Investment & Fund Management

Roberto Henriquez-Perozo faced a significant challenge in his career transition from the energy sector to the tech industry, particularly in data analytics. Working in repetitive administrative tasks, he recognized the potential for automation and efficiency through coding, but lacked the necessary programming skills. This realization prompted him to enroll in a 9-week data analytics course at Ironhack in Madrid during the pandemic, a decision that was crucial for his career development.

To finance his education, Roberto utilized an income-sharing agreement (ISA) provided by Student Finance, which was backed by the European Investment Fund (EIF) under the EU’s Investment Plan for Europe. This financial support was vital, as it allowed him to pursue the course without the burden of upfront costs, especially since he had just moved to Spain and had no credit history or savings.

Upon completing the course, Roberto co-founded 'Polywrap', a tool designed for the blockchain industry that supports decentralized autonomous organizations (DAOs). The startup began with a four-person team and has since progressed to closing its second round of funding. Roberto's unique combination of corporate experience and newly acquired data analytics skills has positioned him effectively in the tech landscape, enabling him to leverage data for actionable business decisions. The ISA not only facilitated his education but also played a critical role in his successful transition into a high-demand field.