OUR AMAZING TEAM

Get to Know Us

Get to Know Us

Everything you need to collaborate, create, and scale, all in one place.

About us

The determined innovators. The bold disruptors. The relentless builders. The underrepresented founders who persist despite barriers. The strategic thinkers navigating complex regulatory landscapes. The women founders who refuse to let funding gaps stop them. The ambitious entrepreneurs who are committed to meaningful change.

These are the founders we empower. Rare visionaries whose resilience excites and inspires us.

We know the hurdles are real.

The 2% funding gap. The slow yes. The market that wasn’t “designed with you in mind.”

And we know that solving real problems requires more than hype.

We partner early, often when your groundbreaking idea is still shaping into a viable business. We understand that initial decisions set trajectories, strategically and exponentially influencing your journey to success.

Our approach is direct and deeply personal. We push because we see your potential. Some find our style challenging. Those who share our vision thrive with us.

Our team mirrors the founders we support: experienced, driven, empathetic, and deeply strategic. We’ve faced the regulatory maze, struggled with investor misunderstandings, and overcome bias firsthand. Many of us have launched and scaled our ventures. We understand your path intimately because we've walked it.

We believe in collaboration, not ego. Every success story is a collective victory. Our small team is intentionally focused on supporting a select group of visionary startups. We prefer meaningful impact over broad reach, mindful of hard-earned lessons and timeless truths. Our network is not just strong, it’s transformative, built on decades of experience and genuine relationships.

From strategic clarity and investor readiness to ongoing community support, we carefully shape our contribution to meet your evolving needs. We're guided by purpose, responsibility, and the transformative power of authentic partnership.

So no, we’re not here to hand you a playbook.

We’re here to build with you.

At Astra Network, terms like “deal” or “exit” fall short. We are not merely consultants or mentors. We are strategic partners in your enduring success.

Let’s build what they said was too early, too risky, or too bold, and make it undeniable.

Madalina Preda

Madalina Preda

Madalina Preda

CEO

CEO

Per aspera ad astra, through hardship to the stars. That's not just my motto; it's my promise

to every entrepreneur ready to transform bold visions into breakthrough realities.

I've walked in your shoes. I've pitched impossible ideas to skeptical boards, built ventures

from concept to market launch, and turned overlooked opportunities into game-changing

platforms. From beinf a trailblaizer in financing women’s health in and managing strategic

partnerships across global markets, I've learned that the best innovations happen at the

intersection of human need and strategic capital.

Here's what 15+ years bridging healthcare innovation, global transformation, and venture

capital has taught me: most people in this space are either founders or funders. I've been both,

often simultaneously. I don't just understand your challenges, I've lived them. And I don't just

know what investors want, I've been the one deploying the capital.

Whether you're navigating your first funding round or scaling across multiple markets, I

bring something rare: the ability to translate between the language of passionate founders and

strategic investors. Because I believe that "we are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking

at the stars" and my job is to make sure that I shine the light on the entrepreneurs looking at

the stars.

Ready to turn your breakthrough into reality? The sky is the limit!


Claudia Thull

Claudia Thull

Claudia Thull

Co-Founder & Activation Lead

Claudia is a dedicated and experienced retail professional with a strong background in store

management, customer service, and team leadership. Throughout her career, she has

developed key strengths in customer consultation, communication, and building positive,

collaborative team environments.

Before transitioning into retail, Claudia gained valuable experience working in a winery in Germany. There, she supported the business by organizing wine tastings, engaging

with customers, and assisting with daily operations, an experience that strengthened her

sense of responsibility, refined her hospitality skills, and deepened her understanding of

event coordination.

Her international background, strong interpersonal abilities, and passion for creating welcoming,

memorable experiences make her well-suited for any hospitality role.

Fluent in German, English, and Romanian, Claudia values continuous learning and personal

development. In her free time, she enjoys painting and reading, which inspire her creativity

and bring balance to her everyday life.

Oana Manta

Oana Manta

Oana Manta

Management Advisor

Management Advisor


Oana Manta is Astra's board advisor, a strategic, resilient, and internationally experienced professional with over 15 years across strategy, venture investment, innovation, and finance. She is skilled at bridging business and technology, supporting senior leadership with clear insights, and turning complex market trends into practical, actionable decisions.

She thrives in environments where she can bring structure to complexity, connect stakeholders, and move ideas from concept to execution. Comfortable operating at both strategic and operational levels, X combines strong analytical and financial skills with an empathic, people-centred approach. Oana is experienced in building and nurturing ecosystems, managing partnerships, and designing decision-ready insights that help organisations allocate capital, prioritise initiatives, and drive innovation with confidence.

As an advisor, she brings a rare mix of strategic sharpness and empathy: she can distil complex information into concise, decision-ready insights, frame trade-offs and risks in a balanced way, and facilitate constructive dialogue. Her experience in ecosystem building, financial and strategic analysis, and cross-border initiatives enables her to support boards in setting direction, overseeing execution, and safeguarding long-term value creation.




Cristina Berja

Cristina Berja

Cristina Berja

Chief Technology Officer


Driven by a passion for AI and technology, I’m dedicated to creating solutions that make life smarter, simpler, and more connected. With experience in developing websites, chatbots, and automations, I focus on transforming innovative ideas into intuitive digital experiences that enhance the way we work and live.

At Astra Network, I lead with curiosity and a belief that innovation happens where imagination meets logic. Each project is a new constellation - a chance to align technology with purpose, empower people through intelligent design, and push boundaries toward a brighter, more connected future.



Milica Vidojkovići

Milica Vidojkovići

Milica Vidojkovići

Marketing & Creative Director

Marketing & Creative Director

Milica Vidojković is the Creative Director at Astra Network, where she transforms bold ideas into clear, compelling stories that help founders move from uncertainty to momentum. She leads brand, content, and narrative strategy—turning complex concepts in fintech, healthtech, insurtech, mobility, and resilience into messages that resonate with investors, partners, and customers.

With a background in corporate innovation, InsurTech, and executive ghostwriting, Milica blends strategic insight with human-centered storytelling. She has shaped thought leadership and campaigns for global organizations, helping leaders communicate with clarity, confidence, and purpose.

At Astra Network, she brings structure to early-stage chaos—helping startups articulate their north star, sharpen their message, and step into the market with a brand that feels true, intentional, and ready to grow.


Griffin Louis

Griffin Louis

Griffin Louis

Visual Content Director

Griffin is a Los Angeles-based director and editor who helps startups create pitch videos that win over investors. With over 15 years of experience across film and video production, from social media content to feature films. He brings both creative storytelling and strategic thinking to every project. Griffin guides founders through the complete process, from initial concept and scripting through production and final delivery. His end-to-end expertise means he doesn't just create beautiful videos; he crafts compelling narratives that clearly communicate your value proposition and make investors lean in. Whether you're preparing for your first pitch or refining your Series A deck, Griffin ensures your story is told with clarity, impact, and emotional resonance.