AK

Afshan Khan

Investor / Strategist / Mentor

Greater Pittsburgh Region

Invests in

Stages:

  • Min Investment:

    $100,000.00
  • Max Investment:

    $150,000.00
  • Target Investment:

    $125,000.00

Skills

Problem Solving
Analytical Skills
Sales
Sales Management
Project Management
Team Leadership
Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
International Sales
Negotiation
Executive Management
Investments
Marketing Strategy
Contract Negotiation
Customer Service
Product Management
Start-ups
Strategic Planning
Business Analysis
Management
Logistics

Education

Work Experience

  • Portfolio Executive, Hardware

    2018

    As Portfolio Executive at Innovation Works, I work with early stage hardware companies focused on robotics, AI, agtech, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Provide guidance on critical business issues, including business plan development, market validation and fundraising. In this role, I evaluate companies for funding by Innovation Works.

  • Manufacturing Program Manager

    2015 - 2018

    • Established Scalable Innovation Program to provide direct investment in manufacturers and supply chain partners engaging with hardware technology companies • Developed and led AlphaLab Gear’s Manufacturing Program to provide direct investment, hands-on support, and business expertise to support design for manufacturing, a manufacturing roadmap, and scale manufacturing

  • Innovation Adoption Program Manager

    2013 - 2015

    * Product Innovation & Process Innovation: assist manufacturers to gain a competitive advantage, improve efficiencies, strengthen market position * Business Coaching & Consulting: training on agile development methodologies, business plan development, financial analysis, resource identification, marketing strategy, plan development

Focal Point Products

2000 - 2013

  • CEO

    2000 - 2013

    * International manufacturer and distributor of polyurethane millwork building materials for home construction, commercial projects, and building renovation * Responsible for all aspects of company operations including strategy development and execution, manufacturing, distribution, international supply chain, sales and marketing, finance, and administration

1991 - 2000

  • Principal Business Development

    1998 - 2000

    Led and/or coordinated merger projects, acquisition targets, divestiture activity, and new business development from Xerox’s research and development initiatives

  • Senior Manager Corporate Strategy

    1996 - 1998

    Supervised ongoing development of corporate strategic planning and forecasting processes for the annual corporate business plan, departmental budgets and sales forecasts

  • Senior Account Manager

    1994 - 1996

  • Manager Corporate Strategy

    1992 - 1994

  • Finance Analyst

    1991 - 1992

  • Senior Financial Consultant

    1986 - 1989