Elizaveta Petrovskaia

Elizaveta Petrovskaia is a dedicated researcher, social entrepreneur, and PhD candidate at the University of Iceland. Her research explores how social enterprises sustain their commitment to social impact throughout the investment lifecycle. Through qualitative interviews with impact investors and in-depth case study analysis, her work aims to uncover strategies that reinforce 'impact fidelity' post-investment, ensuring long-term positive change. The insights from her study will contribute to enhancing the scalability and resilience of social enterprises globally. 

​

Elizaveta holds a Master of Science in International Relations from the University of Naples Federico II, where she graduated with First-Class Honors. Her academic research has focused on governance, sustainability, and social enterprise scaling, with publications on environmental migration and social entrepreneurship education. She has presented at international conferences on sustainable development and impact measurement, contributing to the discourse on policy frameworks that support social enterprises' long-term sustainability. She has also completed specialized courses in corporate sustainability at Università Bocconi and sustainable entrepreneurship at Copenhagen Business School, equipping her with practical insights into responsible investment and social impact evaluation. 

​

Elizaveta has strengthened her expertise through advanced training in entrepreneurship and impact investing. She completed the Eurasia Foundation’s School of Entrepreneurship and Leadership in Washington, DC, where she was among the top 1% of students and received a startup development grant. There, she was mentored by professors from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, deepening her knowledge of investment strategies for mission-driven enterprises. She also attended Copenhagen Business School’s Summer University program, specializing in Sustainable Entrepreneurship and Business Model Innovation. Additionally, her experience at the Apple Developer Academy allowed her to conduct research on promoting social inclusion and sustainable development in marginalized communities. 

​

Beyond academia, Elizaveta has worked extensively in impact-driven organizations. As a Startup Engagement Specialist at Scientifica Venture Capital, she supported early-stage social enterprises in securing impact-aligned investments while maintaining their mission-driven focus. She also mentored international students at the International Educational Center "Compass," guiding them on research methodologies for evaluating social impact and sustainable business models. Previously, she contributed to the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Youth International, where she facilitated initiatives aimed at integrating sustainability metrics into investment strategies and policy recommendations. 

​

Elizaveta is a proactive leader in social innovation and entrepreneurship. She founded Vegan Fox, a social startup that provided eco-friendly fruit deliveries, where each purchase supported local orphanages, integrating sustainability and social impact into business operations. She has participated in esteemed leadership programs such as the Aspire Leadership Institute and FXB Climate Advocates Program, where she engaged with global leaders in sustainable finance and social entrepreneurship. Additionally, she has delivered talks at international forums, including the BRICS Youth Innovation Summit and the International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD), focusing on the role of investors in preserving social enterprises' missions. 

​

Passionate about education and community empowerment, Elizaveta has volunteered in diverse initiatives worldwide, from ecological restoration projects in Vietnam and Lapland to mentoring aspiring social entrepreneurs. She has actively contributed to international social enterprise events, impact investing dialogues, and climate action programs, emphasizing the importance of mission-aligned investments in fostering systemic change. 

​

Fluent in English, Italian, and Russian, Elizaveta is committed to bridging research, policy, and entrepreneurship to drive meaningful and sustainable change. Through her PhD research at the University of Iceland, she aims to develop actionable frameworks that help social enterprises uphold their mission while securing the financial backing necessary for scalable, long-term impact.