Irena is a Principal at Highland focusing on investments in e-commerce, digital media and online business services with a particular emphasis on opportunities in Europe. Irena is actively involved with Highland's investments in Autoquake, GlassesDirect, Photobox and Privalia.

 

Background

Prior to joining Highland, Irena was a member of Google’s new business development team. Before Google, Irena worked at Index Ventures where she identified investment opportunities in consumer internet and emerging technology opportunities in Eastern Europe. Irena spent two years at Flybridge Capital Partners where she invested in and worked closely with several early-stage technology start ups. Irena has also worked as a strategy and private equity consultant at Bain & Company and at Tata Interactive Systems developing e-learning applications in Mumbai, India.

 

Education

Massachusetts Institute of Technology, B.S., Economics

Harvard Business School, M.B.A.

 

Interests

Irena grew up in the Ukraine and speaks English, Russian, and increasingly French. She enjoys high-adrenaline outdoor activities and classical dance. Irena currently resides in Geneva.