Meet the Team Behind Alchemist

Partner and Managing Director at Alchemist, Ian leads deeptech commercialization and corporate innovation programs. Former Microsoft for Startups leader, he brings experience bridging scientific breakthroughs and enterprise scale.

COO of Alchemist Accelerator, Paula leads global operations and finance, partnering with executive leadership to support strategic planning and scalable growth. She brings experience from Microsoft and senior consulting roles, with a focus on operational clarity, strong teams, and execution.

Ido is the Managing Director of Alchemist’s Memphis hub and the Director of Technology Commercialization at the University of Memphis. He’s is a Startup Coach and mentor. He's been mentoring CEOs and founding teams of early-stage companies for more than 15 years.

Danielle leads global innovation initiatives across four continents in partnership with organizations including AWS, the University of Chicago, and Japan Trade Organization. With experience across Big Tech, academia, and venture capital, she brings a human, systems-driven approach to building inclusive innovation programs.

Partnerships & Platform at Alchemist. Katinka previously co-founded a spin-out from UCL's AI Labs, led enterprise sales at Microsoft, and held commercial leadership roles at early-stage startups across Europe, the US, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Director of Ecosystem Integration at Alchemist Doha, Majed leads investment and startup relocation efforts in Qatar. A three-time entrepreneur with a successful exit, he brings over a decade of experience connecting founders, investors, and institutions across emerging tech sectors.

Layne has 10+ years of marketing experience across private, nonprofit, and post-secondary environments. At Alchemist, Layne leads marketing strategy and execution—building scalable systems that surface founder impact, strengthen brand visibility, and support organizational objectives.

Program Manager at Alchemist, Peach supports global startups entering the US market through program operations and business development, connecting founders with advisors and mentors across an international startup community.

Shannon is a Program Manager who supports international startups as they expand into new markets. With 5+ years of experience and an MA in International Development, she leverages strong operational and partnership-building skills to help early-stage teams grow.

Program operations leader at AlchemistX, Natasha drives operational excellence and runs global accelerator programs with partners including AWS, KOCCA, and QRDI, supporting founders and scaling impactful innovation.

Daanish brings 5+ years of experience in marketing, design, and strategy to Alchemist. He supports programs, manages the website, leads social and podcast marketing, and creates brand and event assets. His work helps Alchemist reach wider audiences through clear storytelling, thoughtful design.

Global Community Liaison at Alchemist, based in Doha, Celeste connects the MENA region with Alchemist’s global programs. She strengthens relationships with founders, partners, and local ecosystem leaders, bringing experience supporting European startups on the global stage.

Director of Investments for Deals and Portfolio Management at Alchemist Doha, Ghadir leads negotiations, diligence, and deal execution while overseeing portfolio strategy and performance. She supports founders with hands on fundraising and capital strategy across global markets.

At Alchemist, Ally oversees accelerator operations and curriculum delivery, supporting founders from orientation through Demo Day. She leads cohort programming and founder engagement, bringing prior experience managing an early stage fintech incubator in Silicon Valley.

Kristine is an Admin Assistant who's been with Alchemist since 2021. She brings quiet dedication and reliable support to the task she handles. An introvert at heart but outgoing when needed, she enjoys freediving, travelling, reading, and spending time with her pets.

Program Director of Alchemist Japan, Yukai leads day-to-day operations, manages startup and mentor networks, and drives marketing and community initiatives, bringing over a decade of experience in cross-border program management.

QA Engineer & SDET on the Vault development team, specializing in automated testing and quality assurance to maintain platform excellence.

Michelle is a detail-oriented professional from the Philippines who values excellence in everything she does. She is also a devoted wife and mother of two, balancing family life and work with care and commitment.

Entrepreneur in Residence at Alchemist Accelerator and faculty at UC Berkeley, Luke focuses on how people learn, build, and communicate in technology markets. A two-time founder and three-time CMO, he brings a global perspective shaped by years of building startups worldwide.