Andrea holds PhD in
physics of materials from Goethe University in Germany and an MBA from Cornell
University. Andrea is a seasoned professional with a diverse background
spanning academia, startup ventures, and corporate innovation. Currently
serving as an Equity Funding Specialist at the Small Business and Technology
Development Center (SBTDC) in North Carolina, she leverages her expertise in
technology commercialization, market research, customer development, and
fundraising to nurture emerging startups.
Andrea's professional
journey includes co-founding a hard-tech startup, consulting for startups and
spinoffs from research institutions, and serving as an associate for the Big
Red Venture Fund and in Corporate Venture. In her most recent role at the
Emerging Innovations Group at Corning Incorporated, she conducted due diligence
on early-stage research for investment, led technology scouting efforts, evaluated
joint development projects with other Fortune 500 companies, and supported the
creation of new startups and businesses within the organization.