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    Nikhil Mandrekar

    Nikhil Mandrekar

    Co-Founder @The Carbon Games, Ex-OECD Analyst, @aPitchDeck.com Partner. MS in Economics & Innovation, Illinois Tech & Barcelona GSE alum.

    Operations Manager Lisbon Illinois Institute of...
    apitchdeck.com
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    Experience
    The Carbon Games
    The Carbon Games
    Founder, CEO and co-founder 2022 - Present (over 4 years)
    During my tenure as Co-Founder at The Carbon Games, starting in 2022 and based in Lisbon, Portugal, I made significant contributions in the intersection of technology and... more sustainability. The Carbon Games is a pioneering company focusing on innovative environmental solutions.

    Key Contributions:

    Deloitte Clean Future Acceleration Programme (2023): Played a pivotal role in winning this prestigious program in Portugal. This achievement underscored our commitment to and expertise in sustainable technological solutions.

    Dubai Expo Live Innovation Programme (2023): Successfully led our team to participate in this global event in the UAE, showcasing our innovative solutions on an international platform.

    Open Sea Lab 3.0 Hackathon (2023): Guided the team to recognition in this esteemed hackathon, highlighting our innovative approach to environmental challenges.

    NEAR MetaBUILD III Hackathon (2022): Contributed to our victory in this hackathon, demonstrating our proficiency in leveraging technology for environmental solutions.

    NEARCON IRL Hackathon (2022): Played a key role in another hackathon win, further establishing our expertise in the tech-sustainability space.

    Siemens & Mastercard Future Transportation Hack (2022): Our participation and achievement in this hackathon emphasized our innovative approach to sustainable transportation solutions.

    My experience at The Carbon Games represents a blend of leadership, innovation, and a deep commitment to sustainability, driving forward the development of environmentally conscious technologies and strategic business models.
    aPitchDeck.com
    aPitchDeck.com
    Managing Partner 2014 - Present (about 12 years)
    As the Head of Investor Relations at aPitchDeck.com from 2014 to present, I have been instrumental in shaping the futures of numerous technology startups, playing a key role... more in securing over $500M in capital. My expertise lies in strategically crafting and presenting compelling narratives for tech-focused ventures, ensuring they resonate with investors and stakeholders.

    Key Contributions:

    Diverse Tech Portfolio: Developed investor presentations and business plans for a wide range of tech startups, including innovations in semantic-social technologies, freight logistics, data analytics, and renewable energy.

    Capital Acquisition: Instrumental in raising over $500M for startups and corporations, showcasing my ability to understand and articulate the value proposition of complex tech ventures.

    Investor Network Expansion: Successfully collaborated with prominent venture capital firms and investors, aligning their interests with the technological potential and market viability of various startups.

    Strategic Advisor: Provided strategic guidance to tech companies at different stages, from early seed to growth phases, ensuring their narratives are compelling, financially sound, and technologically innovative.

    During my tenure at aPitchDeck.com, I have consistently demonstrated my ability to understand the nuances of the tech industry, aligning startup potential with investor expectations. My role involves not just presenting companies to investors but also deeply understanding the technological and business implications, making me a valuable asset to any tech-driven venture.
    OECD Paris
    OECD Paris
    Innovation Policy Analyst 2011 (4 months)
    During my engagement in Paris as an Innovation Policy Analyst at the OECD from September to December 2011, I played a key role in a groundbreaking project: the inclusion of... more India in the OECD's Science, Technology, and Innovation (STI) Outlook for the first time. This marked a significant milestone in recognizing India's growing influence in the global innovation landscape.

    Key Contributions:

    Pioneering Research for STI Outlook: Spearheaded the research and analysis that led to India's debut in the OECD's STI Outlook. This involved an in-depth study of India's innovation policies, their structures, implementation strategies, and impacts.

    Policy Analysis and Strategic Insights: Provided critical insights and analyses on the effectiveness of India's innovation policies, influencing international understanding and perceptions of India's role in the global technology arena.

    Collaboration and Knowledge Exchange: Collaborated with international experts, facilitating a meaningful exchange of ideas and practices, and contributing to a richer, more inclusive STI Outlook.

    Influencing Global Policy Discussions: My work contributed to a broader recognition of India's potential in science and technology, which was a key factor in the OECD's decision to establish a local office in India, further strengthening Indo-OECD relations.

    My tenure at the OECD was not only an opportunity to contribute to a significant shift in global innovation policy analysis but also a profound learning experience in understanding the dynamics of policy impact on technological advancement in emerging economies like India.
    Grupo Damm
    Grupo Damm
    Innovation Consultant 2011 (4 months)
    During my time in Barcelona as a Data Consultant at DAMM S.A., a prominent Spanish brewery and beverage company, from January to June 2011, I undertook a significant project... more that combined detailed research with strategic financial consulting. DAMMSA, with its diverse portfolio in beverages including the renowned Estrella Damm beer, has a substantial presence in the European market, particularly known for its production and distribution of beer, water, and flavored drinks​​​​.

    Key Contributions:

    Aluminium Cost Research: I conducted extensive research on the costs associated with aluminum, a key material in the beverage packaging industry. This project required deep analysis of market trends, pricing, and supply chain factors.

    Commodity Contracts Consultation: Leveraging the findings from my research, I played a pivotal role in guiding DAMM to engage with Barclays Capital for involvement in commodity contracts. This was a strategic move to manage risk associated with fluctuating aluminum prices.

    Collaboration with Director of Purchasing: Working closely with the Director of Purchasing at DAMM, I ensured that the insights and strategies developed were aligned with the company’s procurement and financial objectives.

    Impact on Business Strategy: My work at DAMM not only provided immediate solutions to material cost challenges but also contributed to the company's broader strategy in managing commodity risks.

    This experience at DAMM was a significant part of my professional journey, blending rigorous data analysis with strategic financial consulting, and providing a foundation for my later endeavors in technology and innovation sectors.
    Illinois Institute of Technology
    Illinois Institute of Technology
    Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center 2006 - 2010 (about 4 years)
    My tenure as a Business Development Manager at the Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center, from January 2006 to June 2010, was marked by significant contributions to entrepreneurial... more growth and business development. The center, known for its focus on fostering entrepreneurship and supporting startups, provided an ideal platform for me to apply and enhance my skills in business strategy and development.

    Key Contributions:

    Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Support: Actively engaged in developing and nurturing the entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing support and resources to emerging startups and entrepreneurs.

    Business Development Initiatives: Led various initiatives aimed at enhancing the business capabilities of new ventures, including strategic planning, market analysis, and resource allocation.

    Mentorship and Advisory: Offered mentorship and advisory services to budding entrepreneurs, guiding them through the complexities of business planning and execution.

    Networking and Partnerships: Played a pivotal role in building networks and partnerships, connecting startups with potential investors, industry experts, and other key stakeholders.

    My experience at the Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center was foundational in shaping my approach to business development and entrepreneurship. It allowed me to gain a deep understanding of the challenges faced by startups and the strategies necessary for their growth and success.
    Founder
    The Carbon Games
    Employee
    Illinois Institute of Technology, Grupo Damm, OECD Paris, aPitchDeck.com
    Investor
     
    Incubator
     
    Advisor
     
    Attorney
     
    Board Member
     
    Mentor
     
    Member
     
    Acquired
     
     
    Education
     
    About
    Achievements

    The Carbon Games Co-Founder:
    Winner of the 2023 Clean Future Acceleration Programme, Portugal.
    Participant in the 2023 Dubai Expo Live Innovation Programme, UAE.
    Recognized in the 2023 Open Sea Lab 3.0 Hackathon.
    Victories in the 2022 NEAR MetaBUILD III and NEARCON IRL Hackathons.

    aPitchDeck.com, Head of Investor Relations:
    Secured over $500M capital for tech startups.
    Notable clients include AngelList, Flora Growth (NASDAQ: FLGC), Synchronoss Inc (NASDAQ: SNCR)

    OECD Innovation Policy Analyst:
    Researched India's innovation policies for OECD's STI Outlook. Influenced OECD to open an office in India.

    DAMM Data Consultant:
    Led aluminum cost research and financial strategy with Barclays Capital.

    Jules F. Knapp Entrepreneurship Center, Business Development Manager:
    Enhanced the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Chicago from 2007-2010, supporting startups.

    Certified in "Basic Keelboat by US SAILING."

    Describe the most impressive thing you've done.
    Skills
    Investor Presentations Business Strategy Innovation & Growth Product Strategy Business Operations Data Management Risk Management Stakeholder Management Sustainability Consulting Global Entrepreneurial Experience
    Locations
    Lisbon
     
    Q&A
    What words of advice would you give your younger self?

    Be patient.

    What's your super power?

    Organization

    What words of wisdom do you live by?

    What doesn't kill you..

    What was the most impactful class you took in school?

    Creativity and Inventions

    What's something you wish you had done years earlier?

    Move to Europe

    What's an obstacle you've overcome?

    Procrastination

    What's your favorite non-business book?

    The holographic universe

    If money were not an issue, what would you be doing right now?

    Improving animal welfare

    What's the most creative thing you've ever done?

    Designed a sandalwood-based automatic watch

    What's the best way for people to get in touch with you?

    LinkedIn

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