Professor Dr. Valentina Assenova

Biography

Valentina Assenova is the Edward B. Shirley R. Shils Endowed Term Assistant Professor at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a Faculty Affiliate at the Mack Institute for Innovation Management and the Penn Development Research Initiative (PDRI-Dev Lab). Her research focuses on entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship, particularly the role of accelerators in early-stage startup formation and growth. With a Ph.D. from Yale University, Assenova teaches various courses on social entrepreneurship and entrepreneurship, guiding students through the intricacies of launching ventures that address social issues while ensuring financial sustainability. She has been recognized with multiple prestigious awards for her reviewing efforts and research contributions, emphasizing her impactful work in understanding the dynamics of startup success, social enterprise scaling, and technological integration in small and medium-sized enterprises. Valentina collaborates with organizations like Google Startups and FINCA International to support entrepreneurs globally, aiming to advance the quality and impact of entrepreneurship worldwide. Her publications explore a variety of themes including the effects of cultural tightness-looseness on entrepreneurship, the critical role of digital technology in SME growth, and the nuances of accelerator programs.

Research Interests

Awards

Courses