Gokhan Tourkkanli
Summary
Dynamic leader with a proven track record in strategic innovation and business growth. Extensive experience in consulting, mentoring, and delivering high-impact initiatives across regulated sectors including transport, energy, and infrastructure. Adept at market intelligence, decision-making support, financial modelling, and evaluating business cases. Currently pursuing a DBA in Generative AI & Emerging Technologies, complementing deep analytical expertise with forward-thinking strategic insights. Completed the Strategic Innovation programme at Saïd Business School, University of Oxford.
Overview
10
10
years of professional experience
1
1
year of post-secondary education
Work History
Innovation Delivery Lead
Advanced Propulsion Centre
08.2022 - Current
- Playing a pivotal role in APC's automotive NetZero innovation accelerator, a flagship ~£2.5 million programme driving cutting-edge climate solutions
- Scouting and collaborating with potential tech startups/scaleups, offering mentorship to fast-track their market integration and sharpen market penetration strategies
- Reviewing tech developers' concepts and aiding in refining technical & commercial strategies, feature development, and MVP planning to support their progression toward market readiness
- Orchestrating the firm’s investor relationship program, with an anticipated surge of around £50 million in private investments for our startups/scaleups in 2024-2025
- Build and cultivate relationships with pivotal players, such as business leaders, automotive supply chain players, educational institutions, and government bodies, to forge strategic alliances
- Serving on the evaluation panel to scrutinise grant submissions and investment prospects, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives
- Leading procurement strategies for technological and business services to meet projects milestones
- Crafting marketing blueprint and elevating program visibility
SME Development Manager
Connected Places Catapult
03.2021 - 07.2022
- Steered global and national SME initiatives to foster sustainable growth through innovative strategies, including spearheading a £10m investment deal in 2021 that surpassed targets
- Partnered with UK SMEs, Seed and Series A investors and government entities (DfT) to build relationships and craft tailored growth solutions, facilitating the 2021 launch of 15+ products/services
- Built a strong network of Seed and Series A investors, designed and successfully launched the Investment Mentors Programme, supporting over 10 SMEs in securing investment rounds within the first year
- Pioneered methods to evaluate the impact of diverse projects, enhancing design and execution processes to substantiate further funding
- Headed research initiatives to craft and execute EDI strategies and delineate best practices
- Oversaw NPD planning of tech SMEs, offering crucial support in various stages of development
- Championed the introduction of new products, assuring adherence to standards
- Formalised and harmonised program governance (controls), facilitating a uniform operational standard across the business
Programme Manager
Connected Places Catapult
03.2020 - 03.2021
- Directed SIMULATE a multi-million-pound program involving Air Quality and Transport initiatives, leading to the launch of cutting-edge services in AI, e-mobility, and SaaS domains
- Crafted a strategic marketing approach that attracted approximately 150 high-calibre SME proposals, overseeing a detailed selection process handled by elite multinational teams
- Managed the project’s financial resources effectively, navigating COVID-19 disruptions adeptly with proactive digital strategies, ensuring timely and on-budget delivery
- Organized high-impact events such as ministerial roundtables and investment days, successfully securing over £15m in investments, a company milestone
- Ensured robust engagement with key stakeholders, meeting and exceeding objectives to the satisfaction of significant partners, including DfT and Amey Plc
- Cultivated collaboration across partners and suppliers, steering the project to meet all goals with high client approval ratings
Strategic Business Planner- Innovation Consultant
University of Wolverhampton
10.2017 - 02.2020
- Offered tailored consultation and guidance to 48 tech firms during various NPD stages, encompassing market strategy formulation and implementation
- Formulated 48 comprehensive business cases delineating strategic contexts and economic analyses, facilitating decision-making for stakeholders and validating investment rationale
- Secured 100% funding success at the EU Investment Decision Group, presenting well-crafted business cases and raising a record £1.2 million for the organization
- Oversaw the compliance of grant recipients with Public Procurement Law and other pertinent regulations through meticulous eligibility tests and management of procurement processes
- Devised and implemented marketing and operational blueprints targeting SMEs, fostering robust relationships and collaboration prospects
- Contributed as a Guest Lecturer at UoW’s Faculty of Science and Engineering, mentoring students in marketing and aiding in the refinement of their business proposals
Business Consultant & Lender
X-Forces
02.2016 - 12.2016
- Provided one-to-one impartial advice and guidance to applicants on business start-up and scaling ventures
- Supported 200+ applicants in creating and developing their business ideas and documenting these in a business plan with financial forecast
- Analysed 200+ businesses’ financial forecasts including EBIT and cash flow forecasts for assessing affordability and business viability
- Undertaken enhanced due diligence and lent over £2m to eligible applicants in accordance with credit policy and responsible lending guidelines
- Developed and delivered business start-up & scale up support workshops and bootcamps
Education
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Wolverhampton
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom05-2016
DBA - Business Administration - Emerging Technologies
Golden Gate
San Francisco 12.2023 - Current
Skills
- Stakeholder management
- Task delegation
- Scheduling coordination
- Customer complaint handling
Timeline
DBA - Business Administration - Emerging Technologies
Golden Gate
12.2023 - Current
Innovation Delivery Lead
Advanced Propulsion Centre
08.2022 - Current
SME Development Manager
Connected Places Catapult
03.2021 - 07.2022
Programme Manager
Connected Places Catapult
03.2020 - 03.2021
Strategic Business Planner- Innovation Consultant
University of Wolverhampton
10.2017 - 02.2020
Business Consultant & Lender
X-Forces
02.2016 - 12.2016
MBA - Business Administration And Management
University of Wolverhampton
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