Erkin Najafli

Investment Partner at Creator Fund

Erkin Najafli has a diverse range of work experience, starting in 2016 with their role as a Content Writer/Science Communicator for the online platform "Elm Azerbaycan." In this position, they created popular scientific content for the platform's Facebook and Instagram pages until September 2020.

In 2019, Erkin joined the NICPB / Keemilise ja Bioloogilise Füüsika Instituut (KBFI) as an Early Stage Researcher. Erkin'swork focused on the synthesis, fine-tuning, and testing of platinum-based catalysts for fuel cell applications. Erkin also worked as an intern at the same institute from October 2019 to February 2021.

In 2021, Erkin worked as a Visiting Researcher at the Kemijski Inštitut - National Institute of Chemistry. During their one-month research visit, they learned about electrocatalyst testing methods and analyzed catalyst stability using conventional and novel testing techniques.

In 2023, Erkin joined Creator Fund as an Investment Analyst. Creator Fund is a student-led venture capital fund from the UK expanding into the European market. In their role, Erkin is responsible for sourcing and evaluating trailblazing start-ups seeking pre-seed and seed investments. Erkin engages with founders, drives deals, leads sourcing initiatives at university campuses, and builds the CF brand in Europe. Erkin also establishes visibility with key institutions and supports the growth of the UK and European portfolio.

Erkin Najafli has a solid educational background with degrees in various fields. Erkin began their academic journey in 2013 at the Azerbaijan State University of Oil and Industry, where they pursued a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical and Power Engineering, which they completed in 2017.

In 2016, Erkin Najafli attended the University of Leicester, where they earned a Bachelor's Degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering, completing the program in 2017.

After completing their undergraduate studies, Erkin continued their education at Tallinn University of Technology. From 2018 to 2020, they pursued a joint Master of Science (MS) degree in Materials and Processes for Sustainable Energetics. Additionally, in 2019, Erkin pursued the same joint MS degree at the University of Tartu, further expanding their knowledge in this field.

Recently, Erkin Najafli has been enrolled at Tallinn University of Technology, where they are currently pursuing a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Chemical and Materials Technology. This program began in 2020 and is expected to be completed in 2024.

In addition to their formal education, Erkin has also obtained two certifications. In 2017, they received the Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training (BOSIET) certification from Falck. Furthermore, in 2018, they received an honors certificate in Renewable Energy and Green Building Entrepreneurship from Coursera.

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Timeline

  • Investment Partner

    November 1, 2023 - present

  • Investment Analyst

    May, 2023