Shani Zanescu is the Founder and Managing Partner of Universe Partners, leading transformative investments that enhance global resilience. Her focus is on crafting innovative solutions to address the multifaceted worldly challenges of climate change—integrating economic, technological, and environmental strategies while pioneering new financial models for frontier technologies.

 

Shani has reshaped the Israeli climate tech landscape by channeling over $100M to the sector's startups and fund. She also founded PLANETech, a nonprofit she Chairs, bringing together top minds and innovators to tackle climate challenges through cutting-edge technology and collaborative initiatives.

 

In addition to her leadership at Universe Partners, Shani serves as an active board member and advisor to various startups, providing strategic guidance at the intersection of technology, finance, and sustainability. Her career includes key roles in foreign affairs and bilateral collaborations at the British Council and the Ministry of Defence at Israeli Embassy in the Netherlands, enriching her expertise in technology, policy, and global resilience across Israel, Europe, and the U.S.

 

Holding a Master’s in Diplomacy and National Security from Tel Aviv University and a Bachelor’s in Communication and Business from Texas Christian University, Shani has been recognized by Forbes as one of its ‘30 Under 30’ and named among the ‘12 Most Influential People in Climate Tech’ by 12Tech.

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As a keynote speaker, she covers a range of topics, including venture capital, climate tech, resilience, the interplay of geopolitical and technological trends, the Israeli tech ecosystem, building innovation ecosystems, financing impact-driven ventures, and empowering women in tech, all shaped by her personal journey.

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Driven by curiosity and a passion for transformative technologies (and, well, pretty much everything), Shani is wholehearted in her approach to both the planet and its people— always grateful, always learning.