Leadership
Sonja Markova
Executive Director, 'Cane Angel Network
Sonja Markova brings over 20 years of experience in angel group management and early-stage investments to the University of Miami. Previously, Ms. Markova was Executive Director of Band of Angels, Silicon Valley’s oldest angel investment group and Managing Director of Keiretsu Forum, the largest global angel investment network. Ms. Markova was Vice President of a single-family office, where she invested in startups from the firm’s asset allocation in ventures. She serves on the Board of Directors of the Florida Venture Forum, Florida’s largest support and networking organization for entrepreneurs and venture capitalists. Ms. Markova is a Mentor at TechStars Miami, the Alchemist Accelerator, and an Advisor at the Berkeley SkyDeck where she works with early-stage founders on their preparedness for Seed funding. She is also an Advisor at Camp BizSmart, a program for young aspiring entrepreneurs, ages 11 to 18, designed to acquire essential skills needed to be successful in school, at home, and in a future profession. Ms. Markova began her career in venture capital as an Investment Associate at the International Cooperation and Development Fund (Taiwan ICDF) in her home country North Macedonia.
Operational Team
Norma Kenyon
Vice Provost for Innovation at the University of Miami
Norma Sue Kenyon, Ph.D. is Vice Provost for Innovation at the University of Miami and Chief Innovation Officer of the Miller School of Medicine. Under her leadership, the U Innovation team, including the Office of Technology Transfer and the Wallace H. Coulter Center for Translational Research, has successfully increased the number of licensing agreements and startups emanating from faculty innovations across the University's 12 schools and colleges. The Launch Pad provides support to students, alumni and faculty entrepreneurs interested in establishing a startup. Under her leadership, the University launched the ‘Cane Angel Network, aimed at bringing together entrepreneurs and investors from the University of Miami community to provide early-stage funding and a network of advisors. Together with external partners, Dr. Kenyon is working to grow the Converge Miami innovation district (previously known as the UM Life Science and Technology Park). She also serves on the Board of Directors of the Miami-Dade Beacon Council.
Student Investment Team
An interdisciplinary team comprised of University of Miami graduate business, law, engineering, and medical students undertakes the initial review of company submissions. The student investment team works closely with the 'Cane Angel Network Executive Director to vet company submissions, perform due diligence, prepare deal memos, and identify the strongest candidates for investment consideration by the 'Cane Angel Network members.
Arthur Rech Tondin
Principal
Arthur Rech Tondin is a fourth-year Ph.D. candidate in the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology program at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. His research focuses on pioneering methods to utilize stem cells and immunomodulatory techniques for the treatment of Type 1 diabetes. Dedicated to advancing cellular therapy, Arthur is passionate about bridging the gap between academia and industry, aiming to translate scientific breakthroughs into transformative therapies. As a Principal at the 'Cane Angel Network, he leads due diligence analysis, preparation of Deal Memos for the startups that are being presented for investment consideration to the 'Cane Angel Network members, and is a mentor to the'Cane Angel Network Deal Analysts.
Quintarius Bell
Senior Analyst
Quintarius Bell (QB) is pursuing a Master of Science degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of Miami. He is passionate about space technologies, operations research, deep-tech, the national security startup ecosystem, and venture capital. As a Senior Analyst at the 'Cane Angel Network, QB performs screening and analysis of startups that apply for funding. Additionally, he is a Summer Associate at GM Ventures, the venture arm of General Motors. He is also a VC Fellow at Type One Ventures, where he supports the investment team in sourcing, evaluating, and executing early-stage deals. QB has previously worked in engineering roles at organizations such as Planet, Relativity Space, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and the Georgia Tech Research Institute.
Kayla Lawless
Analyst
Kayla Lawless brings extensive experience in legal analysis and operational support to the 'Cane Angel Network team. With a strong focus on scaling legal processes, she works to address complex legal issues and implement effective solutions. Kayla’s professional background spans technology, media, and venture capital, where she has contributed to privacy compliance initiatives, strategic transactions, and legal knowledge management. Kayla holds a B.S. in Hospitality Management from New York University, with a concentration in event management and international study experience and has earned her Juris Doctor from the University of Miami School of Law, where she was recognized for her excellence in transactional skills, negotiation, and mediation.
Ajeet Jain
Analyst
Ajeet Jain is a second-year MBA candidate at the University of Miami Herbert Business School. He began his professional journey with an internship at Uber in Pune, India. The startup culture of Uber motivated him to launch his own scrap and e-waste collection business - TIGO, tackling the local community issue of waste management head-on. The learnings at TIGO led to the creation of a list “101 things I wish I knew before I started my business”. Ajeet has working experience as an ESG Research Analyst at SG Analytics and Business Development Officer at Ekatvam Academy.
Facundo Garcia Flores
Analyst
Facundo Garcia Flores is a second-year MBA candidate at the University of Miami Herbert Business School and a DHL Fellow, passionate about leveraging technology and innovation to drive business growth. He currently serves as the Vice President of the Graduate Business Student Association, is a Product Manager Intern at Startup Mentor AI, and a Deal Analyst at the 'Cane Angel Network.
Steering Committee
The ‘Cane Angel Network Steering Committee is made up of experienced professionals in business, finance, and academia who provide input and support to implement best practices that serve as a foundation for the ’Cane Angel Network to operate at the highest standards.
