Karina Sotnik

Karina Sotnik is a results-driven leader with a rich background in fostering entrepreneurial ecosystems through cutting-edge initiatives that deliver substantial outcomes.

With a robust tenure spanning over ten years, Karina excels in Academic Innovation, Incubation, Acceleration, and Global Soft-Landing, catering to the needs of startups, academic institutions, and global entities.

Her expertise lies in crafting and managing successful accelerator and incubation programs that guide companies from conceptualization to achieving market traction.

As a serial entrepreneur, Karina possesses a remarkable talent for kickstarting ventures, mentoring budding entrepreneurs for exponential growth, spearheading startup activities, securing pivotal partnerships, funding, and overseeing operations on a global scale.

Karina also serves in advisory and mentorship roles, notably as Mentor-In-Residence at CIC and Quorum, advisor at Drexel MedTech Innovation, and as a member of the investment advisory committee at BFTP.

Her educational background includes a Master of Science in Computer Science from Rigas Tehniska Universitate.

Karina Sotnik is the Founder and CEO of WorldUpstart, and has held various key positions in renowned organizations such as the University City Science Center, Penn Center for Innovation, GSI Commerce, and Tech Nordic Advocates.

Throughout her career, Karina has showcased her versatility by undertaking roles like Director of Business Incubation and Accelerator Programs, Digital Enterprise Portfolio Manager, Senior Consultant, and Founder/CEO at different ventures.

She has also contributed significantly in international capacities, serving as the Senior Director of International Business Development at j2 Global Communications, and in various managerial roles at Edify, a company eventually acquired by S1 Corporation in 1999.

Earlier in her career, Karina Sotnik honed her skills as an Engineer at the Institute of Electronics, Latvian Academy of Sciences.

Karina's impactful leadership and strategic acumen have made her a prominent figure in the realm of entrepreneurship, innovation, and global business development.