Elena Karpova Deputy CEO at an aerospace holding company
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Hi! My name is Elena Karpova. I am Deputy CEO of the aerospace holding, co-founder of an IT startup, and an engineer-entrepreneur with over 13 years of experience in innovation, product development, and project management.

My education combines a strong technical foundation with entrepreneurial skills. I have launched over 100 innovative pilot projects, raised millions of dollars in grants and investments, prepared a company for pre-IPO, built an AI product from scratch, and developed custom equipment.

I teach courses at the intersection of technology, business, and innovation:
- Technological entrepreneurship and startup launching
- Fundraising: grants, investments, pitch decks, and financial models
- Innovative project management and solution piloting
- Intellectual property protection in startups
- Business processes, strategic planning, and project management

My approach is highly practical: I share real cases from aerospace, transportation, IT, and manufacturing, teach how to avoid common pitfalls, and focus on achieving measurable results. Students gain not just theory, but actionable tools they can apply immediately to their own projects.

If you want to turn a technical idea into a successful business or level up your skills in managing innovative projects — you’re welcome to join my classes! 😊

Subjects

Project Management Beginner-Intermediate
Financial Modeling Beginner-Intermediate
Business Models Beginner-Expert
Aerospace basics Beginner-Expert

Experience

Deputy CEO (Aug, 2023–Present) at SR Space, Moscow

Deputy CEO. At SR Space (aerospace holding) I am responsible for strategic, financial, project, operational, and crisis management. I am also the CEO of one of the subsidiaries and head the project office. I have more than 130 people in my functional subordination. During my work I have attracted more than $2 million in grants and about $0.5 million in debt/loan financing. I was directly involved in preparing the holding company for its pre-IPO. I know everything about government support programs and fundraising, the basics of accounting, financial planning and document management. Being the second in command, I perform a wide range of tasks in accordance with the holding's needs, represent the company at meetings, negotiations and events.
Head of Innovation Pilot Program (Aug, 2021–Aug, 2023) at Moscow

During my work at the fund, I tested more than 100 innovative solutions on Moscow's transport infrastructure (from identifying needs to commercial launch) and managed various projects and cross-functional teams: up to 40 projects simultaneously, including long-term projects (more than one year). I was involved in planning the work of the fund's portfolio company, managing its production, and ensuring KPI fulfillment.
Chief business development officer (Apr, 2017–Aug, 2021) at Absolute, Moscow

I am a co-founder of an IT startup that develops software based on AI for metalworking production, and I have been involved in development of the project since its establishment. I helped raise two rounds of investment (pre-seed, seed), receive several grants, and successfully reach the commercialization stage.I was responsible for:
- problem interviews, UX/UI mockups, process analysis;
- all company documentation, interaction with GR;
- development of financial models and business plans;
- writing scientific reports and competition applications;
- fundraising, strategic planning;
- control over operational activities.
Lead design engineer (Mar, 2013–Apr, 2017) at Izobretal, Moscow

At an engineering company, I carried out full-cycle projects: from idea to serial production. I developed non-standard equipment for various fields: medicine, electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, etc. As a project manager, I managed a team of engineers (up to 10 people). Using AutoCad, Solidworks, and Mathcad, I designed products in 2D and 3D, performed strength and thermal calculations, and produced design documentation in accordance with GOST and ISO. I conducted patent searches, selected contractors and equipment/components, performed quality control, and provided control during production. Over four years I successfully implemented more than 10 large projects.

Education

Master (Sep, 2016–Jun, 2018) from Moscow Polytechnical University–scored 5,0 (of 5)
Engineer (specialist) (Sep, 2008–Jun, 2014) from Bauman Moscow State Technical University

Fee details

₽4,000–10,000/hour (US$56.18–140.45/hour)

I charge 4,000 rubles for basic consulting without prior preparation. For preparing a lecture (including slides or other visual materials) or drawing up a business plan/financial model, the fee increases compared to the base rate.