Svetlana Nikiforova

Svetlana Nikiforova is a high-tech and IT startup investor, mentor, and business angel with over 10 years of experience in project management.

She was the first CEO of the largest technology business park in Eastern Europe, 'IT-Park,' located in Kazan City, Russia. 'IT-Park' currently generates $140 million in revenue and has been doubling it annually. She is the proud author of the Kazan City Business Incubator concept which was launched in 2010 and now plays a crucial role in the Russian IT ecosystem.

In 2011, Svetlana established the 'Startobaza' business accelerator with the goal of developing, supporting, and investing in scalable high-tech and IT projects founded by Russian entrepreneurs. The portfolio companies of 'Startobaza' cover a wide range of IT sectors and have been recognized among the Skolkovo residents, the Russian Silicon Valley. 'Startobaza' serves as an investing partner of the Russian Venture Company, a governmental fund promoting entrepreneurial ecosystem development in Russia.

With her competences and management skills, Svetlana helps early-stage companies grow into scalable businesses and increase their capitalization. She also serves as a member of the Microsoft Seed Fund Selection Committee in Russia.