About Us

VAI Global

VAI Global provides a highly relevant, efficient and cost-effective professional networking solution for members of the entrepreneurial start-up and high growth business communities. Our company's flagship service, the Innovation Community, is an online social media community that connects entrepreneurs, investors, service providers, university innovators, corporations, economic development organizations and other professionals active in the new Innovation Economy. The community offers a number of key services including business networking and discovery, sophisticated searching, community forums & tools, private groups, targeted advertising, job placement and webinar events.

Our Team

Dr. Don Oparah

Dr. Don Oparah leads VAI Global as Founder and CEO and brings with him a range of experience in technology business, consulting, research and education as well as very specific knowledge about accelerating start-up ventures and building innovation communities. Prior to starting VAI Global, Don developed the vision for, launched and successfully grew the UCSB Venture Acceleration Initiative (VAI) to accelerate university spin-off ventures. He also spent several years working in IT and Strategy consulting in the UK. Dr. Oparah holds a PhD in Computer Science from Cambridge University and an MBA with Entrepreneurship Focus from UCLA Anderson.

Tyler McHugh

Tyler McHugh graduated from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a degree in Political Science and Spanish. Tyler joined VAI in 2008 and made the transition to VAI Global to help nurture and grow the virtual community. At VAI UCSB, Tyler coordinated events to engage the community and build the network. He now works with VAI Global to manage customer service and group partnerships.

Kacy Marume

Kacy Marume graduated from the University of California, Merced with a degree in Literature and Cultures and American Studies. In late 2009 she joined VAI Global where she has been involved in managing marketing projects to enhance outreach and interest in the Innovation Community.

William Zhang

Will Zhang is currently a graduate student majoring in Engineering at the University of California, Los Angeles. He used to be a consultant in Accenture and a sales assistant at Johnson & Johnson Medical before attending UCLA. He joined VAI Global in early 2011 and is working on several projects including international research, sponsorships and competitive analysis. He likes speaking to different people, which helps him to better understand human nature. He is also a chamber music pianist and programmer in his spare time.

Adam Lasker

Adam Lasker earned his MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA in 2011. Prior to attending business school, Adam worked as an Associate on the proprietary trading desk at Merrill Lynch. More recently, he worked as a Valuation Associate at FMV Opinions, and as a Business Development Consultant for CBS Interactive. Adam joined VAI Global shortly after graduation, and  is currently working in business development, helping to source new revenue opportunities, as well as develop a new strategic framework for the business. He enjoys ping pong, beach volleyball, is a huge sports fan, and has a goal of visiting all seven wonders of the world.

Sean Driscoll

Sean Driscoll is currently a fourth year undergraduate student majoring in Global and International Studies at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Before joining VAI Global in the Summer of 2011, he conducted research for a well known GPS market research and consulting firm. Sean currently works on VAI's support team, research team and also helps in areas of marketing. He enjoys speaking with and meeting new people and his interests include music and playing sports.

Advisory Board

Greg Horowitt

Greg Horowitt is the co-founder and Managing Director of T2 Venture Capital, an early-stage venture fund focused on the commercialization of IP from government-funded programs and universities around the world. Greg is active in the sourcing and executive management of T2VC's portfolio companies, including his role as the founding CEO of STAR. He is also a Kauffman Fellow and co-founder of Global CONNECT, a think tank based at the University of California, San Diego.