Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs) at NextCorps bring firsthand experience to founders navigating the complexities of growth. They’ve built teams, scaled businesses, and learned how to lead with both strategy and empathy.
Our newest EIR, Zoe Koulouris, embodies that balance—bridging creative vision and technical execution. She spent the last 15 years building and growing tech companies, and today helps founders strengthen the human systems that power their organizations.
“I love supporting founders,” Zoe says. “I understand what it’s like to be a solopreneur, to put together a team, to go through scaling and acquisitions. It’s important for leaders to stay connected to their bigger vision and take care of themselves, and I have the tools to help them develop that mindset.”
Supporting the human system of business
Throughout her career, Zoe noticed a common challenge among growing companies: operational processes evolve quickly, but the “human system” often lags behind. That realization inspired her to launch Transform with Irini, an organizational development company helping leaders strengthen teams, build resilience, navigate transitions, and align their organizations for sustainable growth.
“As companies scale, their growth often outpaces their ability to adapt,” Zoe explains. “Leaders tend to focus on metrics to scale their operations and technical systems. Oftentimes, the human system is left behind—and that misalignment can hurt performance, morale, and momentum.”
From early startups to scaling success
Early in her career, Zoe helped launch a health software company, gaining hands-on experience in building a team and bringing a digital product to market. To bridge the communication gap between business and tech, she dove into software development—a path that ultimately led her to co-found Upstate Interactive, a software consulting agency designed to help businesses overcome tech talent shortages.
“There was a clear demand for technical solutions that solve complex business problems,” Zoe says. “Delivering that with exceptional quality requires deep expertise in assembling and managing the right talent through every phase of development.”
Over six years, Upstate Interactive grew from four partners to a 25-person agency serving clients nationwide and specializing in emerging technologies like blockchain. Its acquisition by Foundry in 2022 brought Zoe into a high-growth, venture-backed startup environment, where she led her team’s transition and brought her product development expertise to the table as VP of Product.
“This was a strategic opportunity that emerged because our vision and team had expanded,” Zoe said of the acquisition. “Success in tech isn’t just about execution. It’s about putting the right people together, fostering strong relationships, and staying adaptable as your vision evolves.”
These experiences give Zoe a unique perspective to help founders apply those same principles—assembling solid teams, leading through growth, and creating the conditions for sustainable, long-term success.
Giving back to Rochester’s startup community
Having lived and worked across New York State, Zoe has long been familiar with NextCorps and Rochester’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Now that she’s back in the city, she’s eager to engage with startups and contribute to programming that fosters community.
“Once I started my own venture focusing on the human side of things, I’ve made an intentional effort to be more of a steward for the community I live in,” Zoe says. “I want to help founders rise above the day-to-day grind and think strategically about where they want to take their business.”
Her advice to entrepreneurs, at any stage: step back and reflect on your ‘why.’ Advisors can help you make sense of feedback from the market and your team, but strong leaders integrate those insights while staying true to their vision.
“You’re going to get a lot of opinions, but learning to listen to yourself—and having the courage to make purposeful decisions—is key.”
Grow with the NextCorps incubator
Running a startup isn’t just about products or processes. It’s about people, leadership, and building a strong foundation. At NextCorps, EIRs like Zoe can help you navigate all aspects of your business. Apply to join our incubator and tap into the mentorship, resources, and connections you need to thrive.