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 in 2010 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 in 2009 with a degree in Literature and Cultures and American Studies. In late 2009 she joined VAI Global where she has been involved in marketing projects to enhance outreach and interest in the Innovation Community.

Mariya Bunenko

Mariya Bunenko graduated from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2010 with a degree in Economics and Russian Studies. She joined VAI Global in early 2010 to help enrich the virtual community by researching potential partners and members, as well as assisting in marketing projects.

Jeff Liu

Jeff Liu will be graduating from the University of California, San Diego in late 2010 with a degree in International Studies and Economics. He has just recently joined VAI Global, and is excited for the opportunity to contribute to the growth of the Innovation Community. He will be assisting in both promoting awareness of the community and developing its partnerships.