Sofia O'Hara

Connecting Life Sciences & Digital Health Companies Across the Pacific | Trade, FDI & BD | Gov Relations | San Francisco

United States

About

I’m a trade and investment professional based in San Francisco with 10 years of experience in international business development, with a focus on life sciences, biotech and digital health. I work with Victorian companies looking to enter and grow in the North American market, helping them navigate market entry, build commercial partnerships and scale in one of the world’s most competitive business environments. I’m passionate about promoting Victoria’s strengths and capabilities in life sciences and technology to US audiences, and connecting the right people on both sides of the Pacific. On the investment side, I focus on identifying high-potential sectors and companies with expansion potential, and translating that market intelligence into internal strategy, helping Victoria stay ahead of where investment opportunities are emerging in life sciences, biotech and health technology. Prior to this I held in-market responsibility for Portugal’s trade and investment promotion on the US West Coast at AICEP, the Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency, across biotech, technology and cleantech sectors. I bring a combination of deep market knowledge in North America, a scientific background in biology, and fluency in English, Portuguese and French — which opens doors across geographies and cultures. Outside of work you’ll find me racing sailboats on the San Francisco Bay. I’m always open to connecting with founders, executives, intermediaries and investors working at the intersection of life sciences, technology and international expansion. Feel free to reach out — a short note on why you’d like to connect is always appreciated.

Experience

  • Victorian Government Trade and Investment office, USA & Canada (4 yrs 3 mos)
    • Trade and Investment Manager - Americas - Health and Life Sciences
      Dec 2023 - Present · 2 yrs 8 mos

    • Trade Manager - Americas
      Dec 2022 - Dec 2023 · 1 yr 1 mo

    • Investment Analyst - Americas
      May 2022 - Dec 2022 · 8 mos

  • Representative Officer - West Coast at Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency
    Jan 2011 - Oct 2013 · 2 yrs 10 mos

  • Consul's General Secretary at Consulate General of Portugal in San Francisco
    Apr 2010 - Jan 2011 · 10 mos

    • Managed correspondence, prepared reports, and organized appointments for the Consul General at the Consulate General of Portugal in San Francisco. • Assisted with Consular services such as passport and ID processing, serving as a communication liaison. • Developed strong organizational and communication skills while handling official documents and briefings.

  • Product Manager - Tourism, Biotech, Pharma, Tech and Renewable Energy at Portuguese Trade and Investment Agency
    Jun 2006 - Apr 2010 · 3 yrs 11 mos