Julia Chelaru

Worth knowing

Known for GSD, connecting the right people, and helping folks cut through the noise as they start or scale their businesses and grow as leaders.

Story

I started out in corporate innovation and accelerator programs, building programs from the ground up and working closely with entrepreneurs, mentors, and corporate partners. Over time, I realized I was increasingly drawn to the people-puzzles: understanding what helps people and teams thrive, connecting the right people, and creating the conditions for growth. Today, my work sits at that intersection of people, programs, and systems, with a growing interest in taking a more therapeutic approach to helping leaders develop, navigate complexity, and grow.

In Julia's words

I grew up in Romania, moved to Canada as a teen, and have spent the last decade working alongside founders in corporate innovation and venture capital. That's included advising Fortune 500 clients on strategy, running accelerator programs for Techstars and Highline Beta, co-founding Proptech Collective, and now helping lead platform at Shopify Ventures. Through all of it, what I've cared about most is making the founder journey a little easier, personally as much as professionally.

Highlights

• Founder Acceleration Manager, Shopify Ventures
• Co-Founder, Proptech Collective
• Director, Accelerator Operations, Highline Beta
• Advisory team, ventureLAB Capital Investment Program
• Program Manager, Techstars