Igor Ovcharenko

Igor is a startup enthusiast and tech-savvy professional with over 13 years of experience developing startup ecosystems, venture capital and angel investing in emerging markets. Igor has extensive knowledge, experience and network in Central & Eastern Europe, Central Asia, the Middle East & North Africa. He made angel investments in Yope, Lovon, Webiz, MyPlace and Greenbin. - From 2012 to 2014, Igor worked in the most significant venture fund in Ukraine, TA Ventures. He organized the largest startup-related event in the CEE region, which gathered 2,500 people from 50+ countries, 300 TOP global investors, and 150 best startups from CEE. Igor was also responsible for scouting the investable teams for the fund. - In 2014, he worked in an investor club, U-Start, backed by one of Italy's most influential family offices, to develop its operations in BRICS countries. - From 2015 to 2018, Igor was a Regional Manager for CEE and MENA at Seedstars, a group of companies based out of Geneva that builds, connects, and develops entrepreneurship in emerging markets, where he was responsible for running acceleration programs, fundraising, company building, and events. Under Igor's management, Seedstars launched its first corporate acceleration program, which was held in April - July 2018 in Astana, Kazakhstan - In May 2018 Igor founded Scal8R, consulting firm focused on helping governments, corporations, and private companies from emerging markets to foster tech entrepreneurship by running various innovation programs and activities. - From June 2018 to April 2019, Igor consulted Infocommunication Holding Zerde under Kazakhstan's Ministry of Digital Development, Innovation, and Aerospace Industry on developing the tech startup ecosystem. - From January 2020 to May 2022, Igor was a Head of Programs at Global Innovation Catalyst, responsible for teaching and certifying the Stanford Online “Idea to Market” course to people worldwide. GIC has accelerated the soft skills and mindsets of 500+ people from 30+ countries, which built 35+ companies. - From June 2022 to November 2024, Igor was a Chief Innovation Officer at Innovation & Digital Development of Azerbaijan, where he was responsible for developing the country's tech startup ecosystem. - from July 2022 to December 2023, Igor advised White Hill Capital. He was responsible for deal sourcing and investment portfolio management. - Currently, Igor is a Partner at IOI Capital, bringing together investments and experts in the sphere of strategy, operational efficiency, corporate governance, corporate finance and M&A.