Marina Aoe Shimono is an ambitious hospitality industry professional with an entrepreneurial spirit. Marina grew up supporting her parent's family business, instilling a passion for entrepreneurship within her. Marina has extensive experience working in complex cross-border team environments, managing multiple partners and stakeholders. She is a digital nomad, currently scouting deep technologies across Asia Pacific as an International Technology Scout at MTS, the largest Russian telecom company. Prior to this, Marina selected the most prominent early-stage impact investable startups in emerging markets for Seedstars in both LATAM & Caribbean and the Asia Pacific. Marina served as President of MackEmpreende and represented Hult Prize in Brazil, showcasing her passion for social impact causes.

Marina's educational background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture and Urbanism at Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie, a Summer Programme in Pathways to a Sustainable Future at University of Groningen, and a Bachelor of Science (BSc) in City/Urban, Community and Regional Planning at Birmingham City University.

Marina is the founder of Eden Coliving, which demonstrates her interest in creating and promoting sustainable living spaces. She has also served in several volunteer activities such as Fundación Amigos del Arco Iris at Mexico D.C., Rio Olympics, and Compassiva, bringing help to Syrian refugees in Brazil.