kristsokoli

Conducted market research to identify emerging trends and opportunities within crypto ecosystems and verticals. Sourced and evaluated early-stage startups through networking, industry events, and inbound deal flow. Performed detailed due diligence, including market sizing, competitive analysis, and financial modeling, to assess investment opportunities. Built strong relationships with founders to understand their vision, product, and growth strategies. Supported portfolio companies by providing strategic guidance on business development, product-market fit, and fundraising strategies. Collaborated with founders to develop go-to-market strategies and optimize key performance metrics. Monitored and reported on the financial and operational performance of portfolio companies. Acted as a liaison between portfolio companies and other stakeholders, such as co-investors and industry experts. Drafted investment memos and presented recommendations to internal investment committees. Negotiated deal terms and supported legal teams in executing investment agreements. Maintained detailed documentation of deal flow, due diligence findings, and deal terms for record-keeping. Stayed up-to-date on the latest trends, technologies, and regulations in blockchain, decentralized finance (DeFi), NFTs, and DAOs. Assessed tokenomics, smart contract functionality, and protocol scalability of crypto-based projects. Analyzed on-chain data and market indicators to inform investment decisions. Participated in community governance for protocols and decentralized projects relevant to the firm’s portfolio. Built and maintained a robust network of founders, industry experts, and investors in the crypto and Web3 space. Represented the firm at conferences, meetups, and panels to build brand recognition and attract deal flow. Collaborated with other venture funds, angel investors, and incubators to co-invest and share insights. Developed thematic investment theses and research around key areas such as Layer 2 solutions, modular scaling, ZK consumer products, and decentralized identity. Streamlined internal processes for deal tracking and pipeline management Worked closely with partners to refine fund strategies and align investments with long-term goals. Utilized on-chain analytics tools to assess project activity, adoption, and community engagement.

Oversaw the end-to-end operations of the accelerator program, ensuring smooth execution of all program activities. Coordinated program timelines, events, and deliverables across different teams and stakeholders. Developed and implemented operational frameworks to support startups in the accelerator. Acted as the primary point of contact for accelerator startups, addressing their operational needs and challenges. Organized mentorship sessions, workshops, and resources tailored to the unique needs of crypto startups. Facilitated connections between startups and investors, industry experts, and advisors. Planned and executed key events, including demo days, pitch competitions, and networking sessions. Managed event logistics, including venue, technology, and attendee communication. Collaborated with marketing teams to promote events and showcase startups. Built and maintained relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, mentors, and service providers. Identified and engaged with strategic partners to enhance the accelerator’s value proposition. Managed sponsorships and partnerships that supported program activities and events. Monitored and evaluated program performance metrics, providing insights for continuous improvement. Created and managed budgets, ensuring cost-effective use of resources. Ensured compliance with regulatory requirements, especially those specific to the crypto industry. Stayed updated on trends, regulations, and developments in the blockchain and cryptocurrency space. Shared insights and thought leadership to position the accelerator as a leader in the crypto ecosystem. Advised startups on navigating technical, regulatory, and market challenges in the crypto sector. Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including marketing, product, and finance. Recruited and managed support staff, interns, and contractors for program activities. Fostered a culture of collaboration, innovation, and excellence within the accelerator team. Leveraged project management tools and platforms to streamline accelerator operations. Oversaw CRM and database management for tracking startup progress and relationships. Implemented tools to improve startup support, such as analytics platforms, resource hubs, and communication channels.

Collaborated with Portfolio Strategy, Marketing, and Business Development teams to prioritize both near-term and long-term product candidates. Built comprehensive business cases for pipeline opportunities by synthesizing insights from market research, clinical literature, and advisory boards. Contributed to brand strategy development by aligning product concepts with unmet clinical needs and market demands. Co-led the drug evaluation and selection process, identifying and prioritizing product candidates with strong scientific rationales and market potential. Conducted detailed assessments of unmet market needs to guide the ideation and development of new injectable products. Provided strategic recommendations on product differentiation, positioning, and potential revenue impact to advance pipeline opportunities. Supported cross-functional teams in formulating product concepts that aligned with the company’s innovation strategy. Competitive Intelligence: Researched competitors, therapeutic market trends, and regulatory changes to inform strategic decisions and maintain competitive advantage. Analyzed secondary data and published literature to assess competitors’ product pipelines, commercial performance, and potential threats. Delivered actionable insights on competitor positioning and market shifts that influenced pipeline prioritization and product launch strategies. Conducted primary and secondary market research to assess market dynamics, physician needs, and patient preferences for injectable products. Translated insights from advisory boards and external stakeholder feedback into actionable strategic initiatives. Supported strategic planning by creating forecasting models, scenario analyses, and market entry strategies for late-stage products. Worked closely with commercial, medical, and strategic teams to formulate brand strategies addressing unmet clinical needs and ensuring product differentiation. Collaborated with cross-functional stakeholders to ensure alignment on product launch strategies, development timelines, and business objectives. Contributed to internal discussions on pipeline optimization and resource allocation by providing data-driven insights and scenario analyses. Drove product innovation through the evaluation and selection of multiple high-value drug candidates, contributing to the advancement of the pipeline. Delivered impactful competitive intelligence that shaped portfolio strategies and enhanced the company’s competitive positioning. Played an integral role in developing comprehensive brand strategies and preparing for pharmaceutical product launches. Gained expertise in aligning clinical, commercial, and strategic goals to drive decision-making and product success.

Investment Analysis: Evaluated early-stage crypto projects and startups for potential investment, focusing on tokenomics, product-market fit, and team capabilities. Conducted due diligence on decentralized protocols, analyzing whitepapers, market trends, and competitive landscapes. Provided personal investment theses and recommendations to DAO members, supporting collective decision-making processes. Research and Market Insights: Researched emerging trends in blockchain technology, DeFi, NFTs, and Web3 ecosystems. Analyzed on-chain data and market metrics to provide actionable insights for DAO members and community stakeholders. Explored governance models and token dynamics to assess project sustainability and alignment with DAO investment goals. Community Collaboration: Participated in DAO governance, contributing to discussions and voting on investment proposals and community initiatives. Engaged with project founders and community members to gather qualitative insights and build relationships within the crypto ecosystem. Shared findings and insights through DAO communication channels, fostering transparency and knowledge sharing. Strategic Initiatives: Identified and proposed high-potential investment opportunities by staying updated on developments in blockchain infrastructure and emerging protocols. Collaborated with fellow contributors to refine investment frameworks and align strategies with DAO objectives.

Independent Research and Reporting: Authored in-depth research reports on emerging and established crypto projects, including asset-specific profiles, tokenomics analyses, and technical deep dives. Produced event-driven updates on major blockchain developments such as system upgrades, forks, and product launches to inform ecosystem participants. Delivered well-researched, unbiased insights on various blockchain protocols, ecosystems, and market trends through commissioned research requests. Data Analysis and Tokenomics: Conducted detailed evaluations of tokenomic models, assessing inflationary/deflationary mechanisms, governance structures, and incentive designs. Leveraged on-chain data tools to analyze blockchain activity, network performance, and user adoption metrics. Synthesized insights from technical and market data to inform investment decisions and ecosystem strategies. Competitive and Ecosystem Intelligence: Researched market trends, competitive landscapes, and technological advancements to identify emerging opportunities and threats in the crypto space. Evaluated protocols, project roadmaps, and ecosystem developments to provide independent insights for decision-making. Monitored DAO governance proposals, ecosystem updates, and community sentiment to assess the strategic direction of key projects. Editorial Excellence: Contributed research findings through a rigorous editorial process to ensure quality, accuracy, and independence in reporting. Collaborated with Messari’s internal research team to refine analyses and align reports with industry standards. Community and Brand Building: Engaged with crypto organizations, funders, and the Messari Hub community to identify high-priority research topics and claims. Enhanced the accessibility of research by producing content tailored to both technical and non-technical audiences. Key Contributions: Produced high-quality, unbiased research that informed investment strategies, governance decisions, and protocol development for leading crypto organizations. Enhanced the crypto community’s understanding of complex topics such as Layer 2 scalability, DeFi mechanisms, and blockchain interoperability. Strengthened Messari’s mission to bring transparency and trust to the cryptoeconomy by maintaining objectivity and integrity in all commissioned work. Tools and Methodologies: Utilized blockchain analytics platforms such as Dune Analytics, Nansen, and Glassnode for data-driven insights. Applied a structured approach to evaluate project fundamentals, including market potential, technical architecture, and team credibility.

Market Research and Analysis: Conducted primary and secondary research to evaluate market dynamics, industry trends, and competitive landscapes in the pharmaceutical sector. Analyzed data on competitor products, pricing strategies, and market positioning to inform product strategies and business decisions. Supported the development of customer segmentation models to identify key target audiences and their unmet needs. Data Collection and Reporting: Gathered and synthesized data from internal databases, industry reports, and external sources to create actionable insights. Produced detailed reports and presentations summarizing market trends, customer preferences, and competitive intelligence. Delivered insights to cross-functional teams, contributing to strategic planning and product launch initiatives. Strategic Insights: Assessed market opportunities for pipeline and existing products by analyzing patient demographics, physician needs, and healthcare trends. Provided strategic recommendations for portfolio optimization and resource allocation based on market research findings. Identified potential risks and opportunities for the company’s injectable and oral product lines. Cross-Functional Collaboration: Collaborated with marketing, business development, and R&D teams to align market research insights with organizational goals. Supported project teams in developing go-to-market strategies by integrating market research findings. Engaged with internal stakeholders to refine data collection methodologies and improve reporting accuracy. Key Achievements: Delivered a comprehensive competitive analysis report that identified key differentiators for the company’s products, supporting strategic decision-making. Played a key role in market evaluations that informed the launch strategies for new pharmaceutical products. Enhanced the company’s understanding of market dynamics by creating accessible and impactful research deliverables.

Key Achievements: Delivered a case study on blockchain technology and stablecoins, identifying potential cost savings of 80% in loan distribution processes. Presented a proposal to significantly enhanced program outcomes by integrating blockchain-based solutions to optimize operational efficiency. Improved client success rates through actionable, customized business strategies informed by thorough market analysis. Strategic Planning and Operations: Developed strategic initiatives to support microfinance clients in underserved communities, aligning organizational goals with client needs. Evaluated enterprise development programs and implemented improvements to enhance scalability and impact. Coordinated cross-functional teams of students and faculty to ensure seamless program execution. Client Support and Training: Advised microfinance clients on financial literacy, budgeting, and operational planning to strengthen their businesses. Assisted entrepreneurs in designing sustainable business models and improving profitability through tailored support. Facilitated training sessions for student teams on microfinance principles and best practices. Market Research and Impact Analysis: Conducted market research to refine program strategies and identify growth opportunities for client businesses. Compiled data-driven insights into comprehensive reports for stakeholders and program development. Leadership and Collaboration: Led weekly meetings to set priorities, track progress, and address operational challenges. Mentored new team members to maintain program continuity and foster a collaborative team culture.

Startup Development and Strategy: Founded MedRec, a blockchain-based medical records platform designed to improve accessibility, security, and interoperability in healthcare data management. Developed a comprehensive business plan covering market analysis, financial projections, and go-to-market strategies as part of the university’s startup bootcamp. Designed the product concept, emphasizing the use of blockchain technology to address inefficiencies in traditional medical record systems. Pitching and Competitions: Selected to represent St. John’s University at an international pitch competition in Taiwan, competing against startups from around the world. Attended a two-week startup training program in Taiwan, refining pitching skills and enhancing product strategies through mentorship and workshops. Placed 4th in the international pitch competition, earning recognition for MedRec’s innovative approach and business potential. Leadership and Collaboration: Led a cross-disciplinary team to develop and present the platform’s value proposition, technical architecture, and market positioning. Collaborated with advisors, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs to iterate on product design and refine the startup’s vision. Presented regularly to faculty, investors, and peers to gather feedback and build support for MedRec’s development. Key Achievements: Selected for St. John’s University startup bootcamp, gaining experience across all aspects of the founder process, including business planning, pitching, and product development. Earned international recognition for MedRec at the Taiwan pitch competition, showcasing expertise in blockchain technology and entrepreneurial innovation. Gained hands-on experience in the startup lifecycle, building the foundation for future entrepreneurial and professional ventures.