Maria Pienaar

Maria Pienaar Email and Phone Number

Founder @ ScaleSpark
San Francisco, CA, US
Maria Pienaar's Location
San Francisco, California, United States, United States
Maria Pienaar's Contact Details

Maria Pienaar personal email

About Maria Pienaar

Senior executive with demonstrated expertise driving breakthrough revenue growth, profitability, and market share for ambitious technology product/service organizations. Key product niches worked in to date include Cybersecurity, Mobile/Telecommunications, IoT, Enterprise Software, Cloud/SaaS, and Social Media.Skilled at helping startups and growth ventures identify optimal ecosystem niches, develop reference customers, accelerate market growth and target their funding, focus, and resources to meet strategic objectives. Additional strengths cultivating relevant talent, partners, product offerings, and business plans. Deep network of contacts throughout the globe, in addition to expertise in corporate VC fundraising. Representative Accomplishments:• Developed/launched 30+ profitable global enterprise and consumer mobile products to date• Quadrupled product revenues for Nielson through pivoting of a new data benchmarking product• Led double-digit sales gains for The Immersion Lab despite a severe market downturn• Managed cross-functional teams in defining the digital strategy for a mobile carrier• Founded a Corporate Venture Capital firm focused on early growth-stage technology company deals• Led development of innovative marketing plans and go-to-market strategies to launch global products in the US• Built world-class global partner ecosystems and product roadmaps for multiple organizations• Cultivated and managed strategic alliances with top OEMs and firms such as Huawei, ZTE, Oracle, and Microsoft• Worked with partners on a $5.5 billion project involving the simultaneous global deployment/launch of a new telecomm service in 27 countries worldwideAreas of expertise:Product Marketing & Management; Digital Transformation; Global Business Development; Market Ecosystem Research & Analysis; Product Commercialization; Multi-Cultural Team Leadership; New Product Introductions / Launch; New Ventures & Startups; Partner Development & Relations; Product Roadmap & Lifecycle Planning; Team Mentoring & Leadership; M&A Due Diligence / Integration; New Market Identification & Entry; Revenue Acceleration & Growth; Fundraising & Venture CapitalOpen to all relevant contacts and conversations

Maria Pienaar's Current Company Details
ScaleSpark

Scalespark

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Founder
San Francisco, CA, US
Maria Pienaar Work Experience Details
  • Scalespark
    Founder
    Scalespark
    San Francisco, Ca, Us
  • First Principles
    Funding Strategy, Technology Commercialisation, Innovation, Angel Investment, Advisor
    First Principles Jul 2019 - Present
    Delivering investor strategy, attractiveness and traction for portfolio companies of Funds, Accelerators and Incubators using the investor lens on how companies present themselves to investorsConsulting services for:* US Investor readiness and funding strategy* Investor readiness master classes* US market entry strategy and acquisition* Market Value Proposition Testing & Assessment* Business Development for New Market Opportunities* Product Strategy* Early Growth Funding Deal Sourcing
  • Unicorn Growth Capital
    Operating Partner
    Unicorn Growth Capital Jul 2021 - Present
    Unicorn Growth Capital is an early-stage VC firm investing in the future of FinTech enabling financial inclusion
  • Femmar
    Coo
    Femmar Mar 2023 - Present
    Empowering women with knowledge and solutions about menopause to provide optimum wellbeing in their second half of life. 91% of women who have completed the Femmar Program reported becoming symptom free within 2-20 weeks. Femmar works with companies to offer a viable solution to their female employees suffering from menopause, at little to no entry cost. https://www.femmar.com/femmar-as-a-benefit
  • International Women'S Forum
    Member
    International Women'S Forum Jan 2020 - Present
    Washington, District Of Columbia, Us
  • Runway Innovation Hub
    Sr Innovation Consultant
    Runway Innovation Hub Oct 2021 - Nov 2022
    Runway provides workspace, innovation consulting and event services to a global community of startups and enterprises.For startups:We equip tech companies with all-inclusive workspace memberships, weekly events, and access to our global network so they can succeed in growing a business.For enterprises:We help large organizations navigate amongst trends and opportunities, identify and engage with high-potential startups to achieve long-term success.
  • Blue Label Ventures
    Founding Partner | Startup Advisor
    Blue Label Ventures Jan 2017 - Jul 2019
    Co-founded a Corporate Venture Capital company to evaluate, fund, and help scale early-stage technology startups internationally, serving as a strategic investor providing resources/funding and business networking assistance to help portfolio firms accelerate market acquisition, innovation. and growth. Member of investment team responsible for deal flow, due diligence, negotiating terms, and devising corporate strategy. Provided coaching to portfolio company executives and leadership teams on growth strategy, customer acquisition, and development/launch of new products and services. Key product types analyzed incl. cybersecurity, fintech, blockchain, IoT, digital health, payments, and emerging platforms.
  • Cell C
    Chief Information Officer
    Cell C Jul 2012 - Mar 2017
    Buccleuch, Gauteng, Za
    Launched Africa’s first Wi-Fi Calling service for this mobile carrier within 9 months, achieving the fastest deployment of this service globally with support of 20+ devices, including Apple and Samsung, at launch. Drove significant market disruption with Facebook Over-The-Top services, generating new voice revenue streams and uplift for the company. Led strategic alliances with a series of top alliance partners that included Huawei, ZTE, Oracle, and Microsoft resulting in new innovative products and operational efficiencies. Additionally, led a technology transformation strategy that enabled Cell C to become a highly disruptive player and the fastest-growing carrier within the South African market in a mere 18 months.
  • Cell C
    Executive Head, Value Added Services
    Cell C Jul 2012 - Dec 2016
    Buccleuch, Gauteng, Za
  • The Immersion Lab
    Vice President, In-Market Partners
    The Immersion Lab Jan 2010 - Apr 2012
    Mono, Ca
    The Immersion Lab is a Canadian-based leadership development company working with Global 50 companies to accelerate business insights through In-Market immersion. They partner with global corporations to transform business results through unique in-market learning journeys where senior executives exchange ideas and insights on strategic business topics with industry thought leaders and expert practitioners.Established global partner eco-systems and networks with industry thought leaders globally to look at other cultures (corporate and country) to help solve their own internal problems, by looking from the “outside in”. Managed and set up more than 50 in-market programs in India, China, UK, US and Australia for the top Pharma and FMCG customers of The Immersion Lab. Program themes included cultural transformation, corporate innovation, design thinking and strategic partnering.
  • Finpro/Finnode Usa
    Sr. Consultant, Go-To-Market Strategy & Market Acceleration
    Finpro/Finnode Usa Mar 2006 - Dec 2009
    Held 3-year role with this Finnish government economic development agency, tasked with opening new markets for Finnish start-ups in the US. Identified new market strategies and led market acceleration studies. Led efforts to streamline and accelerate entry to US customers, increasing qualified sales leads by more than 30% and consistently exceeding all assigned sales targets.
  • Nokia
    Sr. Marketing Manager, Nokia Usa Technology Platforms Group
    Nokia Apr 2005 - Mar 2006
    Espoo, Southern Finland, Fi
    Recruited to this $51 billion global mobile handset manufacturer, overseeing their “Developer Go-To-Market” program, showcasing and increasing visibility for worldwide developer applications. Created and marketed the Forum Nokia business value proposition to developer and buyer communities.
  • Nielsen
    Director, Product Management - Mobile Products & Information Services
    Nielsen Jun 2003 - Jan 2005
    Joined this mobile product information services company, holding responsibility for managing new mobile data testing products. Oversaw the full product life-cycle, launched new offerings within the US market, and refined internal processes and contract deliverables to meet aggressive delivery times. Led automation of business processes, reducing product delivery time by 50% and greatly improving client satisfaction and retention. Quadrupled product revenues within first 18 months to over $5 million.
  • Pienaar Consulting
    Principal, Pienaar Consulting: Commercialisation,Business Development,Product Marketing
    Pienaar Consulting May 2002 - May 2003
    Consulting and contracting services for:• Business Development and customer acquisition• Strategic Channel Partner strategy and acquisition• Product Marketing Strategy including market value proposition definition and market validation• Product Development (Wireless, Mobile, Software)Developed key target accounts and channel partners for the Telecommunications segments in Europe and North America for various US customers.
  • Solid, Usa
    Director, Business Development, Professional Services
    Solid, Usa Dec 2000 - Apr 2002
    Collaborated with Sales and Professional Services teams to develop/launch cutting-edge data processing solutions for market segments in Europe, North America, China, and Japan. Played key strategic role in entry of the firm into the U.S. market, acquired numerous top reference customers and forged a network of 15 international partners such as IBM that generated more than 50% of Solid’s revenue.
  • Globalstar
    Business Development / Product Marketing Manager
    Globalstar Jan 1998 - Dec 2000
    Covington, La, Us
    One of the first satellite mobile service companies using a constellation of low earth orbit satellites to offer mobile voice and internet services globally. Key team member that helped launch the service in December 1998. Responsibilities included refining the product strategy for launch and enabling the various network partners globally to be launch ready to offer the service. Responsible for global market and service development as well as deployment for early revenue generation services on the Globalstar network.
  • Lucent Technologies - Octel Messaging Division
    Sr. Product Marketing Manager: Value Added Services
    Lucent Technologies - Octel Messaging Division Apr 1996 - Dec 1997
    Espoo, Southern Finland, Fi
    Defined and managed development of call applications for Octel’'s messaging platforms for global markets. Octel got acquired by Lucent.
  • Vodacom (Vodafone), South Africa
    Director, Value Added Services
    Vodacom (Vodafone), South Africa Oct 1993 - Apr 1996
    One of the initial 21 employees launching wireless service in May 1994. Responsible for all Value Added Services in the start up of one of the most successful early GSM network launches globally. Launched 24 new services within the first 12 months.

Maria Pienaar Skills

Leadership Product Marketing Marketing Management Information Technology Product Marketing And Management Consulting Revenue Acceleration And Growth Strategic Partnerships Channel Digital Transformation Complex Problem Solving Executive Management Deal Sourcing Cybersecurity International Sales Corporate Venture Capital Startup Due Diligence Channel Partners Global Business Development Networking Start Ups Business Development Telecommunications Competitive Analysis Team Leadership Internet Of Things Fundraising Telecommunications Billing Strategy Corporate Venturing Management Consulting Mobile Applications Corporate Innovation Gsm Innovation Business Planning Entrepreneurship Professional Services Marketing New Business Development Mobile Communications Cross Functional Team Leadership Product Management Product Commercialization Go To Market Strategy Segmentation C++ Startups Business Alliances Business Strategy Market Ecosystem Research And Analysis Management Saas Product Development Complex Project Delivery Wireless Marketing Strategy Mobile Devices Cloud Computing Crm Mobile Technology

Maria Pienaar Education Details

  • University Of Pretoria
    University Of Pretoria
    Ee

Frequently Asked Questions about Maria Pienaar

What company does Maria Pienaar work for?

Maria Pienaar works for Scalespark

What is Maria Pienaar's role at the current company?

Maria Pienaar's current role is Founder.

What is Maria Pienaar's email address?

Maria Pienaar's email address is ma****@****ail.com

What schools did Maria Pienaar attend?

Maria Pienaar attended University Of Pretoria.

What are some of Maria Pienaar's interests?

Maria Pienaar has interest in Innovation, Networking, New Technology, Scuba Diving, Golf.

What skills is Maria Pienaar known for?

Maria Pienaar has skills like Leadership, Product Marketing, Marketing Management, Information Technology, Product Marketing And Management, Consulting, Revenue Acceleration And Growth, Strategic Partnerships, Channel, Digital Transformation, Complex Problem Solving, Executive Management.

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