Operations & Finance Leader | Multilingual Problem-Solver

With 15+ years in finance and operations across European, US, and Chinese markets, I bring versatile expertise to organizations at all stages. My experience spans startups, SMEs, investment funds, and established corporations, with a focus on optimizing operations and financial management. Fluent in four languages and with an entrepreneurial mindset, I bridge cultural and operational gaps to drive sustainable growth.

Experience

GitStart (YC S19) February 2023 – Present
Head of Operations & Finance Remote
Leading operations, finance, and compliance for this Y Combinator-backed development platform.

  • Rebuilt financial and accounting operations from the ground up, creating sustainable infrastructure
  • Implemented robust cybersecurity practices and successfully secured SOC2 certification
  • Elevated operations from a support function to a strategic driver of business growth

DuanDuanZu - 短短租 April 2019 - April 2021
Founder Shanghai, China
Built a marketplace connecting businesses with short-term commercial and retail spaces throughout China.

  • Led all aspects of business development, financial management, and technology strategy
  • Scaled to 15,000+ users and 500+ spaces across three Chinese cities
  • Successfully navigated China’s complex business environment as a foreign entrepreneur

Lun Partners March 2019 - December 2020
Investment Manager / Operating Partner Shanghai, China
Managed investment strategy with a focus on fintech and insurtech opportunities.

  • Developed a streamlined portfolio reporting system, enhancing transparency for investors
  • Provided hands-on support to portfolio companies with PR, operations, and financial management
  • Built strategic partnerships to accelerate portfolio company growth

Beida Jade Bird - 北大青鸟 March 2012 - October 2017
Investment Manager & Executive Assistant Shanghai, China
Directed the group’s corporate venture capital activities, managing investment strategy and portfolio development.

  • Led deal sourcing, evaluation, and structuring aligned with strategic objectives
  • Supported portfolio companies with operational guidance and strategic alignment
  • Managed reporting and financing activities for Hong Kong-listed subsidiaries

Projects

Eqlaim June 2021 - Present
Remote
  • Developing an AI-powered insurtech venture that streamlines commercial insurance claims processing
  • Established key partnerships with insurance carriers in a traditionally relationship-driven industry
  • Pivoted from Business Interruption to Ocean Marine Cargo based on market opportunity analysis
  • Tech Stack: Ruby on Rails, Python, AI/ML tools

Education

Edinburgh Napier University January 2009
BA Honours Business Studies with Finance Edinburgh, UK
  • Focused on practical finance and management principles applicable to real-world business scenarios
  • Dissertation: “Application of Capital Asset Pricing Model in the Shanghai Stock Exchange”

Languages

  • English: Native proficiency
  • Italian: Native proficiency
  • Chinese (Mandarin): Advanced business proficiency (C2)
  • French: Advanced professional proficiency (C1)

Technical Skills

  • Programming: Ruby, Python
  • Frameworks: Ruby on Rails
  • Databases: MongoDB, PostgreSQL
  • Business Tools: Financial modeling, data analysis, reporting systems

Certifications

  • Certificate in Insurance - Chartered Insurance Institute (CII)