Q: Before diving into your global career journey, can you share a bit about your early experiences that set you on the path to project finance and eventually founding your own company?
A: I grew up in Feltre, a small village in the Dolomites (Italian Alps), where my family—my father Roberto, my mother Meri, and my brother Nicola—shaped my mindset from an early age. They encouraged curiosity, travel, and an openness to new experiences. Life in Feltre was simple, grounded in a strong sense of community, but my family always inspired me to look beyond, to appreciate our home while knowing there was a bigger world out there to explore and learn from. We grew up having a lot of family friends around, and one of them influenced my early life and mindset a lot: her name is Fauzia. She had fled the civil war in Somalia and settled in our village. Fauzia started the first English school in Feltre, and her resilience and drive opened my eyes to the possibilities beyond our small town.
After completing my studies between the UK and China, I joined the World Bank, where I worked on major projects in countries like South Sudan, Angola, and Colombia. Working with local communities was incredibly rewarding, but there was always a part of me that wanted to do more—go the extra mile and make an even bigger impact. The bureaucracy of such a large institution, however, often made that difficult.
I had always felt a pull toward entrepreneurship, inspired in part by my father, who is an entrepreneur himself. I knew I wanted to take that path, and I saw venture capital as a crucial first step. It was the perfect way to understand the U.S. business ecosystem and how companies grow and scale.
Then came the AI revolution. As I plunged myself into the world of venture capital and technology, I realized how transformative AI could be. That’s when I knew I had to start my own company, combining my passion for impact with the incredible potential of AI to change how we work and live.
Q: You began your career in project finance, working with organizations like the World Bank and IDB Invest. How did these experiences shape your professional foundation?
A: Working in project finance with the World Bank and IDB Invest gave me strong technical skills in structuring deals and managing large-scale projects. But beyond that, the most important takeaway was learning how to work with people from all over the world—governments, investors, and local communities.
No matter how complex or well-planned a project is, its success comes down to the people involved. Being able to engage with different stakeholders, understand their needs, and build trust was key. It taught me that people are the real assets in any business, and relationships drive everything.
This understanding has been just as valuable as the technical skills as I’ve moved into entrepreneurship. Whether it’s building teams or working with investors, knowing how to connect with people and align their goals is what makes things happen.
Q: After project finance, you pivoted into venture capital, and then pivoted to building your own company. What inspired you to build your own company in the AI space?
A: My hands-on experience working with portfolio CEOs and AI at Clymate Studios was incredibly inspiring. I had the privilege of working closely with Tod Hynes, the founder and a remarkable mentor, who helped me clarify my goals and unlock my potential. In addition to investing, I was a founder in residence, where I explored and built within the AI tools landscape. I became deeply engaged in understanding how AI can enhance productivity and streamline workflows, which led me to realize that AI is not just a passing trend but a transformative force reshaping industries and the future of work.
As I continued to work with AI technologies and saw their potential firsthand, I knew I wanted to be more than just an investor—I wanted to build something myself. Being on the front lines of innovation, I saw how AI could revolutionize professional environments, and I felt a strong pull to create solutions that empower people to work more efficiently. That’s when I made the leap from venture capital to building.
Q: Congratulations on recently launching Women Who AI! What inspired you to co-found this dynamic global community?
A: Women Who AI was inspired by the significant gender gap in the tech industry, particularly in AI. As AI continues to reshape industries, it’s essential that women not only catch up but also lead in this space. One of the critical challenges we face today is the gender bias embedded in large language models (LLMs), which are, by and large, shaped by the data and perspectives of a male-dominated field. This is not just a technical issue but a societal one, as these models are increasingly influencing decision-making processes across sectors. By bringing more women into AI, we have the opportunity to address these biases at their core and create more inclusive, equitable technologies.
At Women Who AI, we’re focused on empowering women through advanced skill-building, mentorship from industry leaders, and strategic networking opportunities. We aim to arm women with the knowledge and influence to become thought leaders and innovators in AI, helping shape the future of technology for the better. This isn’t just about closing the gap—it’s about positioning women as central to AI’s next frontier, driving both the technology and the ethical frameworks that guide its development.
Q: How did growing up in the Dolomites in Italy shape your worldview and influence your perspective on business?
A: Growing up in Feltre gave me a unique perspective on life. When I hiked the mountains as a child, I was always struck by how vast the world looked from the top, and how small we seemed in comparison. That sense of scale sparked my curiosity, it made me want to explore and see more of the world.
Life in the Dolomites is also very pragmatic. The mountains don’t allow for shortcuts or empty talk. The people there are humble, straightforward, and value honesty and hard work above all else. They don’t talk much, but they get things done, and they live by their ethics. I try to carry those same values into my work—staying grounded, getting things done, and always acting with integrity.
Q: Looking back on your journey, what advice would you give to professionals considering a major career pivot?
A: My advice would be to embrace change with an open mind. Each pivot in my career—from project finance to venture capital to founding a company—has been driven by curiosity and a willingness to learn. AI is transforming how we work, and being adaptable to these shifts will set you up for success. You may encounter people who will discourage you or think that what you’re doing is too difficult, even impossible. But if you believe in your ability to achieve your goals, you will. Trust the right people and quiet the noise of worthless talk. Often, the most rewarding journeys are the ones that push you beyond your comfort zone.
