Astrid Ayel

I work across Professional, Business and Financial services, connecting startups, scaleups, academics, firms and large corporates with relevant partners, expertise, funding opportunities and market insight.

Since 2018, I have been part of the core team shaping and delivering UKRI’s Next Generation Professional and Financial Services programme from its early stages into a recognised national programme. I lead AI for Services, a UK wide network connecting innovators, researchers, investors and policymakers to support the development and adoption of responsible and practical AI and digital technologies across the sector.

Before joining Innovate UK Business Connect in 2015, I gained first-hand experience of startup growth at a data science company that scaled internationally and became part of Mastercard. Earlier in my career, I also worked with the United Nations, supporting the organisation of elections in post conflict areas.

With a degree in mathematics and experience across startups, corporates, the public sector, and international organisations, I bring analytical thinking, curiosity, and creative energy to my work. The most rewarding part is seeing organisations I have supported go on to secure opportunities and grow.