About Karen
Unlock Growth with a Strategic, Multilingual Business Developer
I help businesses expand, optimize, and scale with data-driven strategies and hands-on execution. With a proven track record in international business development, sales strategy, and financial planning, I specialize in driving market entry, operational efficiency, and profitable growth.
✅ Market Expansion & Sales Strategy – I successfully started up LATAM sales operations for a top-tier European oleochemical company, mapping the market, cold calling, and engaging with 100+ corporations in Brazil and Mexico.
✅ Business Turnaround & Operational Efficiency – I led the turnaround of a scientific instruments distributor, optimizing Finance, HR, and Logistics while renegotiating supplier contracts across multiple services.
✅ Fintech Leadership & High-Impact Negotiations – As part of the leadership teams at two fintech startups, I drove sales strategies and secured key supplier & partnership agreements.
✅ Startups & Investment Pitches – As a startup mentor, I help businesses refine their investment pitches, pricing strategies, and market positioning to attract funding and scale effectively.
Looking to expand your business, optimize operations, or refine your pitch? Let’s connect and make it happen.
Dutch
Native or bilingual
French
Native or bilingual
English
Native or bilingual
Portuguese
Native or bilingual
Spanish
Fluent
German
Conversational
Remote only
Primarily works remotely
Experience
- BankuishSales Director, Strategic Partnerships & GrowthJanuary 2024 - July 2024 (6 months)São Paulo, State of São Paulo, BrazilBankuish is an alternative credit scoring fintech that helps banks better understand the risk profile of unsalaried workers (such as app drivers) Built pricing model for new data package & per project revenue projections. Identified potential partners through extensive market research, pitching to over 50 banks and fintechs, negotiated proposals, bringing on 4 new partners. Led Sales team. Coordinated Marketing & Product initiatives. Reported to CEO.
- SororitêAngel investorAugust 2022 - Today (3 years and 10 months)São Paulo, State of São Paulo, BrazilSororitê is a female angel network, investing in early-stage women-led start-ups. Pitch screening, financial & legal due diligence, "smart money" advisor committees.
- SPROUTFIHead of Finance & OperationsMay 2021 - June 2022 (1 year and 1 month)São Paulo, State of São Paulo, BrazilSproutfi was a YC funded investing social network which provided financial education and access to US stocks. Part of the founding team, in charge of Finance & HR. Pre-seed & seed stage. Led selection process for service providers, incl. infrastructure for FX conversion. Budget planning & cash flow forecasting. I negotiated several key supplier agreements, achieving savings of 40% in the FX fees for capital contribution. Rolled out remote payroll platform & benefits program. Reported to CEO.
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Education
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)CFA Institute2007Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)
- Master of ArtsUniversity of Nottingham Business School2001MA Finance & Investment