50+ VU COHORTS 1,000+ VU COHORT MEMBERS
Meet the investors, founders, and operators who have joined Venture University's Investor Accelerator Program across our global cohorts.
VU Cohorts: 2026
Cohort 55: Q4 2026 (West Cohort)
Aerospace, Defense, & SpaceTech
7 members
- •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
- •Aerospace executive with a unique blend of 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 in Mission Control
- •Private equity real estate investor and licensed Investment Banker
- •Former board member and Director of Development for a non-profit supporting survivors of human trafficking
- •9+ years experience Award-Winning Founder at VNCCII -VNCCII is an internationally trademarked brand, multi-media platform, award-winning production studio and architect of a Science Futures Franchise world-building project. Best-Selling Author — 'VNCCII: The Awakening of a Divine Warrior' to be preserved on the Moon as part of NASA's Astrobotic Griffin-1 Lander Mission (first ever Galactic Library Preservation for Humanity)
- •Space Diplomacy Envoy at the Garibay Institute — the world's leading independent, nonpartisan research institute pioneering the scholarship, soft power, and practice of twenty-first-century diplomacy
- •Advisor at Earth300 — the world's most advanced nuclear-powered ship dedicated to sustainability science. GEN Space Advisory Board Member at the Global Entrepreneurship Network
Fintech
3 members
- •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
Frontier: AI, Robotics, Materials, & Advanced Computing
11 members
- •Possess a rare hybrid background that combines technical understanding of AI/ML with deep, practical domain expertise in FinTech and regulated sectors like enterprise. This enables me to identify founders who are not just building novel technology, but solving fundamental, high-value problems with a clear path to commercialization
- •Invest with a research-driven, first-principles lens, focusing on sustainable business models and long-term defensibility over short-term trends. My approach is to build conviction in complex fields by deconstructing technologies and markets to their core drivers, which is critical for sourcing and evaluating opportunities in Enterprise Software and Climate Tech
- •Demonstrate a high-risk tolerance and strategic patience aligned with the long development cycles of frontier innovations. I am adept at navigating uncertainty and supporting founders through the unique challenges of building in Deep Tech and other capital-intensive, thesis-driven sectors
- •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
- •Hi, I'm Irina. I back physical AI and robotics, the machines and smart systems that do real work in the real world. As GP of Physical AI Europe Fund I, I write first checks for early European teams building it, predominantly in CEE. I also help run CoreX, where we build the sovereign AI GPU compute in Bulgaria. Operator first, quick to decide, and always hunting for sharp founders and co-investors to build with.
- •Portfolio manager of public equity in technology companies for five years
- •An electrical engineer by training, with 25 years of industry experience in advanced networking, telco, and CPU chip design and engineering management at Oracle and venture backed startups
- •Accredited investor in VU's Syndicate
- •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)
Generalist
10 members
- •Founder & Managing Director of TechLAB Innovation Center, helping early- and growth-stage technology companies commercialize innovation, scale operations, and raise capital through a global entrepreneurship ecosystem
- •15+ years leading technology commercialization, venture strategy, and deep tech innovation across software, hardware, AI, and next-generation computing
- •Serial entrepreneur and early-stage investor/advisor
- •Extensive experience building startups from R&D through commercialization, including venture formation, strategic partnerships, licensing, corporate innovation, and M&A
- •Global network of founders, investors, and operators across 20+ countries, providing differentiated access to founders, deal flow, and strategic partnerships
- •Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship who has taught 1,500+ students and frequent international speaker on innovation, venture capital, and technology commercialization
- •MBA in International Business and B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering
Healthcare: BioTech, Digital Health, Pharma, Medical Devices, & Longevity
16 members
- •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
- •Senior Health Administration Fellow, Rutgers University
- •Former North Dakota State Health Officer
- •Founder and CEO, Health Ventures Advisors, LLC
- •Visionary Public Health Leader; Strategic Communicator; Eternal Optimist; Startups Advisor; Angel Investor; VC Venture Partner
- •Expertise in Clinical Medicine, Cancer Research, Genomics and Proteomics, Health Systems Strategic Planning, Public Health, Population Health Management, State Government, and Startups Advising
- •I am passionate about building strong relationships with startups to help founders strategize and scale their companies. Fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in Healthcare is how we disrupt the healthcare system and improve people's lives
- •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
Industrial, Proptech, & Climate
4 members
- •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
Cohort 54: Q3 2026 (West Cohort)
Frontier Team
17 members
- •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
- •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
- •Possess a rare hybrid background that combines technical understanding of AI/ML with deep, practical domain expertise in FinTech and regulated sectors like enterprise. This enables me to identify founders who are not just building novel technology, but solving fundamental, high-value problems with a clear path to commercialization
- •Invest with a research-driven, first-principles lens, focusing on sustainable business models and long-term defensibility over short-term trends. My approach is to build conviction in complex fields by deconstructing technologies and markets to their core drivers, which is critical for sourcing and evaluating opportunities in Enterprise Software and Climate Tech
- •Demonstrate a high-risk tolerance and strategic patience aligned with the long development cycles of frontier innovations. I am adept at navigating uncertainty and supporting founders through the unique challenges of building in Deep Tech and other capital-intensive, thesis-driven sectors
- •Aerospace engineer by training, with experience leading cross-disciplinary teams contributing to flagship endeavors at NASA
- •Tech investor and mentor, excited to expand impact by helping scale frontier technology startups in particular
- •Former internationally ranked Karateka representing Australia, now inspiring my tiny warriors to continue on the path self-discovery, discipline and focus that martial arts teaches
- •Aerospace executive with a unique blend of 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 in Mission Control
- •Private equity real estate investor and licensed Investment Banker
- •Former board member and Director of Development for a non-profit supporting survivors of human trafficking
- •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
- •Triple Master Graduate: Earned a Master of Science in Management from Ludwig Maximilian University (Munich), a Diplôme Grand École from SKEMA Business School (Paris), and an MBA from Loyola University (New Orleans)
- •Multifaceted understanding of international markets, mergers and acquisitions, financial analysis, and strategic management
- •Passionate about innovation and startups
- •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
- •Hi, I'm Irina. I back physical AI and robotics, the machines and smart systems that do real work in the real world. As GP of Physical AI Europe Fund I, I write first checks for early European teams building it, predominantly in CEE. I also help run CoreX, where we build the sovereign AI GPU compute in Bulgaria. Operator first, quick to decide, and always hunting for sharp founders and co-investors to build with.
- •9+ years experience Award-Winning Founder at VNCCII -VNCCII is an internationally trademarked brand, multi-media platform, award-winning production studio and architect of a Science Futures Franchise world-building project. Best-Selling Author — 'VNCCII: The Awakening of a Divine Warrior' to be preserved on the Moon as part of NASA's Astrobotic Griffin-1 Lander Mission (first ever Galactic Library Preservation for Humanity)
- •Space Diplomacy Envoy at the Garibay Institute — the world's leading independent, nonpartisan research institute pioneering the scholarship, soft power, and practice of twenty-first-century diplomacy
- •Advisor at Earth300 — the world's most advanced nuclear-powered ship dedicated to sustainability science. GEN Space Advisory Board Member at the Global Entrepreneurship Network
- •I recently completed a Master’s in Quantitative Management at Duke University, with a strong foundation in finance, data analytics, and investment research
- •I built hands-on investing experience across strategic investment, equity research, audit, and consulting, with exposure to sectors including AI, robotics, consumer, fintech, and new energy infrastructure
- •Plus, I'm passionate about combining fundamental investment analysis with data-driven tools, including Python-based factor modeling, market sizing, and competitive analysis
- •Portfolio manager of public equity in technology companies for five years
- •An electrical engineer by training, with 25 years of industry experience in advanced networking, telco, and CPU chip design and engineering management at Oracle and venture backed startups
- •Accredited investor in VU's Syndicate
- •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)
Generalist Team
10 members
- •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
- •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
- •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
- •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
- •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
- •Founder & Managing Director of TechLAB Innovation Center, helping early- and growth-stage technology companies commercialize innovation, scale operations, and raise capital through a global entrepreneurship ecosystem
- •15+ years leading technology commercialization, venture strategy, and deep tech innovation across software, hardware, AI, and next-generation computing
- •Serial entrepreneur and early-stage investor/advisor
- •Extensive experience building startups from R&D through commercialization, including venture formation, strategic partnerships, licensing, corporate innovation, and M&A
- •Global network of founders, investors, and operators across 20+ countries, providing differentiated access to founders, deal flow, and strategic partnerships
- •Visiting Professor of Entrepreneurship who has taught 1,500+ students and frequent international speaker on innovation, venture capital, and technology commercialization
- •MBA in International Business and B.S. in Aeronautical Engineering
- •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
- •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 Team
13 members
- •(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!
- •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)
- •About Me: The HERBS Formula I’m a healthcare executive with 15+ years of international experience across HealthTech, corporate transformations, and business growth. Over the years, I’ve built my personal success framework - HERBS - which also reflects the way I support startups: H - Healthcare Executive: 16+ years of leadership experience across HealthTech in South Africa, the Middle East, Germany, Singapore, and the US. E - Efficiency: I drive efficiency in corporate transformation projects and help startups master fast execution. R - Resilience: Like herbs, I grow under all kinds of conditions. From global markets to challenging environments, resilience has always been my growth driver. B - Be Bold: My life motto: make the impossible possible. S - Strong Network: I connect people, ideas, and opportunities, building bridges that fuel sustainable growth. Why herbs? Because herbs start small, unfold great impact, and grow back again and again - just like the startups I help to flourish.
- •In 2017, Uzbekistan exported $0.6M in ICT services. By 2025, that number was $1.2 billion. A 2,667× increase. I was there for every step of it
- •Over 7 years at IT Park Uzbekistan — from Startup Director to CEO — We built the institution, shaped the policy, and opened the international doors that made this transformation possible
- •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
- •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
- •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
- •Pattern recognition across complexity — that's my edge. I find the strategic thread that connects seemingly unrelated ideas, fields, and people
- •Systems thinking isn't a methodology for me. It's how I'm wired
- •Intellectual curiosity is my operating system. I learn from everyone — and that's deliberate
- •I care to bring out the talent in the room. Particularly the less obvious kind that doesn't draw all the attention
- •Senior Health Administration Fellow, Rutgers University
- •Former North Dakota State Health Officer
- •Founder and CEO, Health Ventures Advisors, LLC
- •Visionary Public Health Leader; Strategic Communicator; Eternal Optimist; Startups Advisor; Angel Investor; VC Venture Partner
- •Expertise in Clinical Medicine, Cancer Research, Genomics and Proteomics, Health Systems Strategic Planning, Public Health, Population Health Management, State Government, and Startups Advising
- •I am passionate about building strong relationships with startups to help founders strategize and scale their companies. Fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in Healthcare is how we disrupt the healthcare system and improve people's lives
- •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 Team
4 members
- •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
Cohort 53: Q2 2026 (West Cohort)
ClimateTech Team
6 members
- •Vice President at a sovereign wealth fund with a proven track record managing dual-tranche infrastructure investments, cross-border joint ventures, and capital mobilization alongside global sovereign and multilateral development institutions
- •Former Managing Director and CEO of a leading investment firm, bringing rare end-to-end transactional, operational, and fiduciary expertise to early and growth-stage investments
- •Actively designing and deploying next-generation platforms aimed at democratizing access to capital in emerging economies
- •Focused on institutional syndications, frontier market infrastructure, public-private partnerships, and sovereign AI governance
- •Physics graduate with academic and professional development footprints across Africa, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East
- •Proven Doer : 8+ years in corporate sustainability, delivering and scaling circularity and decarbonization programs across manufacturing and supply chains in pharma and consumer healthcare
- •Active Contributor: Founder of an online community, author of a monthly newsletter and keynote speaker on corporate sustainability, climate tech, and climate careers
- •Impact-Driven Approach: Motivated by curiosity and discipline, combining technical expertise, business acumen and collaborative leadership
- •'Third culture kid': lived in 5 countries, trilingual in Italian, English and French
- •Founding team member of Office 365, Prime Video global recommendations, and the all-digital telco Visible — building platforms used by billions
- •Deep AI and platform experience, from last 15+ years
- •Global operator and builder — scaled engineering and product teams in US, Europe, MENA, and APAC; launched products in 180+ countries
- •Founder of Be Human Capital, investing in 12+ startups across Africa, New Zealand, UAE, and the US, with a passion for creating meaningful tech and resilient leadership
Consumer Team
5 members
- •Expertise is driving innovation and value creation within the global sports, media, and entertainment ecosystem
- •Previously led strategy, growth, and venture initiatives for the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)
- •In this role, served as an advisor to current and former NBA players on collective economic and business growth opportunities
- •10 years at Deloitte as a management consultant providing financial and strategic advisory to the firm’s largest clients across a wide range of industries while helping them navigate and execute complex global transactions
- •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
Enterprise Team
5 members
- •Sourcing and structuring mining and resource-backed investment opportunities across Nigeria and Africa, bridging local asset owners with global capital
- •Background in mining engineering with a strong focus on evaluating project viability, risk, and long-term value creation
- •Over 10 years of entrepreneurial experience across logistics, B2B, and entertainment, bringing operational insight into deal sourcing and execution
- •Exploring technology platforms that digitize commodities trading, optimize mining operations, and enable resource-backed financial ecosystems
- •Founder of LEA, an AI-native presentation intelligence platform, co-designed with top-tier consultancy partners and developed through 60+ structured experiments with ML/AI researchers
- •Former strategy consultant at Roland Berger, contributing to ~20–30 strategy projects and ~15+ commercial due diligences across multiple industries
- •Built and scaled a strategy consulting collective (40+ ex-MBB and top-tier freelance consultants); Ammerlaan Consulting delivered 25+ projects in 2025 for PE and C-level clients
- •Angel investor in early-stage startups, actively deploying personal capital and supporting founders
- •20+ years leading elite U.S. Army Special Forces teams, driving high-stakes operations and strategic initiatives in complex global environments
- •Former executive team member at a B2B SaaS startup, helping scale an AI-powered risk intelligence platform and close new enterprise contracts
- •Proven builder of high-performance teams, scaled a cross-functional innovation unit from 10 to 48 specialists across cyber, robotics, and aerospace
- •NYU Stern MBA, Defense Tech Angel Investor
Fintech Team
3 membersVarsha Khatri
- •Partner at Tomas Schwarz Capital, leading direct investments, co-investments, and complex capital structuring across Europe; hands-on lead investor in high-growth ventures such as SKYTRADERS and Vegvisir
- •20+ years of experience in financial advisory across retail and private banking, with a strong track record supporting HNWIs in building long-term, risk-aware investment strategies
- •Proven bridge-builder between founders and capital, connecting deep-tech and frontier-tech companies with institutional investors and strategic partners
- •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 Team
13 members
- •Possess a rare hybrid background that combines technical understanding of AI/ML with deep, practical domain expertise in FinTech and regulated sectors like enterprise. This enables me to identify founders who are not just building novel technology, but solving fundamental, high-value problems with a clear path to commercialization
- •Invest with a research-driven, first-principles lens, focusing on sustainable business models and long-term defensibility over short-term trends. My approach is to build conviction in complex fields by deconstructing technologies and markets to their core drivers, which is critical for sourcing and evaluating opportunities in Enterprise Software and Climate Tech
- •Demonstrate a high-risk tolerance and strategic patience aligned with the long development cycles of frontier innovations. I am adept at navigating uncertainty and supporting founders through the unique challenges of building in Deep Tech and other capital-intensive, thesis-driven sectors
- •Aerospace engineer by training, with experience leading cross-disciplinary teams contributing to flagship endeavors at NASA
- •Tech investor and mentor, excited to expand impact by helping scale frontier technology startups in particular
- •Former internationally ranked Karateka representing Australia, now inspiring my tiny warriors to continue on the path self-discovery, discipline and focus that martial arts teaches
- •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
- •Triple Master Graduate: Earned a Master of Science in Management from Ludwig Maximilian University (Munich), a Diplôme Grand École from SKEMA Business School (Paris), and an MBA from Loyola University (New Orleans)
- •Multifaceted understanding of international markets, mergers and acquisitions, financial analysis, and strategic management
- •Passionate about innovation and startups
- •Applied Finance graduate aspiring to build a career in Venture Capital
- •AI startup co-founder driven by early-stage building and scalable innovation
- •Believe in investing in people, conviction, and long-term value over ideas alone
- •A video game nerd, avid reader, and sports enthusiast who thrives on strategy and competition
- •Pattern recognition across complexity — that's my edge. I find the strategic thread that connects seemingly unrelated ideas, fields, and people
- •Systems thinking isn't a methodology for me. It's how I'm wired
- •Intellectual curiosity is my operating system. I learn from everyone — and that's deliberate
- •I care to bring out the talent in the room. Particularly the less obvious kind that doesn't draw all the attention
Daniil Tarasenco
- •Award-winning Founder at VNCCII (https://www.vncciimedia.com/) and architect of the Galacta.i.ssance Movement (https://www.galactaissance.world/)
- •Space Diplomacy Envoy at Garibay Institute (https://www.garibayinstitute.com/)
- •Debut science fiction book 'VNCCII: The Awakening of a Divine Warrior' will be sent to the Moon in July 2026 and preserved on the lunar surface for a million years as part of the Galactic Library Preservation for Humanity
- •Abundance 360 Women's Ascend and Scholar Program
- •Global Startup Expertise: Supported and empowered 5+ startups on fundraising and GTM from top Accelerators like Techstars, Alchemist & Google for Startup
- •Strategic Venture Specialist: Evaluated 100+ startups for investment opportunities
- •Dynamic Community Builder: Co-founded Bay Bridge Investment Club while studying in SF, organized an event at Plug and Play in Sunnyvale for AdsGency AI (Techstars '23), connected with the investment community from emerging VCs to Scout from Top Tier funds like Sequoia and Andreessen Horowitz
- •Portfolio manager of public equity in technology companies for five years
- •An electrical engineer by training, with 25 years of industry experience in advanced networking, telco, and CPU chip design and engineering management at Oracle and venture backed startups
- •Accredited investor in VU's Syndicate
Growth & Secondaries
6 members- •Aerospace executive with a unique blend of 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 in Mission Control
- •Private equity real estate investor and licensed Investment Banker
- •Former board member and Director of Development for a non-profit supporting survivors of human trafficking
- •From scientific research to venture investing, supporting founders solving real-world challenges
- •20+ years of experience in research, product innovation, entrepreneurship, and venture investing
- •PhD in Materials Chemistry and conducted postdoctoral research at Stanford University and Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, working with leading scientists including Nobel Prize nominees
- •She contributed to the development of advanced sensor materials, electrolytes, and catalysts for fuel cells and batteries, and was part of the management team of a chemical sensor startup through acquisition, leading patent and product development
- •Founder of Science Nature Labs!, committed to empowering women and underrepresented founders while supporting sustainable innovation
- •Seasoned entrepreneur with a deep passion for technology and business
- •15+ years of experience in marketing, operations and business development
- •Angel investor in early stage companies in ai, robotics, enterprise, and crypto industries
- •Advisor and mentor for early stage startups on GTM execution and growth strategies
- •Seasoned Investor with extensive experience in Capital Markets, Wealth Management, and Portfolio Management with CAIA and CFA Designations
- •Strategic Partner – VU HUB Nevada and active Angel Investor, focused on supporting innovative startups and fostering entrepreneurial growth through mentorship and strategic investments
- •Passionate about Fine Dining and Travel, as well as a lover of Trance music and Poker, embracing creativity and strategy both personally and professionally
- •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)
Healthcare Team
14 members
- •Founding Partner of MEHR, a transatlantic Healthcare+ fund, and Venture Partner at VU Venture Partners, combining global investing experience with deep healthcare domain expertise
- •Managing Pharmacist and business owner who operated a turnaround company, assuming full management and liability of struggling pharmacies and delivering successful, high-pressure “Kitchen Nightmares”-style turnarounds
- •Early- and growth-stage investor combining clinical-grade diligence with cross-border access, backing visionary founders through robust, multi-channel deal flow
- •Founding Partner at MEHR (transatlantic Healthcare+ fund) and Venture Partner at VU Venture Partners, uniting global investing experience with deep healthcare expertise
- •PharmD with clinical expertise and former Collaborating Expert at the European Medicines Agency (EMA)
- •Managing Pharmacist & business owner who ran a turnaround company, taking full management and liability of struggling pharmacies and delivering high-pressure, “Kitchen Nightmares”-style recoveries
- •Investing in early-stage healthcare ventures by leveraging deep sector expertise and an expanding global network, with access to high-quality deal flow across multiple channels
- •Battle-Tested-Operator with a Successful Exit: I don’t just evaluate term sheets; I’ve lived them. Having successfully helped to scale and sell a startup to a leading credit scoring company, I offer founders a rare empathetic partnership backed by the "scar tissue" of a real-world exit
- •Dually-Qualified Legal Strategist: With 15+ years in tech and being called to the bars of Germany and England & Wales, I navigate the complexities of cross-border funding and regulatory hurdles with surgical precision
- •Institutional Rigor & Venture Agility: As a CFA charterholder and Kellogg MBA with Private Equity experience, I bring a level of financial sophistication and due diligence to the seed-to-growth stage that is often missing in early-stage investing
- •Strategic Architect of SEA & European FinTech: My roots in the SEA & European tech ecosystem, combined with my experience negotiating funding rounds from both sides of the table, allow me to identify proprietary deal flow and help to engineer exits in highly regulated environments
- •Anna Erat (MD/PhD) studied medicine and conducted research at Harvard and Zurich medical schools followed by courses at Harvard Business School and INSEAD, where she graduated from the International Director’s Program
- •Clinically, she is specialized in internal, longevity and sports medicine. She also holds a PhD in epidemiology and health systems management
- •Apart from having been the first female medical director in history at Hirslanden Klinik, she is a health advisor for Forbes, a board member in selected health-tech companies, mentors at the ETH, and is faculty at University of St. Gallen Executive School
- •15+ years experience as founder and growing startups from an idea all the way to an exit
- •Passionate about languages and cultures (speak 5 languages and was lucky to live on 3 continents/4 countries). Understanding how others think is the basic of every successful communication!
- •My family is my fort and I am thankful and proud to be their fort
- •Early-stage venture capital investor focused on life sciences, diagnostics, and techbio, with experience leading investments from sourcing to closing
- •Background in biochemistry (LMU Munich) with international exposure at Imperial College London, combining scientific depth with investment perspective
- •Operative experience in a techbio startup as well as in life science company building and non-dilutive funding strategy
- •Actively supporting portfolio companies across strategy, operations, and fundraising, with a strong interest in building innovation ecosystems
- •About Me: The HERBS Formula I’m a healthcare executive with 15+ years of international experience across HealthTech, corporate transformations, and business growth. Over the years, I’ve built my personal success framework - HERBS - which also reflects the way I support startups: H - Healthcare Executive: 16+ years of leadership experience across HealthTech in South Africa, the Middle East, Germany, Singapore, and the US. E - Efficiency: I drive efficiency in corporate transformation projects and help startups master fast execution. R - Resilience: Like herbs, I grow under all kinds of conditions. From global markets to challenging environments, resilience has always been my growth driver. B - Be Bold: My life motto: make the impossible possible. S - Strong Network: I connect people, ideas, and opportunities, building bridges that fuel sustainable growth. Why herbs? Because herbs start small, unfold great impact, and grow back again and again - just like the startups I help to flourish.
- •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
- •Systems pharmacologist and bioanalytical lead with 10+ years of experience in academic and private settings
- •Interested in novel platforms for accelerated drug discovery, systems pharmacology and diagnostics
- •I have led cross-disciplinary teams in high-impact partnerships within industry and academic institutions
- •Senior Health Administration Fellow, Rutgers University
- •Former North Dakota State Health Officer
- •Founder and CEO, Health Ventures Advisors, LLC
- •Visionary Public Health Leader; Strategic Communicator; Eternal Optimist; Startups Advisor; Angel Investor; VC Venture Partner
- •Expertise in Clinical Medicine, Cancer Research, Genomics and Proteomics, Health Systems Strategic Planning, Public Health, Population Health Management, State Government, and Startups Advising
- •I am passionate about building strong relationships with startups to help founders strategize and scale their companies. Fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in Healthcare is how we disrupt the healthcare system and improve people's lives
Cohort 52: Q1 2026 (West Cohort)
ClimateTech Team
7 members
- •Attorney with 15 years’ experience in commercial transactions including 11+ years in Entertainment Business & Legal Affairs at one of Hollywood’s top grossing major studios and a leading multinational production company
- •Experienced in the launching and building of multiple successful startup studios/divisions producing top tier content across Film, Television, Animation, and Videogames / Interactive
- •Continually seeking to transform practices and evolve industries in which I work
- •6+ years of experience in corporate sustainability transformation, helping organizations embed positive change
- •3+ years as founder of an employee engagement app, focused on driving participation and impact
- •Passionate about collaboration and building a better, more sustainable future together
- •Enjoy playing football and spending time in the mountains
- •Proven Doer : 8+ years in corporate sustainability, delivering and scaling circularity and decarbonization programs across manufacturing and supply chains in pharma and consumer healthcare
- •Active Contributor: Founder of an online community, author of a monthly newsletter and keynote speaker on corporate sustainability, climate tech, and climate careers
- •Impact-Driven Approach: Motivated by curiosity and discipline, combining technical expertise, business acumen and collaborative leadership
- •'Third culture kid': lived in 5 countries, trilingual in Italian, English and French
- •Founding team member of Office 365, Prime Video global recommendations, and the all-digital telco Visible — building platforms used by billions
- •Deep AI and platform experience, from last 15+ years
- •Global operator and builder — scaled engineering and product teams in US, Europe, MENA, and APAC; launched products in 180+ countries
- •Founder of Be Human Capital, investing in 12+ startups across Africa, New Zealand, UAE, and the US, with a passion for creating meaningful tech and resilient leadership
Consumer Team
4 members
- •Expertise is driving innovation and value creation within the global sports, media, and entertainment ecosystem
- •Previously led strategy, growth, and venture initiatives for the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA)
- •In this role, served as an advisor to current and former NBA players on collective economic and business growth opportunities
- •10 years at Deloitte as a management consultant providing financial and strategic advisory to the firm’s largest clients across a wide range of industries while helping them navigate and execute complex global transactions
Enterprise Team
4 members
Simran Jindal
- •Seasoned entrepreneur with a deep passion for technology and business
- •15+ years of experience in marketing, operations and business development
- •Angel investor in early stage companies in ai, robotics, enterprise, and crypto industries
- •Advisor and mentor for early stage startups on GTM execution and growth strategies
- •Experienced investor & enterprise builder — deep-tech, dual-use/defense, and venture platforms; architecting systems that turn insight into durable, compounding value across funds, education, and operating companies
- •Seasoned educator, technologist, and operator — PhD engineer, former senior DoD leader, and professor with a track record of leading complex institutions and making capital, innovation, and decision-making legible to others
- •Angel & VC investor with conviction — backing exceptional founders, infrastructure-grade businesses, defensible moats, and outcomes that generate strong returns while expanding access, agency, and ownership
- •Senior Health Administration Fellow, Rutgers University
- •Former North Dakota State Health Officer
- •Founder and CEO, Health Ventures Advisors, LLC
- •Visionary Public Health Leader; Strategic Communicator; Eternal Optimist; Startups Advisor; Angel Investor; VC Venture Partner
- •Expertise in Clinical Medicine, Cancer Research, Genomics and Proteomics, Health Systems Strategic Planning, Public Health, Population Health Management, State Government, and Startups Advising
- •I am passionate about building strong relationships with startups to help founders strategize and scale their companies. Fostering a culture of innovation and collaboration in Healthcare is how we disrupt the healthcare system and improve peoples lives
Fintech Team
4 members
- •Seasoned Finance and Investment Professional with over six years of experience advancing impactful projects across African markets. I specialize in high-impact investment evaluation, financial modeling, and the structuring of large-scale PPP projects across multiple sectors. My background spans impact investing, strategic advisory, and stakeholder engagement, with a proven track record of delivering rigorous financial analyses and innovative partnership models for governments, institutions, and startups. Cofounder and shareholder of Kiende Research Labs LLP, an AI legal-tech startup, and Non-Executive Board Member of CALP (Congolese Adviser in Business Law and PPP), a leading advisory firm shaping business law and infrastructure development across Africa. Recognized as a strategic thinker and ethical leader, I combine analytical expertise with cross-cultural fluency and a deep commitment to sustainable progress and economic inclusion. Fluent in French, English, Lingala, and Kikongo, with working proficiency in Swahili and Portuguese, enabling me to navigate complex, multilingual environments and engage effectively with diverse stakeholders. I thrive in fast-paced, impact-driven settings that demand both vision and execution
- •Possess a rare hybrid background that combines technical understanding of AI/ML with deep, practical domain expertise in FinTech and regulated sectors like enterprise. This enables me to identify founders who are not just building novel technology, but solving fundamental, high-value problems with a clear path to commercialization
- •Invest with a research-driven, first-principles lens, focusing on sustainable business models and long-term defensibility over short-term trends. My approach is to build conviction in complex fields by deconstructing technologies and markets to their core drivers, which is critical for sourcing and evaluating opportunities in Enterprise Software and Climate Tech
- •Demonstrate a high-risk tolerance and strategic patience aligned with the long development cycles of frontier innovations. I am adept at navigating uncertainty and supporting founders through the unique challenges of building in Deep Tech and other capital-intensive, thesis-driven sectors
- •Partner at Tomas Schwarz Capital, leading direct investments, co-investments, and complex capital structuring across Europe; hands-on lead investor in high-growth ventures such as SKYTRADERS and Vegvisir
- •20+ years of experience in financial advisory across retail and private banking, with a strong track record supporting HNWIs in building long-term, risk-aware investment strategies
- •Proven bridge-builder between founders and capital, connecting deep-tech and frontier-tech companies with institutional investors and strategic partners
Frontier Team
16 members
- •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
- •+10 years experience across construction, civil engineering, urban planning, and energy, having overseen $1B+ in projects and managed multi-million-dollar developments in residential, civil, and commercial sectors
- •Driven by a passion to reshape entire industries and make global impact, I love to collaborate and support amazing founders in their journey to innovate
- •Multi-disciplinary, curious, with an international outlook, I am dedicated to support amazing ideas and people
- •Aerospace engineer by training, with experience leading cross-disciplinary teams contributing to flagship endeavors at NASA
- •Tech investor and mentor, excited to expand impact by helping scale frontier technology startups in particular
- •Former internationally ranked Karateka representing Australia, now inspiring my tiny warriors to continue on the path self-discovery, discipline and focus that martial arts teaches
- •Aerospace executive with a unique blend of 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 in Mission Control
- •Former Registered Investment Advisor and private equity real estate investor
- •Former board member and Director of Development for a non-profit supporting survivors of human trafficking
- •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
- •3+ years of strategy consulting, focused on scaling startups in high-impact sectors
- •Investment experience across early, growth, and late stages
- •Passionate about backing outlier founders building transformational companies
- •Committed to driving scale through sharp strategy and thoughtful capital
- •Triple Master Graduate: Earned a Master of Science in Management from Ludwig Maximilian University (Munich), a Diplôme Grand École from SKEMA Business School (Paris), and an MBA from Loyola University (New Orleans)
- •Multifaceted understanding of international markets, mergers and acquisitions, financial analysis, and strategic management
- •Passionate about innovation and startups
- •Applied Finance graduate aspiring to build a career in Venture Capital
- •AI startup co-founder driven by early-stage building and scalable innovation
- •Believe in investing in people, conviction, and long-term value over ideas alone
- •A video game nerd, avid reader, and sports enthusiast who thrives on strategy and competition
- •Global Strategic supply chain and program leader with 11+ years of experience driving end‑to‑end transformations across pharma, medtech, consumer, and tech environments at Companies like J&J and ITC
- •Mechanical Engineering background with an MBA from IIT Kharagpur, India
- •Led Operations and Scaled multiple startups like zomato, upGrad, Medibuddy(Now Unicorns) based out of the Indian Silicon Valley, Bengaluru and Geneva, Switzerland
- •Entrepreneurial and always looking to help companies optimize and scale the right way
- •5+ years of experience across mergers & acquisitions, financial planning & analysis and wealth management, with exposure to sectors including software, cleantech, e-commerce and fast-moving consumer goods. Originated a $5M healthtech software acquisition in 2024 for a buy-and-hold enterprise software M&A firm in Toronto, Canada
- •Passionate about investing in the infrastructure of tomorrow. Interest areas include emerging innovations in DeepTech such as novel energy generation, storage & distribution, industrial automation, agentic AI, AR/VR, robotics, data processing, SpaceTech, and transportation
- •Lifelong student of human athletic performance, recovery, and longevity. Multi-sport connoisseur - primarily basketball, football, MMA, soccer and rugby
- •Global Startup Expertise: Supported and empowered 5+ startups on fundraising and GTM from top Accelerators like Techstars, Alchemist & Google for Startup
- •Strategic Venture Specialist: Evaluated 100+ startups for investment opportunities
- •Dynamic Community Builder: Co-founded Bay Bridge Investment Club while studying in SF, organized an event at Plug and Play in Sunnyvale for AdsGency AI (Techstars '23), connected with the investment community from emerging VCs to Scout from Top Tier funds like Sequoia and Andreessen Horowitz
- •4+ years managing a predominantly blue-chip public equity portfolio, with additional venture capital allocation to next-generation transformative technologies
- •25+ years in high-tech R&D, engineering and management roles, leading new product development across enterprise networking, servers, and telecom at Oracle and venture-backed startups
- •Lifelong learner driven by exploration, discovery, and continuous growth
- •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)
Healthcare Team
14 members
- •Founding Partner of MEHR, a transatlantic Healthcare+ fund, and Venture Partner at VU Venture Partners, combining global investing experience with deep healthcare domain expertise
- •Managing Pharmacist and business owner who operated a turnaround company, assuming full management and liability of struggling pharmacies and delivering successful, high-pressure “Kitchen Nightmares”-style turnarounds
- •Investor with clinical-grade diligence and cross-border access, backing visionary founders from robust, multi-channel dealflow
- •Founding Partner at MEHR (transatlantic Healthcare+ fund) and Venture Partner at VU Venture Partners, uniting global investing experience with deep healthcare expertise
- •PharmD with clinical expertise and former Collaborating Expert at the European Medicines Agency (EMA)
- •Managing Pharmacist & business owner who ran a turnaround company, taking full management and liability of struggling pharmacies and delivering high-pressure, “Kitchen Nightmares”-style recoveries
- •Investing in early-stage healthcare ventures by leveraging deep sector expertise and an expanding global network, with access to high-quality deal flow across multiple channels
- •Anna Erat (MD/PhD) studied medicine and conducted research at Harvard and Zurich medical schools followed by courses at Harvard Business School and INSEAD, where she graduated from the International Director’s Program
- •Clinically, she is specialized in internal, longevity and sports medicine. She also holds a PhD in epidemiology and health systems management
- •Apart from having been the first female medical director in history at Hirslanden Klinik, she is a health advisor for Forbes, a board member in selected health-tech companies, mentors at the ETH, and is faculty at University of St. Gallen Executive School
- •15+ years experience as founder and growing startups from an idea all the way to an exit
- •Passionate about languages and cultures (speak 5 languages and was lucky to live on 3 continents/4 countries). Understanding how others think is the basic of every successful communication!
- •My family is my fort and I am thankful and proud to be their fort
- •About Me: The HERBS Formula I’m a healthcare executive with 15+ years of international experience across HealthTech, corporate transformations, and business growth. Over the years, I’ve built my personal success framework - HERBS - which also reflects the way I support startups: H - Healthcare Executive: 16+ years of leadership experience across HealthTech in South Africa, the Middle East, Germany, Singapore, and the US. E - Efficiency: I drive efficiency in corporate transformation projects and help startups master fast execution. R - Resilience: Like herbs, I grow under all kinds of conditions. From global markets to challenging environments, resilience has always been my growth driver. B - Be Bold: My life motto: make the impossible possible. S - Strong Network: I connect people, ideas, and opportunities, building bridges that fuel sustainable growth. Why herbs? Because herbs start small, unfold great impact, and grow back again and again - just like the startups I help to flourish.
- •Maria brings a rare hybrid profile combining venture building, product leadership, and venture capital insight, with a strong focus on healthcare innovation
- •She operates at the intersection of technology, business, and regulated healthcare systems, turning complexity into scalable ventures
- •She specializes in taking early-stage ideas from concept to validation and growth
- •She bridges strategy and execution to build impactful, investor-ready companies
- •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; founder-focused and results-driven
- •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; source 100+ deals/month and support top founders globally
- •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
- •Systems pharmacologist and bioanalytical lead with 10+ years of experience in academic and private settings
- •Interested in novel platforms for accelerated drug discovery, systems pharmacology and diagnostics
- •I have led cross-disciplinary teams in high-impact partnerships within industry and academic institutions
- •Investor-operator working across venture capital, private equity, and private credit
- •Hands-on experience supporting investors, founders, and family offices on strategy, execution, and capital decisions
- •Experience working on cross-border opportunities between Europe and Asia
- •Focused on long-term value creation and building trusted working relationships
- •Pioneer in Pharma Digital Transformation: First-ever Pharma Chief Digital & AI Officer at Takeda, innovating how a global pharmaceutical leader leverages digital health, data, and AI for accelerated innovation
- •Transformative Leadership at Novartis: Led embedding AI, digital endpoints, and decentralized trial models in drug development, improving efficiency and success rates across more than 50 clinical trials
- •Serial Entrepreneur: Co-founded and scaled multiple start-ups such as Oshi Health, Emilie Scientific, and Gaido Health, leading them to successful exits and market leadership
- •Broad Industry Expertise: Rare end-to-end perspective spanning large pharma, biotech, venture capital, private equity, and disruptive start-ups, including advisory roles for billion-dollar portfolios
- •Committed Innovator and Mentor: Venture partner and board advisor focused on digital, AI, and technology strategy to build scalable, sustainable, and future-ready enterprises, mentoring founders globally to drive impactful innovation