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Team

Bridging Innovators and Industries

Braid Theory was founded by deep domain experts in the blue economy space to address the gap between bluetech entrepreneurs and effective commercialization strategies. We are strengthened through skilled professionals covering innovations in the green and blue economies, entrepreneurship, manufacturing, and sales.

Team

Ann Carpenter photo
Ann Carpenter
CEO, Co-Founder

Ann Carpenter is a passionate advocate of the global Blue Economy with 30+ years of experience in strategic planning, marketing, and business development.

She is the Co-Founder and CEO of Braid Theory and serves on multiple boards and advisory positions. In her free time, Ann enjoys sailing, kayaking, scuba diving, and gardening.

Anastassia Savini photo
Anastassia Savini
Contracts Administrator

Anastassia, an international business and banking regulation expert, is applying her detail-oriented legal knowledge to oversee all entrepreneur, partner, supplier, and employee contracts. She is also working towards the now-famous “baby bar” exam.

Middle age smiling woman in a hat
Deborah Ruiz Marr
Director of Partnerships

Deb has dedicated over 30 years to collaborating with clients and partners, guiding them through dynamic marketing landscapes to enhance their brands. From national accounts to small nonprofits, from multimedia campaigns to interactive events she offers versatile marketing expertise to maximize budgets and achieve strategic goals and positioning. Outside of work, Deb has found solace in the ocean, indulging in activities like scuba diving, kayaking, bodysurfing or simply enjoying a quiet soak.

Hannah Ponce
Hannah Ponce
Assistant Community Manager

Hannah is driven by a diverse skill set in research, marketing, and project management. Hannah serves as a Media & Marketing Associate at Biotech Connections LA and is a graduate student of CSU, Long Beach signifying her commitment to developing strong, collaborative communities. Beyond her professional pursuits, Hannah is an assistant club volleyball coach, enjoys sailing, and is a dedicated mother.

Lilia Yermakova
Lilia Yermakova
Visual Design, Creative Communication, UX

Experienced graphic and web designer with a strong focus on user-centric design. Skilled in web development, multimedia content creation, and accessibility. Committed to enhancing online experiences and fostering community connections.

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Ryan Blaney
IP Strategist

A Principal and Founder at a local international law consultancy, Ryan employs his legal expertise to advise entrepreneurs on international compliance and intellectual property.

Startup Mentors

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Adil Ashiq
Maritime Innovation Expert
Alex Kopelyan
Alex Kopelyan
Senior Director & Partner at SOSV’s IndieBio
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Allen Haroutonian
Blue Economy Venture Architect & Builder
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Anthony Williams
Business Developer, Trainer, Recruiter
Brian Dolan
Brian Dolan
Mathematical Entrepreneur. Building Enterprise Grade Artificial Intelligence for over 20 years.
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Craig Conlee
Advisor, Sales Strategy
Eric Bayani Photo
Eric Bayani
Port and Maritime Expert: Zero Emission, Energy
Evan Tsang photo
Evan Tsang
Developer, Lean Manufacturing, Project Management
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Grant Law
Marine Ecologist, Boatwright, Dive Professional
Harry Rappaport
Harry Rappaport
Vice President of Operations at Urchinomics
Jade Kang
Jade Kang
Management Consultant | Software Engineer | Product Manager | People Influencer
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John Dmohowski
Clean Tech Startup Guru
Mateo Abascal
Mateo Abascal
Humanitarian Technologist and Social Entrepreneur
Mike Bush
Mike Bush
High-performance marcom operations expert
Nickelle Presley
Nickelle Presley
Ocean and climate tech advisor
Parikshit Sharma
Parikshit Sharma
Partner at SOSV's IndieBio
Middle age man
Paul Walmsley
Financial Advisor
Rachel Vandenberg
Rachel Vandenberg
Passionate advocate for creative transportation infrastructure solutions
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Scott Rohrbaugh
Applied Physicist, Corporate Innovation
Stephen Grant
Stephen Grant
Investor, mentor in biotech/pharma and new life science technology
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TJ Kinion
Advisor, Hiring Strategy, Human Capital