Yana Leonova, PhD, MBA

Strategic Advisor and Investor Nova Strategy

I am a senior executive with a unique career, including leadership in technology advisory, strategic development, entering new markets (UAE), new product development, fundraising, PR / communications, organising large-scale tech events and private roundtable/demo days with investors, sales & marketing, and entrepreneurship. I was previously Vice Director / Head of the Future Innovation Summit at The Private Office Of Sheikh Saqer Bin Mohamed Al Qasimi in Dubai. I possess excellent knowledge of cutting-edge technologies from a commercial perspective, start-up facilitation, growing globally connected ecosystems, closing deals, and managing relationships with key accounts and partnerships. I was invited to advise, mentor and judge various programs conducted by DHL (twice), PwC (twice), the Sheikh Zayed Fund, the Saudi Rainmaking Program (currently), and others. CEO UAE recognised me as one of 10 Inspiring Women in March this year. I was recently nominated as one of the Top 50 Influential Women in Dubai by Womenpreneur Middle East. I have an extensive network of valuable contacts in the UAE, UK, Russia, and Switzerland (countries where I have lived/worked for many years) and possess exceptional communication, presentation, and analytical skills. I am fluent in four languages and have an MBA and a PhD in Economics. I have spoken at around 40 high-profile events, including Davos, in 2020 and 2022. I have an extensive list of publications, interviews, podcasts, YouTube programs, etc., where I speak about technology, entrepreneurship, and women's leadership. I was invited as a mentor to various accelerator programs, such as: PwC (twice), DHL (twice), Sheikh Zayed Fund, Rainmaking Saudi (currently), Iskusniy Intellect (Russia), etc. I am the co-host of the USA delegation of funds within a Trade Mission supported by the USA Council and Head of the Trade Chamber from 2021. I am also the co-host of VNTR Capital investors gathering in Dubai once a month and a part of the angel investors community AngelsDeck.