North America: Senior Investment Team
Co-Founder & General Partner - Global
- Ranked Top 100 Powerlist VC
- ~15+ years of VC/PE Investing, 150+ Portfolio Companies
- Select Portfolio Companies: OpenAI, Figure AI, Tyme Group, Wayflyer, Flyr Labs, Beyond Meat (IPO'd, $14B), Sensity (Acquired by Verizon, $300M+), ShopKick (Acquired by SK Telecom, $200M), Made In Space (Acquired by AE Industrial Partners), FabFitFun ($1B+), Spyce (Acquired by sweetgreen), Bear Flags Robotics (Acquired by John Deere, $250M)
- Former Managing Director of Investments at Cleveland Avenue (VC/PE Fund co-founded by Former CEO & President of McDonalds), focusing on food and beverage brands, food related technologies, and new restaurant concepts
- Founder, Head, & Former Managing Director of Simon Venture Group (investment arm of Simon Property Group, S&P 100, largest retail real estate company in the world), grew to top 5 corporate VC focused on commerce alongside Google Ventures, Intel Capital, and Comcast Ventures
- Adjunct Professor at New York University teaching Venture Capital Intensive
- Creator of Multiple Top Ranked Entrepreneur Resources: #1 Startup Investor Pitch Deck Template (viewed & downloaded 750,000+ times, used by leading business schools and accelerators)
- Co-Founder of the #1 Startup Board Game: The Next Big Thing: The Game of Entrepreneurship, backed by over 25+ of the top accelerators and VC investors
Andrew Zalasin
General Partner - North America, Europe, & LatAm
- 25+ years of venture capital and private equity investment and operational experience with entrepreneurial growth companies
- Early investor in Facebook, Uber, Twitter, Venmo, Wisdom Tree, MakerBot, Magnolia Cupcakes, Concur, Massive
- Former General Partner for 17 years at RRE Ventures, a leading technology venture capital firm with $1.5B across seven funds
- Involved in nearly 200 investments and has served on more than 30 boards in the US, Europe and Asia, and has been instrumental in generating industry-leading returns and providing experience and resources to help companies build teams, attack new market opportunities, identify and secure strategic initiatives / partnerships and achieve profitable growth in all phases of development
Aakash Jain
Partner - North America, Europe, & LatAm
- VU Cohort 2 Alum
- Venture Fellow, Jump Capital
- Co-Founder, Chicago Booth Angel Network (Silicon Valley)
- Investment Banking, Morgan Stanley & Financial Technology Partners
- University of Chicago Booth School of Business, MBA
- Cornell University, Computer Science (Masters)
- Jacobs University (Germany), Electrical Engineering & Computer Science (Bachelors)
Zeeshan Usmani, Ph.D
Venture Partner - North America, Asia-Pacific, & Middle East
Zeeshan Usmani is a visionary data scientist, entrepreneur, and thought leader with over a decade of experience in leveraging advanced analytics, artificial intelligence, and strategic partnerships to create impactful solutions across industries. As a Kaggle Grandmaster, Fulbright Scholar, and Eisenhower Fellow, Zeeshan brings a unique blend of technical expertise and global insights to his work.
Before joining VU Venture Partners, Zeeshan served as Global Director of Data Science and Partnerships at Walee, a cutting-edge social media monitoring and influencer marketing company. There, he spearheaded global digital marketing campaigns, led a team of data scientists across multiple regions, and advanced the use of machine learning and large language models in marketing analytics. His efforts drove growth in emerging markets while building innovative solutions for social and headless commerce.
Throughout his career, Zeeshan has collaborated with renowned organizations such as Home Depot, the Misk Foundation, and GIK Institute, delivering transformative outcomes in areas ranging from data-driven product optimization to large-scale program management.
A prolific researcher and author, Zeeshan has published over 50 research papers and several books on AI, blockchain, and data science. With a digital following of over 5.5 million, he is also a prominent voice in tech innovation and community engagement.
Zeeshan's mission is to empower businesses and individuals by harnessing the transformative power of technology and data. As a Venture Partner at VU Venture Partners, he aims to guide startups and ventures toward realizing their full potential in a rapidly evolving tech landscape.
Asia-Pacific: Senior Investment Team
James Zhang
Partner - Asica-Pacific, Middle East, & Africa
- Partner at GRC Fund, a $300M+ technology fund, focused on Energy & Resource Efficiency and Health & Wellness in the US & China
- Adjunct Professor of Venture Capital & Entrepreneurship at HKUST (Hong Kong University of Science & Technology) Business School
- Co-Founder & General Partner at Formation 8, a Silicon Valley based venture capital fund with over $1B+ under management and early backer of unicorns like Oculus VR, Palantir, Wish.com, and Oscar. Other notable team members of the fund included Joe Lonsdale (Co-Founder of Palantir Technologies) and Gideon Yu (CFO of Facebook and YouTube, Partner at Sequoia and Khosla Ventures)
- Venture Partner at SoftBank China Venture Capital
- Entrepreneur in Residence & Venture Partner at Khosla Ventures, where he took Khosla's portfolio company LanzaTech to China by brokering deals between LanzaTech and Chinese steel-makers
- As a biotechnologist, Dr. Zhang was a co-founder of BioConsortia and founding member of Mendel Biotechnology. He led Mendel Biotechnology’s business development and its agricultural collaboration with Monsanto and biofuel collaboration with BP.
- Dr. Zhang has a Ph.D. in Genetics from the University of California Davis and completed his post-doctoral and business training at Stanford University and the Stanford Graduate School of Business, respectively
David Lee
Partner - Asia-Pacific, Middle East, & Africa
- Manages VU’s Hong Kong office, focuses on deal sourcing within Asia and investor relations
- Strong network of family offices and institutional investors
- 7+ years living and working in Asia
- Senior Director of Corporate Ventures and Strategy at Axcelis, Inc., a semiconductor company
- Director of International Business Development at Blackboard, Inc., one of the world’s largest education technology companies
- Manager of Corporate Strategy and M&A at MAXIMUS, Inc., a consulting and operations firm
- University of Southern California, MPP (International Policy and Economic Development)
- University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, BA
Angie Wang
Principal - Asia-Pacific Investment Team
- Viage Ventures - Personal Angel Investments
- Team Lead, China Digital | Innovation Center of Excellence, HP
- Senior Principal, AI / IoT Research & Advisory, Gartner
- Senior Strategy Manager / Team Lead, PC & Smart Devices Business Group, Lenovo
- Business Intelligence Analyst, International E-commerce, Alibaba
Jo Chaturvedi- Durant
Venture Partner - Asia-Pacific
- Has over 16 years’ experience in the global investment management industry. Her experience includes US investment managers like Morgan Stanley, J.P. Morgan, and volunteers on the investment screening committees for impact funds.
- Is VC in residence at ThincLab - University of Adelaide, Australia.
- Has an academic background in International Business law and Behavioural economics. She has as authored thought pieces on macro and behavioral economics, retirement investing, asset allocation trends and impact of innovative technologies on the economy.
- Has extensive experience investing in and supporting portfolio companies across frontier tech, has held with executive and non-executive Board roles as well as advises founders, investors, accelerators, social enterprises and not for profit organizations.
Europe: Senior Investment Team
Andy Goldstein
Partner - Western Europe
- Andy is a serial entrepreneur and professional startup investor, with 40 years of experience in founding, building, financing, and accelerating companies, including a specialization in bringing European companies to a global market and bringing U.S. companies and products into Europe.
- Co-Founder and Managing Partner of A Round Capital Fund Group, two Angel Funds that invested into 50 startups, notable investments include Kranus Health, Kaia Health, Xempus, Omni:us, Lanes & Planes, Klarx, Smart Reporting.
- Co-Founder of Start2Group (formerly known as German Entrepreneurship) which has spawned over 1,000+ startups (including nine unicorns) in 15 years.
- Programs he co-founded include the German Accelerator, a project of the German government (BMWK); LMU Entrepreneurship Center; Social Entrepreneurship Akademie; Start2Raise.
- Andy was a Sr. Partner with Deloitte Consulting Germany for 10 years. Co-Founder/Managing Director of Deloitte Digital GmbH, and co-led Deloitte Consulting's Innovation & Ventures practice for Germany. Responsible for four acquisitions, incl. the Business Building unit of DaimlerBenz & 27 pilots, the global venture clienting leader.
- Before joining Deloitte, Andy sold his software company, MediaGold, to Avanquest Software, a French public company, where he was COO of Europe for 5 years and Board Member for 12 years.
- Co-founded Feingold Technologies (a digital health startup) and exited to Sharecare which IPO’d on the NASDAQ in 2022.
- Andy teaches a Masters Class in Entrepreneurial Growth Management at the Ludwig Maximilians University in Munich and at the EM Lyon Business School in France.
- Andy sits on multiple boards of venture funded startups, including Kaia Health and Kranus Health.
- Andy is a graduate of the Wharton Business School with a dual degree in Entrepreneurial Management and International Business.
Remy Goldstein
Partner - Western Europe
- Remy is an entrepreneur and investment manager, with 10+ years of experience.
- Founder & Community Co-Director of Entreprenow, a social network he started and has operated since 2021, with 1,800+ members and 20 connected communities.
- Investment Manager at A Round Capital Fund Group responsible for managing and harvesting 50 startup investments.
- Managing Director at Goldstein Creations, a family office that publishes IP rights to novels, documentary films, and screenplays.
- Has worked in VC (Germany), Consulting (France), E-commerce (France), Data Mining (Germany), Startup Accelerators (Germany), Public Administration Advisory (Germany).
- In 2023, Remy designed and implemented the curriculum and platform for Master Accelerator, a program specialized in fundraising for startups.
- Remy is a regular lecturer at the Technical University Munich’s (TUM) – Quantum Entrepreneurship Laboratory, and at the Center for Digital Technology & Management’s (CDTM) – Managing Product Development.
- Remy is a graduate from Ludwig Maximilians Universität (LMU), with a dual degree in Business Education and Business Administration. Following his main studies, Remy graduated from CDTM and holds an Honors Degree in Technology Management, from the LMU and TUM, Valedictorian.
Boriana Gaitsgori
Partner - Eastern Europe
- An accomplished international investment expert with over 30 years of experience in direct business investments, real estate, financial markets, and private wealth management.
- She has successfully navigated diverse cultural and business environments across Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific Rim.
- Boriana brings a strong background in evaluating investment opportunities, performing due diligence, and advising on strategic business initiatives.
- She has co-founded businesses anddeveloped strategies for startups, including raising capital and overseeing operations.
- Passionate about venture capitaland the funding of new enterprises, Boriana believes that investing in innovation is essential for shaping the future and creating a better tomorrow – driving sustainable growth and prosperity for
communities and societies. - With exceptional analytical skillsand a keen understanding of market dynamics, she is well-equipped to direct and support venture-focused initiatives and emerging growth companies.
Peter Matev
Partner - Eastern Europe
Highlights:
- Visionary SaaS product leader - ~30 years in Supply Chain and Digital Transformation
- Trusted startup mentor, coach, advisor, and investor
- FedEx leadership roles - driving strategy, innovation, and cross-functional team success
- PM Advisory Founder - advising on strategy, market and portfolio growth, and M&A
- Memberof The Curated Network™️
FedEx: Fortune 50 company, #17 Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies, iconic brand
- Product, Marketing, and Operations Managing Director
- Led strategic portfolio and operational transformations, doubling bottom line
- Launched innovative SaaS platforms (FedEx Freight Direct, LTL Select)
- Established entrepreneurship discipline and co-created with startups
- Expanded FedEx international freight and parcel services to over 200 countries
Academics:
- Universityof Georgia: MBA - Corporate Finance,Management Science, Decision Technologies concentrations
- Jacksonville University: BA - International Business, summacum laude
- Universityof National and World Economy (Sofia): International Economic Relations
Volunteer, Mentoring, and Community Service:
- FedExGlobal Leadership Corps: Sankara Eye Hospital, Bengaluru
- Memphis Habitat for Humanity
- FedEx Family House:LeBonheurChildren’s Hospital, Memphis
- Alchemist Accelerator (Memphis): Logistics tech startups mentoringand coaching
Yordan Georgiev
Partner - Eastern Europe
Highlights:
- Serial entrepreneur, public and civic sector leader.
- Founder, Manager and Partner of multiple companies in construction, real estate, and tourism industries: Intertime Continental AD, Stroynadzor OOD, Landis OOD, Inti OOD – Burgas, Ekasta OOD – Burgas, Ekasta Commerce OOD.
Public Sector Leadership:
- Governor of Burgas Region - Independent Advisor
- Oversaw development of Burgas Port Zone and Passenger Terminal, including project coordination and execution, regulatory, and construction oversight.
- BurgasCity Council - Multi-term Councilman
- Chairman - Standing Committee on Sports, Children and Youth; Member - Standing Committee on Transport, Permanent Committee on Science, Innovation and Operational Programs. Member - Tenders and Privatization Commission; Directed public infrastructure development projects
- Southeastern State Forest Enterprise (Ministry of Agriculture) - Chairman and Independent Board Member.
- Led forest management and property initiatives and investment projects.
Academics:
- Technical University of Sofia: Master’s Degree - Automation andSystems Engineering
- Technical University of Sofia: Member of the Rector’s andAcademic Councils
Civic and Community Service:
- Bulgarian Water Polo Federation: Board Member
- Volleyball Club “Neftohimik2010”, Burgas: Board Member
- Military Patriotic Union "24th Black Sea Infantry Regiment", Burgas: Founderand Chairman
- Regional Organization of Jews in Bulgaria "Shalom", Burgas: Member
Operations & Administration
Darryl Bandoro
Principal, Investor Relations
- Lead contact for the firm's syndicate investors and Limited Partners
- Angel investor and strategic advisor to numerous startups.
- Over 20 years of financial services experience, involving high-value real estate and private equity projects across the US and Canada.
- Former Fintech Startup Co-Founder and COO
- Former Investment Advisor (public and private markets)
Venkat Bussa
LPAC / Investment Committee Member
- 20 Years Experience, Engineering, Marketing, and Entrepreneurship
- Worked at Cisco, Lead Technical Marketing and Engineering functions for $1B High-End Routing and Optical Product Lines
- Market Expertise: Telecommunication, Cloud, Networking, Agriculture, Education, Commercial & Newspaper Print & Packaging Industries
- BSc. from College of Engineering Osmanabad, Harvard University - Alternative Investments, Stanford GSB - Mergers & Acquisitions, Berkeley Haas - Venture Capital Executive Program
Jenna Fernandes
Operating Partner & Head of Human Resources - North America, LatAm, & Europe
- Founder & Head of Admissions, Venture University
- Founder & Operating Partner, Finally Fund Admin
- Venture Backed Serial Entrepreneur
- Co-Founder & CEO of The Next Big Thing: The Game of Entrepreneurship, backed by over 25+ of the top accelerators and VC investors
- Ranked Top 10 Female Tech CEO by Women 2.0
- Former CEO of Largest Student Run Business in The Country (Tufts Student Resources
Hannah Wang
Head of Admissions & HR - APAC
- Contract Manager, ICF International Inc
- Pricing/Financial Analyst, Wiley Rein LLP
- Finance Associate, Solena Fuels LLC
- George Mason University, Masters of Environmental Science and Public Policy
- University of Illinois, Bachelors of Science in Finance
Consumer Team
Consumer Team - North America, Europe, & LatAm
Enterprise Team
Enterprise Team - North America, Europe, & LatAm
FinTech Team
FinTech - North America, Europe, & LatAm
Frontier Team
Frontier Tech Team - North America, Europe, & LatAm
Healthcare Team
Healthcare Team - North America, Europe, & LatAm
