I've been in Silicon Valley my whole life, and three times I've been through the process of having a startup idea, raising capital, building a team, being a CEO, and eventually managing satisfying exit. Today I teach entrepreneurship at Stanford and work 1:1 with startup founders, helping them to grow, thrive, and succeed.

I've started multiple companies during business school and am currently the Co-Founder of Lifespark, a fast-growing men's reproductive health company. I'm passionate about all things consumer, healthcare, and tech.

"The people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world are the ones who do." – Steve Jobs As a venture capital investor and entrepreneur, I have dedicated my career to helping founders turn groundbreaking ideas into impactful businesses that change the world. At my VC firm, Sherif Capital, I have worked closely with entrepreneurs to navigate the critical early stages of their ventures. From conducting market research and defining key product features to building effective go-to-market strategies and recruiting top-tier talent, I’ve partnered with founders to lay the foundation for scalable, sustainable growth. My investments have led to exits with industry leaders like Microsoft, Oracle, Mastercard, and SoFi Technologies, reflecting my commitment to identifying and supporting transformative innovation. I bring not just expertise but also a deep passion for empowering entrepreneurs to succeed on their own terms. Having achieved one exit as a founder and three as an investor, I understand the complexities of scaling a business while preserving the leverage and ownership necessary to keep building toward a founder’s vision. I’ve also helped dozens of entrepreneurs secure non-dilutive or founder-friendly financing, ensuring they have the resources to scale without compromising their dreams. My mission is to support innovators in creating a better tomorrow, giving them the tools, strategies, and guidance they need to turn their vision into reality.

Advised multiple EU D2C brands in scaling with focus on funding and digital marketing

Welcome to my profile! With an MBA from the University of Chicago and extensive experience as a Principal at New Stack Ventures and FJ Labs, I bring a wealth of knowledge in venture capital and entrepreneurship. Over the years, I've helped numerous startups refine their business strategies, secure funding, and scale their operations. My background as a Product Manager at multiple startups has equipped me with a unique perspective on product development and market fit from an operator's seat. If you're looking to take your entrepreneurial journey to the next level, let's connect and make it happen!

I have coached CEOs, Executive Directors, business owners, senior leaders, team leaders, entrepreneurs, and individuals in transition since 2002. I hold multiple professional certifications and adult continuing education certificates, including a Professional Certified Coach (PCC) designation with the International Coaching Federation (ICF), Certified Executive Leadership Coach (CELC) from Ignite Business Partners' Coaching Excellence (ICF Level 2), Certified Professional Coach in Executive Coaching from Rowan College of South Jersey, and Certified Positive Intelligence Coach® (CPQC®). I also have certifications in trauma-informed approaches and inclusive leadership through implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in the workplace. Additionally, I have an M.S. in Executive Leadership from Champlain College, a B.A. in Political Science/Honors with concentrations in Pre-Law and Women's Studies from Rowan University, and an A.A. in Liberal Arts with a concentration in Business Communications from Rowan College of South Jersey (RCSJ).

I have direct coaching experience guiding 5 individuals who have gone on to achieve entrepreneurial success. These former clients have either already built thriving businesses or are currently on an upward trajectory as founders. Under my mentorship, they were able to discover their true calling and develop the skills needed to turn their entrepreneurial visions into reality. Witnessing their transformations from ambitious aspiration to purposeful career path has been tremendously rewarding. This hands-on experience coaching entrepreneurs who have "made it" allows me to pass on proven strategies for ideating, launching, and scaling a profitable venture. My coaching approach blends real-world lessons from their journeys with structured principles for entrepreneurial excellence. I look forward to empowering more entrepreneurs to replicate these success stories.

I’ve spent my career helping companies navigate the challenges of raising capital. At Goldman Sachs, I advised businesses across industries on securing growth equity, venture funding, and going public through IPOs. Later, at Fanatics, I worked on a multi-billion-dollar fundraise at a $31B valuation, seeing firsthand how world-class companies position themselves to investors. The businesses that succeeded weren’t just the ones with strong metrics - they knew how to tell their story, target the right investors, and structure a raise for long-term success. I helped founders and executives craft that narrative, refine their pitch, and build the right capital strategy. Beyond advising, I’ve been in the founder’s seat myself. I started two companies - Pierre Henry Socks and Exporta Technologies - where I experienced firsthand what it’s like to raise venture funding, scale a business, and navigate the realities of entrepreneurship. Exporta raised $5M+ in venture capital, and through that process, I learned what really moves investors and what founders often overlook. Whether you’re preparing for your first fundraise, structuring a growth round, or thinking through investor dynamics, I can help you cut through the noise, focus on what matters, and get the right capital behind your business.

As an entrepreneur with a proven record of scaling companies from inception to multimillion-dollar valuations, I have led ventures in robotics, life sciences, and sustainable technologies. My leadership experience spans: Founding two companies with a combined valuation increase of 30x, raising over $25M in financing. Securing 6 successful exits through IPOs and M&A, driving cumulative valuations exceeding $600M. Developing global business strategies, managing cross-border teams, and establishing partnerships with Fortune 500 companies. Holding MBA credentials with honors from Columbia Business School and a Forbes recognition for outstanding entrepreneurship. My clients gain access to: Practical strategies for fundraising, scaling, and market penetration. Expertise in navigating international business landscapes, particularly in AI, robotics, and ESG-driven ventures. Tailored guidance to achieve their unique entrepreneurial goals.

Welcome to my profile! With a diverse background in both healthcare and entrepreneurship, I bring a unique perspective to coaching aspiring entrepreneurs. As the former owner and manager of Sweet Action Ice Cream for over a decade, I gained firsthand experience in building and managing a successful business from the ground up. My journey in entrepreneurship has equipped me with the skills to guide others in navigating the challenges of starting and growing their own ventures. Additionally, my role as a Clinical Nursing Instructor and Regional Care Coordinator Nurse has honed my ability to mentor and support individuals in achieving their professional goals. Let's connect and explore how I can help you turn your entrepreneurial dreams into reality!