About
Managing Director at Drexel University's Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship, leading the Baiada Institute incubator and overseeing venture evaluation across affiliated programs.
30+ years of founder and executive experience — from Online Applications and PhindMe to leading Americas operations at SoftBrands (now Infor) and serving as President of Allin Interactive Latin America.
Through Gesso Consulting, I provide independent advisory on startup ecosystems, venture evaluation, and innovation strategy. Featured in Fortune and addressed a Congressional Briefing Panel.
Fulbright Specialist, Founding Venture Partner at AccelHUB (Latin America), Growth Mentor at ScaleSee (Southeastern Europe), and longtime collaborator with the U.S. Embassy in Chile.
Expertise
Career
2013 — Present
Drexel University · Charles D. Close School of Entrepreneurship
Lead the Baiada Institute startup incubator and venture evaluation across affiliated programs. Previously served as Vice Dean of Educational Affairs and Associate Dean for Strategy & Innovation.
2025 — Present
ScaleSee Accelerator · Belgrade
Helping design and launch an accelerator supporting startups across Southeastern Europe — contributing to program structure, venture evaluation, and pipeline development.
2025 — Present
Hand2Paw
Supporting strategy and fundraising for a non-profit providing paid internships in animal welfare for young adults from underrepresented communities.
2021 — Present
AccelHUB Venture Partners
Invite-only network investing in disruptive Latin American technologies. Related work includes supporting Chilean startups expanding internationally with the U.S. Embassy in Chile since 2019.
2019 — 2024
U.S. Department of State · Fulbright Association
Selected for a five-year roster of U.S. academics engaging in project-based exchanges with host institutions across the globe.
2008 — Present
Gesso Consulting
Select advisory, consulting, and speaking on startup ecosystems, venture evaluation, and innovation strategy.
2009 — 2014
Allin Interactive Latin America (formerly Movitas)
Led the company's expansion into Latin America. Launched 30+ hotel clients on a mobile platform and secured a multi-million-dollar distribution deal with the largest telecom in Latin America.
2007 — 2009
PhindMe
Co-founded a first-of-its-kind platform that automated mobile web app design and publishing. Acquired by Movitas in 2009.
2001 — 2007
SoftBrands (now Infor)
Led Americas operations for a global ERP, CRM, and BPM solutions provider — managing marketing, sales, support, consulting, and partner operations.
Impact
30+
Years Founding, Leading & Advising Ventures
12+
Years Supporting University Innovation and Entrepreneurship
Fulbright
Specialist in Entrepreneurship Education
Fortune
Magazine Feature & Congressional Briefing Panel
Writing
Article
Case Study
Article
Article
Annals of Entrepreneurship Education and Pedagogy
Featured
Addressed inequities in funding for minority and women-led tech startups at a Congressional Briefing Panel in Washington D.C.
Read moreProfiled in Fortune Magazine's feature on professionals who made the leap from corporate management to entrepreneurship.
Read moreThe story of founding PhindMe — navigating the challenges of building a mobile startup from concept to market.
Read moreLet's Connect
Whether you're looking for a keynote speaker, startup advisor, board member, or consulting partner — I'd love to hear from you.