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Maria Velkova
Managing Partner at Tabula Rasa Ventures - VC in Psychedelic Healthcare
Professional Background
Maria Velkova is a dynamic leader in the psychedelics ecosystem, especially focusing on mental health innovation. With a profound commitment to enhancing patient outcomes, she is currently a managing partner at Tabula Rasa Ventures (TRV), which serves as a pre-seed incubator for groundbreaking start-ups that are dedicated to developing psychedelic medications. Her work aims to ensure that essential mental health therapies are brought to patients around the world, steering companies toward successful trajectories in a rapidly evolving sector.
In conjunction with her current role at TRV, Maria is also co-founding a revolutionary new accelerator aimed at supporting seed-stage companies within the psychedelics field. This initiative reflects her steadfast belief in the potential of psychedelic drugs to transform the treatment landscape for individuals suffering from mental health disorders.
Maria's vast experience in the pharmaceutical sector encompasses over five years with leading biopharma companies, including AstraZeneca, Roche, and UCB. Throughout her career, she has strategically contributed to the development and execution of global strategies primarily within the realms of neurology, oncology, and immunology. Her expertise spans a wide array of disciplines such as research and development (R&D), clinical trials, product launches, regulatory affairs, business intelligence, sales, operations, and mergers and acquisitions (M&A). This diverse skill set positions her as a vital asset in guiding innovations in the development of psychedelic therapies.
Education and Achievements
Maria's educational background showcases her dedication to the field of pharmacology and enterprise in biosciences. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacology with distinction ('Summa cum laude') from the University of Leeds. This comprehensive knowledge provided her with a solid foundation in the biomedical sciences, which she later expanded upon by pursuing a Master of Philosophy (MPhil) in Bioscience Enterprise at the prestigious University of Cambridge. Her academic qualifications reflect her deep understanding of both the scientific and business aspects of the biomedical industry.
Beyond her degrees, Maria's commitment to fostering professional development is evident from her previous role as a guest lecturer for the MPhil Bioscience Enterprise program at the University of Cambridge, where she shared her insights and experience with future innovators in the field.
Organizations and Contributions
Maria's professional journey is marked by her involvement in several reputable organizations. Before her current role at Tabula Rasa Ventures, she was a founding partner at Biogenesis Ventures, where she played a crucial role in establishing a venture fund that focuses on biotechnology and pharmaceutical investments.
Her consulting experience at ZS substantially contributed to her breadth of knowledge in healthcare consulting, where she took on multiple roles ranging from Associate Consultant to Business Associate, honing her expertise in market access strategies and business intelligence.
Maria's work experience extends to her internships in eminent organizations, including Amgen and Novartis Institutes for BioMedical Research, where she garnered practical insights into research and innovation. She also took on various marketing and finance roles at Teva Pharmaceuticals, enriching her cross-functional skill set.
In her earlier entrepreneurial journey, she founded Proofable, demonstrating her innovative spirit and commitment to advancing the health and wellness sector through technology and business solutions. Each position Maria held contributed to her growing expertise and passion for improving mental health solutions through the potential of psychedelics.
In summary, Maria Velkova’s career is characterized by her tireless efforts to innovate within the psychedelic medicine sector. As a trusted leader, educator, and entrepreneur, she is dedicated to ensuring that life-changing therapies are accessible to those who need them most.
