Jelena Zec

Director at Citi Ventures with a background in investment and strategic planning

Jelena Zec is a Director at Citi Ventures, based in San Francisco, where she focuses on venture investing, particularly in fintech and the future of commerce. She has been with Citi Ventures since June 2021 and has a robust background in venture capital and growth investing. Prior to her current role, she served as a Principal at Unilever Ventures and held various positions in investment and strategic planning across different firms, including Cassia Investments and Shanghai Tang.1 3

Education

Jelena has an impressive academic background, having earned multiple degrees:

Master of Science (MSc) from Bocconi University (2010-2012)
Master of Science (MSc) from Fudan University (2010-2012)
Bachelor of Science (BS) from Nanyang Technological University (2009)
Bachelor of Science (BS) from Bocconi University (2007-2010)

Professional Involvement

In addition to her role at Citi Ventures, Zec is involved in several initiatives:

Ambassador at Sie Ventures and Huckletree
Angel Investor with Alma Angels

She is recognized for her insights into the evolving landscape of commerce, particularly in the context of recommerce and its implications for luxury brands. Zec has articulated the potential for significant growth in recommerce, predicting that sales could double to $289 billion in the coming years, driven by changing consumer behaviors and preferences for sustainability.2 3

Highlights

Jun 27 · citigroup.com

Future of Wealth and Alternatives - Citigroup

Jun 26 · citi.com

New “GenAI fintechs” are driving AI further into financial services

Aug 18 · pymnts.com

Citi Ventures' Zec: ReCommerce Helps Luxury Brands See Second ...

Aug 18 · PYMNTS.com

Earnings Continue to Dominate as FinTech IPO Index Loses 2.8 ... - PYMNTS.com

Aug 18 · PYMNTS.com

Citi Ventures' Zec: ReCommerce Helps Luxury Brands See Second ... - PYMNTS.com

Experience

Director, Citi Ventures (June 2021 - Present)

Ambassador at Sie Ventures (December 2020 - Present); Angel Investor at Alma Angels (October 2020 - Present); Ambassador at Huckletree (July 2020 - Present); Principal at Unilever Ventures (July 2018 - June 2021); Investment Associate at Cassia Investments (April 2013 - June 2018); Strategic Planning at Shanghai Tang (July 2017 - May 2018)

Education

Master of Science - MSc from Bocconi University (2010 - 2012); Master of Science - MSc from Fudan University (2010 - 2012); Bachelor of Science - BS from Nanyang Technological University (2009); Bachelor of Science - BS from Bocconi University (2007 - 2010)