#Communications

Founder and CEO

Liliana Pertenava is a global PR executive, startup advisor, and entrepreneur with over 15 years of experience shaping the public narratives of tech companies and venture firms. As the founder of Axxilion Strategic Communications, she partners with early- and growth-stage startups, as well as VCs, to drive go-to-market strategy, elevate brand and founder visibility, and strengthen investor relations across international markets.

A strategic operator at heart, Liliana has worked hands-on with founders to launch products, navigate hyper-growth, and establish category leadership. Her portfolio includes advising European AI startups on content strategy and automation, and producing the acclaimed tech documentary Crypto Rush, filmed across 20+ countries and featuring over 300 interviews that made blockchain technology accessible to a global audience.

Named one of Business Insider’s “100 Most Influential Tech Women on Twitter,” Liliana also serves as a Techstars mentor in global innovation hubs from Berlin to Abu Dhabi. She’s a frequent contributor to outlets like Entrepreneur and remains passionate about the power of storytelling in a world increasingly shaped by AI.

When she’s not helping founders shape their narrative, you’ll find her training to summit Mt. Rainier, volunteering in Pacific Northwest national parks, or drawing creative inspiration from Renaissance art—often on her self-guided trips to Florence. She brings the same focus and curiosity to her personal pursuits as she does to helping founders scale their vision.

PR Account Manager

Maria Angelova is a versatile professional specializing in communications, PR, digital branding, and leadership development. She holds a doctoral degree in Psychology from Sapienza Università di Roma, combining psychological insight with strategic communication skills. Her understanding of human behavior helps her craft narratives that resonate with diverse audiences and develop PR campaigns that elevate brand recognition and foster strong stakeholder relationships.

In previous roles as a consultant, Maria managed high-profile clients, securing top-tier speaking opportunities and enhancing industry recognition. Her ability to produce engaging content, from press releases to op-eds, brings clients’ missions to life. Maria’s multilingual background enables her to navigate international PR landscapes, and her data-driven approach ensures measurable results.

Maria is also a semi-professional Bollywood dancer, scuba diver, and aspiring children’s book author.