments, and complex deal structuring across Europe
- •Active bridge between Silicon Valley deal flow and European LP capital — weekly IC seat at VU, direct co-investment rights, and a structure that eliminates US tax complexity for non-US investors
Generalist
- •4+ years experience working in Wealth Management leading teams to produce client centric outcomes for long term financial planning
- •Passionate about merging the gap in financial literacy in underserved communities and hosting workshops within the local community
- •Travel and Concert enthusiast
Healthcare
18 membersHealthcare
Alexandra Patera
- •Focuses on pattern recognition across complexity and systems thinking
Healthcare
Nizar Wehbi
- •Senior Health Administration Fellow at Rutgers University
- •Former North Dakota State Health Officer
- •Founder and CEO of Health Ventures Advisors, LLC
- •Expertise in clinical medicine, cancer research, genomics, and health systems strategic planning
Healthcare
Abdulakhad Kuchkarov
- •Deep background in ICT services scaling in emerging markets
Healthcare
Florian Krueger-Herbert
- •Healthcare executive with 15+ years of international experience
- •Uses the 'HERBS' framework to support startup growth and efficiency
Healthcare
Irina Poddubnaia
- •Professional athlete with a resilient mindset
- •Founding member of a US accelerator's European arm
- •Building an innovation consultancy focused on financial engineering
Healthcare
Fuyuan Wang
- •Master's in Quantitative Management from Duke University
- •Strong foundation in finance, data analytics, and investment research
Healthcare
John Gowan
- •Aerospace executive with a blend of investment experience and human spaceflight expertise
Healthcare
Ashwati Das-Stuart
Healthcare
Shruti Bussa
Healthcare
- •(Co-)Founded and successfully exited 3 profitable companies
- •25 years of experience in technology, healthcare, and product innovation
- •Experience spans from leading high-growth businesses, raising funds and overseeing M&As to enabling a $4 billion IPO
- •Passionate about languages and cultures. Understanding how others think is the key to every successful communication!
Healthcare
- •Seasoned Entrepreneurial Physician Executive (MD, MBA, MPH) dedicated to Biomedical Innovation, specialized in Innovative Medicines Development & Pharmaceutical Medicine
- •15 years’ in Global Pharma & Biotech leading medical/clinical execution, corporate/venture development strategy, fundraising, BD & L, and innovation in Life-Sciences with deep expertise in Generative AI and its applications in Drug Discovery & Development
- •Active Angel & Impact Investor focused on Life-sciences, Longevity, Healthtech, Deep tech and Biotech verticals. Co-Founder, Venture Builder & Advisor of multiple start-ups, incubators/accelerators, FOs & VCs, boutique M&A consultancy and investment banks
- •Passionate about powering the next-generation of breakthroughs by bridging science and capital to create a healthier, longer-living world through innovation and strategic investing
Healthcare
- •Head of Strategic Partnerships and Endowment for Venture University
- •20+ years of experience in Higher Education, Strategic Partnerships, Fundraising, Consulting
- •M.P.A. from Harvard Kennedy School and M.A. from The George Washington University
- •Ran a cupcake business out of my apartment in Tel Aviv for 2 years
Healthcare
Healthcare
- •PharmD and PhD in Additive Manufacturing (3D printing) for medical applications
- •7+ years of experience in research and consulting, supporting innovation creation and innovation funding across life sciences and deep tech
- •Polyglot: fluent in 4 languages (English, Spanish, French, and Romanian)
Healthcare
Healthcare
- •A decade in R&D turning biology into programs that shape next-generation medicine | PhD in immuno-oncology & advanced therapeutics from discovery to pipeline
- •Now building at the frontier of pre-revenue biotech & venture creation | co-leading 40 early-stage biopharma programs in a global incubator, turning raw science into capital-ready assets
- •Joining Accenture to rewire the infrastructure of biotech innovation | how life science R&D is built, scaled, and modernized
- •Here because the next breakthrough is already in a lab | the question is who turns it into capital, companies, and impact
Healthcare
- •Venture & Strategic Partner at Venture University and active participant in the Boston startup and venture ecosystem
- •Dual background in Molecular Biology and Finance, bringing experience across science, technology, entrepreneurship, and investing
- •Founder of TopContenders Network and organizer of founder-investor programs focused on AI, healthcare, biotech, and deep tech
- •Experienced in startup evaluation, ecosystem building, and connecting founders with investors, advisors, and strategic partners
- •Passionate about identifying breakthrough technologies and helping teams navigate commercialization, fundraising, and growth
Industrials
4 membersIndustrials
Bogdana Marinova
- •10+ years experience in the water sector
- •Climate tech operator, hydraulic engineer & corporate water stewardship advisor
Industrials
Alessia Segalini
- •Sustainability consultant turned aspiring investor, with 7+ years advising on strategy, decarbonization, and ESG transformation
- •Passionate about backing climate and impact-driven startups that sit at the intersection of profitability and positive change
- •Bringing a structured, consulting-driven mindset to market analysis, investment theses, and founder evaluation
- •Known for being proactive, curious, and intentional about building meaningful networks and opportunities
Industrials
Shamil Ibragimov
- •+20 years in public policy for innovations
- •Experienced executive in international development and philanthropy
- •Passionate about EduTech, ClimateTech and all sorts of innovation
- •Responsible investor
Industrials
Craig Powell
- •Deep-tech and industrial investor, looking for audacious founders solving problems related to energy, mobility, transportation, materials, physical intelligence and agriculture
55
Cohort 55: Fall 2026
56
Cohort 56: Winter 2027
Fintech
2 membersFintech
Bivas Nath Pant
- •3+ years experience analyzing data in AI, Fintech, Capital Markets, and Accounting
- •Aspiring VC Analyst/Associate with the aim to build VC space in Nepal
Fintech
Nebojsa Milosevic
- •Partner at Tomas Schwarz Capital, leading direct investments, co-investments, and capital structuring across Europe
- •20+ years of experience in financial advisory, with a background in retail and private banking, supporting HNWIs in developing long-term investment strategies
Healthcare
1 memberHealthcare
Maya Campbell
- •Investor in Healthcare and Deep Tech; presented at IC and led due diligences for Space, AI, biotech, and diagnostic startups
- •4+ years of consulting experience supporting startups and SMBs across strategy, marketing, and operations
- •Real estate investor and operator across multiple units; strong financial and operational execution
- •Senior Scout for 18+ VC funds including LvlUp and Deal Partner at Ganas Ventures
57
Cohort 57: Spring 2027
58
Cohort 58: Summer 2027
59