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Sonja Markova
Executive Director at Band of Angels
Sonja Markova is an experienced angel investment professional currently serving as Executive Director at the University of Miami's 'Cane Angel Network, where she leverages over 20 years of expertise in angel group management and early-stage investments.7 Prior to this role, she was Executive Director of Band of Angels (2016–2024), the pioneering U.S. angel investment group that has supported over 400 companies, including 62 profitable M&A exits and 12 IPOs.26 During her tenure, she played a pivotal role in shaping the group’s investment strategy and operational framework.2
Key Career Highlights
- Band of Angels: As Executive Director, she managed investments in startups across sectors like technology, healthcare, and consumer goods, contributing to the group’s legacy as a model for angel networks globally.2
- Keiretsu Forum: Previously, she spent 12 years (2001–2012) as Vice President, helping expand the network to 53 chapters across three continents and facilitating over $750 million in investments.2
- Point Reyes Management: Served as Vice President (2014–2016), sourcing and evaluating early-stage opportunities, making 15 investments during her tenure.2
Education and Advisory Roles
- Holds an MBA in Finance and New Ventures Management from California State University East Bay and a BS in Management from the University of St. Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, Macedonia.2
- Recipient of a Ron Brown Fellowship from the U.S. Department of State.2
- Serves as an advisor to Camp BizSmart, Berkeley SkyDeck, and the Alchemist Accelerator, mentoring entrepreneurs and early-stage founders.7
Current Engagements
- Leads the 'Cane Angel Network, collaborating with University of Miami students and faculty to evaluate startups and drive innovation.7
- Actively promotes entrepreneurship through initiatives like Angel Office Hours and events such as the "Spotlight on Innovation at University of Miami".34
Her LinkedIn profile (username: sonjamarkova) reflects her ongoing work in fostering startup ecosystems and connecting investors with promising ventures.135
Highlights
I’m happy to share that I started to volunteer as a Mentor at Techstars Miami. I look forward to mentoring the founders and learning from them, as well.
I deeply appreciate our amazing team at University of Miami U Innovation. We all came out of our quarterly retreat energized and full of ideas for collaboration among our departments and continuing to move innovation forward.
Dr. Norma Kenyon, Bob Williamson, Whitney Hough (she/her), William Silverman, Brian Breslin, Samantha “Sam” Palmer-Shields, Peter Gutenberg, MS, JD, Ernesto Pino, Tiffany-Ashley Disney, Mayla Quesada, Enrique Triay, Amanda Gladu, Tanayla Bentley, Michele Gomez, David Richart
