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Karen Nassif

Principal Venture Builder, EMEA

Karen Nassif
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As Principal Venture Builder, EMEA, Karen teaches interdisciplinary teams from global businesses how to design and bring to market disruptive products and services, using her sharp analytical skills to unravel complex problems and devise cutting-edge strategies. What's her secret weapon? A unique mix of behavioral psychology and design thinking that uncovers what customers really want. 

Karen's journey in venture building wasn't a straight line. When she joined Shell’s in-house incubator team, she finally found what she’d been looking for — an outlet for her immense drive, problem-solving expertise, and entrepreneurial vision. As her team worked with Mach49 on a new venture, Karen was hungry to learn — asking questions daily and challenging preconceived ideas. 

She learned that great ideas come from great teams, and only those teams that have the resilience to overcome the daily challenges of a startup environment and turn their vision into reality. Karen knew Mach49 was the place for her, and quickly grew from working on New Venture Teams to leading them.  Her love for venture building magnifies as each endeavor brings its own unique context, bold possibilities, and diverse colleagues with new perspectives. 

Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the American University of Beirut and a master’s degree in economics and business strategy from Imperial College London. 

Outside of work, she tries to stay grounded through practices like meditation and yoga. When Karen’s not on the mat, she immerses herself in nature, disconnecting from screens and soaking up the surrounding greenery. She's always on the go, whether running, hiking, or camping — anything that keeps her body and mind active. And after a busy day, she savors nothing more than a hearty bowl of pasta.

Karen Nassif

Principal Venture Builder, EMEA

As Principal Venture Builder, EMEA, Karen teaches interdisciplinary teams from global businesses how to design and bring to market disruptive products and services, using her sharp analytical skills to unravel complex problems and devise cutting-edge strategies. What's her secret weapon? A unique mix of behavioral psychology and design thinking that uncovers what customers really want. 

Karen's journey in venture building wasn't a straight line. When she joined Shell’s in-house incubator team, she finally found what she’d been looking for — an outlet for her immense drive, problem-solving expertise, and entrepreneurial vision. As her team worked with Mach49 on a new venture, Karen was hungry to learn — asking questions daily and challenging preconceived ideas. 

She learned that great ideas come from great teams, and only those teams that have the resilience to overcome the daily challenges of a startup environment and turn their vision into reality. Karen knew Mach49 was the place for her, and quickly grew from working on New Venture Teams to leading them.  Her love for venture building magnifies as each endeavor brings its own unique context, bold possibilities, and diverse colleagues with new perspectives. 

Born and raised in Beirut, Lebanon, Karen holds a bachelor’s degree in economics from the American University of Beirut and a master’s degree in economics and business strategy from Imperial College London. 

Outside of work, she tries to stay grounded through practices like meditation and yoga. When Karen’s not on the mat, she immerses herself in nature, disconnecting from screens and soaking up the surrounding greenery. She's always on the go, whether running, hiking, or camping — anything that keeps her body and mind active. And after a busy day, she savors nothing more than a hearty bowl of pasta.
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