Ilya Vensky

Technology, culture & lifestyle marketer. Professional rainmaker.

Ilya Vensky is a seasoned entrepreneur and investor, currently serving as a General Partner at Zealanders. With over 10 years of experience in corporate innovation, he has played a pivotal role in managing multiple deep tech startups and has successfully raised over $10 million in venture capital and grants.1 2

Professional Background

Corporate Innovation: Vensky has extensive experience working with prominent companies such as Bacardi, General Motors, and Barclays Capital, focusing on global product launches and market research across various sectors including FMCG, automotive, and finance.1 3
Deep Tech Sector: He transitioned to the deep tech industry, aiming to develop technologies that enhance global health and address inequalities in access to therapeutics.1
Startups: Vensky is the co-founder and CEO of Helico, a biopharmaceutical platform aimed at producing essential therapeutics using plant-based technologies. He also co-founded Aō Air, which focuses on respiratory health solutions related to air quality.2 3

Education

Brandeis University: Bachelor’s degree in Liberal Arts and Sciences.
University of Auckland: Master’s in Commercialization and Entrepreneurship.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Executive education in Drug and Medical Device Development.2 3

Vision and Impact

Vensky's work is driven by a commitment to making technology accessible and socially responsible. His ventures, particularly Helico, aim to leverage innovative research in computational biology and plant physiology to create sustainable production methods for critical medicines.3 4