Sara Mercedes Medina
Los Angeles,CA
Summary
Financial strategist and entrepreneur with a track record in investment analysis and business strategy at international companies. Founded and executive-produced a pitch show at Trojan Vision Television. Converts complex data into clear insights that support actionable decision-making.
Overview
1
1
Certification
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Founder
Trojan Vision Television
Los Angeles, CA
01.2026 - Current
- Founded and executive-produced an original shark tank-style pitch show at USC’s official TV network, building format branding, production workflow, and studio operations from scratch under mentorship of Clay Newbill and Mindy Zemrak.
Co-Founder
Gaia Technologies
Los Angeles, California
08.2025 - 06.2026
- Built bottom-up market sizing model and full financial forecast; organized structured data inputs for go-to-market planning and investor reporting.
- Translated complex technical product data into investor-ready financial narratives; coordinated cross-functional analysis across clinical, regulatory, and commercial workstreams.
- Led Gaia Technologies business planning and partner development efforts.
- Led fundraising round; recruited by Plug and Play for China roadshow.
Financial Consultant
Avalin Group
07.2024 - Current
- Building and maintaining financial models to support cap table structuring, shareholder agreement negotiations, and wealth management planning for a multi-national firm managing incoming investment rounds.
- Advising on financial planning and investment strategy at Avalin Group.
Co-Founder & Investor
Auratus Investments
Rotterdam, Netherlands
09.2024 - 06.2025
- Helped co-found Auratus Investments for EUR Investment Group investment activities.
- Placed top 10 of ~50 teams in B&R Beurs Flow Traders live trading competition.
- Performed structured investment analysis under real-time market conditions.
- Supported development of investment strategy for EUR Investment Group portfolio decisions.
Strategy Consultant
180 Degrees Consulting EUR&TU Delft
Rotterdam, Netherlands
09.2023 - 01.2024
- Created segmented stakeholder analysis and prepared clear deliverables for senior review.
- Supported project work at world’s largest student-led consultancy.
- Helped develop strategic recommendations for student-led nonprofit engagements.
- Researched market trends and competitor positioning for client projects.
- Drafted slide decks for stakeholder presentations.
Consulting Team Leader
Tech Consulting Group
Rotterdam, Netherlands
09.2023 - 02.2024
- Led 4-person team on market expansion engagement; produced competitive analysis and market penetration strategy, presenting directly to client founder.
- Monitored consultant schedules and adjusted priorities for client support.
- Coached team members on consulting standards and communication practices.
Business Development Intern
Avalin Group
Shanghai, China
05.2022 - 07.2024
- Produced ESG/CSR As-Is/To-Be Roadmap through full value chain analysis; coordinated international client data across multiple markets (UK, Germany, South Africa, Mexico) and reported findings to senior management.
- Researched regional flooring markets and partner prospects.
- Met with local business and community organizations to develop leads and generate business.
International Business Development Intern
Ampersand Health
London, United Kingdom
05.2019 - 08.2019
- Produced market entry analysis report for a British health-tech startup researching the Chinese healthcare technology landscape and identifying go-to-market pathways.
- Supported partner outreach across digital health and patient engagement channels.
- Developed and implemented strategies to increase international market share.
Education
Master of Science - Entrepreneurship & Innovation
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA12-2026
BSc - International Business Administration
Erasmus University Rotterdam — Rotterdam School of Management
Rotterdam, Netherlands01-2025
Exchange Semester - International Business & Journalism
Florida International University
Miami, FL01-2024
Skills
- Microsoft Excel (advanced)
- Spreadsheet modeling
- Google Workspace
- eToro trading platform
- Microsoft Office Suite
- iOS applications
- Investment analysis
- Business strategy
- Market analysis
- Investor relations
Languages
- English Native
- Spanish Native
- Mandarin Chinese HSK3
- French B2
- Persian A2
Certification
- McKinsey Forward Program
- Private Equity Certificate (in progress, Rotterdam School of Management)
- Technology Commercialization Certificate (University of Southern California)
- Impact Measurement & Management for SDGs (Duke University)
Affiliations
- Competitive Ballroom Dancer at USC Ballroom Team
- Volunteer at Wags Animal Shelter
- Volunteer in Kwantu Reserve, South Africa (2024)
Timeline
Founder
Trojan Vision Television
01.2026 - Current
Co-Founder
Gaia Technologies
08.2025 - 06.2026
Co-Founder & Investor
Auratus Investments
09.2024 - 06.2025
Financial Consultant
Avalin Group
07.2024 - Current
Consulting Team Leader
Tech Consulting Group
09.2023 - 02.2024
Strategy Consultant
180 Degrees Consulting EUR&TU Delft
09.2023 - 01.2024
Business Development Intern
Avalin Group
05.2022 - 07.2024
International Business Development Intern
Ampersand Health
05.2019 - 08.2019
Master of Science - Entrepreneurship & Innovation
University of Southern California
BSc - International Business Administration
Erasmus University Rotterdam — Rotterdam School of Management
Exchange Semester - International Business & Journalism
Florida International University