Giorgos Zacharia

Giorgos Zacharia has a diverse work experience spanning various industries and roles. Giorgos started their career in 1998 as the Founder, CTO, and Chief Scientist of Open Ratings, a startup that raised $26 million in funding. Giorgos then went on to establish Emporics Capital Management, where they served as the Founder, General Partner, and CEO, managing hedge fund trading using proprietary quantitative models.

In 2006, Giorgos became an investor and advisor to several AdTech, ECommerce, predictive analytics, fintech, and consumer internet startups such as Avocarrot, URX, RateElert, and Drafted. Giorgos continued their advisory and investment roles until 2016.

In 2008, Giorgos joined KAYAK as the Chief Scientist, responsible for optimizing user experience and acquisition. Giorgos later served as the Chief Product Officer before ultimately becoming the Chief Technology Officer in 2014. As CTO, they oversaw the product, design, performance marketing, and technology teams for KAYAK brands.

In 2010, Giorgos joined Sonicbids as a board member, contributing to the leading platform connecting bands and promoters. Giorgos remained on the board until 2013 when Sonicbids was acquired by Backstage.

Giorgos also co-founded Insurify in 2013, where they served as a co-founder and board member. In addition, they acted as an advisor and investor to multiple companies, including Insurify, Hellas Direct, Wappier, Goodpath, Pikkit, HedgeHog, Baukunst, OpenBay, and Keragon.

Furthermore, Giorgos served as the Chief Technology Officer of OpenTable in 2018-2019, playing a vital role in technology development and strategy.

Throughout their career, Giorgos Zacharia has demonstrated expertise and leadership in technology, product development, and entrepreneurship across various sectors.

Giorgos Zacharia earned a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2009. Prior to that, they completed a Master of Science (MS) degree in Media Arts and Sciences at MIT in 1999. Giorgos also obtained two Bachelor of Science (BS) degrees at MIT, one in Computer Science with a minor in Economics and the other in Mathematics, which they completed from 1993 to 1997. Before attending MIT, Giorgos served as a Sergeant in the Cyprus National Guard from 1991 to 1993.