Léonie Weerakoon

Léonie received a double B.A., in Fashion Design, and Sociology at the University of Texas at Austin after relocating highest in her class from Luxembourg. She began her career at 16, as a designer, and a teacher at a learning center. Here she discovered her instinct for operations and strategy development leading her to single handedly generate +$31M in under 9 months as the first employee of F1 US.

Shortly after, at 24, Léonie formed Santebien Consulting where she directed operations, strategy and strategic partnerships leading growth teams in various sectors for clients including Whole Foods, Formula 1 and Pirelli.

After working predominantly in male dominated industries Léonie recognized her lack of female mentorship in the workplace and dedicated more time to philanthropic programs supporting women owned businesses, and women empowerment solutions. Ultimately, moving to D.C. to pursue a career in International Development and Education, and formed her passion project 'BEAM' - a career matchmaking virtual mentorship platform.

By 2018, Léonie worked with 18+ companies, gaining insight to 42, of which 3 were acquired. She was founding member of 8 companies, on the board of various non-profits and dedicated 1 month of every year to volunteer her expertise and time to missions of interest. Léonie relocated to NYC to lead Business Development & Strategy at a venture fund where she currently resides.

Originally growing up between Austin,TX, Sri Lanka, and Luxembourg, Léonie grew up intercontinental. And, serves as an advisor for startups in education and technology. In her free time, she designs, seeks adventure travel where she has explored 32 countries with the dream of someday reaching 190+. She is fluent in 4 languages, lives in the East Village and seeks opportunities to boost our planet's eco-system and health through education and investing in tech and AI.