"It can be daunting going out to meet new people, pitch an idea or feel inexperienced amongst veterans. The best thing to do though is to just go for it." says Karolina.
What's your overall background?
I was a fulltime physicist doing my PhD at Lund University. Having had a passion for science my whole life and an insatiable curiosity I left my hometown of London to study Physics in Glasgow. Being half Swedish and always loving my holidays at my grandmother's house while growing up, I ventured to Lund to do my masters and later my PhD.
During my years in Lund my specialization was in photonics where I have worked on projects in quantum information, optical design and snapshot encoded imaging. Alongside my studies I also worked on an optical skin cancer diagnostic tool as I am keen to see the commercialization of research and specifically in ways which can positively impact the world and society.
What was your role at Skåne Startups?
I was part of the investor relations team working as a venture advisor. Later I also took on responsibility for the bi-monthly networking mornings hosted at GoTo10. As a venture advisor I spent time updating information in the start-up database, contacting and meeting with start-ups and helping to connect them with the right resources for their needs. I also met with investors both locally and internationally to establish what their portfolio interests were in order to provide them with suitable deal flows. I was also involved in numerous events across the Skåne start-up ecosystem providing a variety of back stage and front of house support. For Skåne Startups own flagship event Startup Live! in the summer on 2022 I took to the stage as the event host.
What did you enjoy the most at Skåne Startups?
I really enjoyed working with the team. I joined at the transition from one team into another so I got to meet and learn from colleagues who were moving onto different roles elsewhere and also grow alongside the new members. The team was international, openminded, varied in experience, skills and culture and really supportive of each other. Even when there were busy, stressful or tough times for some or maybe all of us, we always had each others backs.
Can you tell us about your current work?
I now work at a start-up called forloop.ai which develops a data sourcing, cleaning and preparation tool for external data, based on AI and ML methodologies. I joined as a grant writer/project manager where my main focus was to source and compile non-equity funding applications.
Since then my role has expanded to include business development where I scope out markets to focus on and build a client base. I enjoy this role as it incorporates existing strengths of mine as well as allowing me to develop new skills and grow my experience in business. The nature of the role and work also means I need to have a good understanding of the business as a whole.
What is your advice for other talents?
Don't be too in your head and don't be shy. It can be daunting going out to meet new people, pitch an idea or feel inexperienced amongst veterans. The best thing to do though is to just go for it. An idea cannot grow if you just keep thinking about it but do nothing, and you cannot solve all the problems you will face before you start.
Something I’m unreasonably passionate about?
I would argue that I am not 'unreasonably' passionate about anything, just justifiably passionate about many things! Maybe that's the just the scientist in me speaking though. Beyond science I love food, travel, music, comedy, poker, gardening and shamelessly the Eurovision song contest. Having nothing to do is not a feeling I am familiar with and there is always something I am doing, need to do or want to do.