Professional Summary
Professional Overview
Mariya Valeva is a seasoned finance and operations executive with extensive experience in the startup and venture capital ecosystem. As the Founder of FounderFirst, she leverages her expertise to support early-stage B2B ventures, providing strategic guidance and hands-on operational support. In addition to her foundational role, Mariya currently serves as an Advisor and Fractional CFO for Connectd, a Mentor to B2B Ventures at Harvard Innovation Labs, a Fractional CFO/COO at Meraki Ventures, and a Fractional Finance Partner at IVY.
Experience Summary
Current Roles
As the Founder of FounderFirst, Mariya is responsible for the overall strategy, operational management, and client success of the organization. She works closely with early-stage B2B startups, offering comprehensive finance and operations support to help them scale and achieve their growth objectives. In her Advisor and Fractional CFO role at Connectd, Mariya provides strategic financial guidance and operational oversight to drive the company's financial performance.
Mariya's impact extends beyond her direct roles, as she mentors B2B ventures at the prestigious Harvard Innovation Labs, sharing her deep industry knowledge and helping founders navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses. Additionally, she serves as a Fractional CFO/COO at Meraki Ventures, where she is responsible for overseeing the firm's financial management and operational efficiency, and as a Fractional Finance Partner at IVY, where she collaborates with the team to deliver comprehensive financial solutions to the company's diverse client base.
Career Progression
Prior to her current roles, Mariya held various leadership positions within IVY, a prominent venture capital firm. As the Senior Director of Finance and Operations, she was instrumental in shaping the company's financial strategy, optimizing operational processes, and driving organizational growth. Her earlier role as Director of Finance and Operations further solidified her expertise in managing the financial and operational aspects of fast-paced, dynamic organizations.
Academic Background
Mariya holds a Bachelor's degree in Finance from New York University, where she graduated with distinction and demonstrated a strong academic record.
Areas of Expertise
Mariya's areas of expertise include financial management, strategic planning, operational optimization, and venture capital advisory. She is adept at guiding early-stage startups through the complexities of financial modeling, fundraising, and scaling their operations. Additionally, Mariya's leadership skills and industry knowledge have been instrumental in contributing to the success of the organizations she has been associated with.
Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Mariya has left an indelible mark on the startup and venture capital ecosystem. Her work as a Mentor at Harvard Innovation Labs has helped numerous B2B ventures navigate the challenges of building and scaling their businesses. As a Fractional CFO and Finance Partner, she has played a crucial role in optimizing the financial and operational performance of her clients, enabling them to achieve their growth objectives.
Conclusion
Mariya Valeva's extensive experience, strategic mindset, and commitment to driving innovation make her a valuable asset to the companies and entrepreneurs she collaborates with. As she continues to expand her impact through her various roles, Mariya remains focused on empowering early-stage B2B ventures and contributing to the broader success of the startup ecosystem.
