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Afshan Khan

Portfolio Executive, Hardware at Innovation Works

Greater Pittsburgh Region

Overview 

Afshan Khan is an experienced investor, strategist, and mentor with a background in executive management, international sales, and project management. Currently serving as a Portfolio Executive at Innovation Works, she has held leadership roles at Focal Point Products and Xerox Corporation, showcasing expertise in hardware, manufacturing, and corporate strategy.

Work Experience 

  • Portfolio Executive, Hardware

    2018 - Current

    As Portfolio Executive at Innovation Works, I work with early stage hardware companies focused on robotics, AI, agtech, energy, and advanced manufacturing. Provide guidance on critical business issues, including business plan development, market validation and fundraising. In this role, I evaluate companies for funding by Innovation Works.

  • Manufacturing Program Manager

    2015 - 2018

    • Established Scalable Innovation Program to provide direct investment in manufacturers and supply chain partners engaging with hardware technology companies • Developed and led AlphaLab Gear’s Manufacturing Program to provide direct investment, hands-on support, and business expertise to support design for manufacturing, a manufacturing roadmap, and scale manufacturing

  • Innovation Adoption Program Manager

    2013 - 2015

    * Product Innovation & Process Innovation: assist manufacturers to gain a competitive advantage, improve efficiencies, strengthen market position * Business Coaching & Consulting: training on agile development methodologies, business plan development, financial analysis, resource identification, marketing strategy, plan development

Innovation Works invests capital, business expertise and resources into companies with the greatest likelihood of regional economic impact.

Raised $19,678,479.00.

  • CEO

    2000 - 2013

    * International manufacturer and distributor of polyurethane millwork building materials for home construction, commercial projects, and building renovation * Responsible for all aspects of company operations including strategy development and execution, manufacturing, distribution, international supply chain, sales and marketing, finance, and administration

  • Principal Business Development

    1998 - 2000

    Led and/or coordinated merger projects, acquisition targets, divestiture activity, and new business development from Xerox’s research and development initiatives

  • Senior Manager Corporate Strategy

    1996 - 1998

    Supervised ongoing development of corporate strategic planning and forecasting processes for the annual corporate business plan, departmental budgets and sales forecasts

  • Senior Account Manager

    1994 - 1996

  • Manager Corporate Strategy

    1992 - 1994

  • Finance Analyst

    1991 - 1992

Xerox Financial Services provides workplace and digital printing solutions.

  • Senior Financial Consultant

    1986 - 1989

Peterson Consulting is a provider of provides litigation, business, and management consulting services to government agencies.

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