our team
Leverage our experience in international business, entrepreneurship, and mentoring for your success
Timur Sitdikov is the Founder and CEO of World Talents, where he helps entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals unlock global opportunities through strategic residency and business programs. With a strong background in investment migration and international tax strategy, Timur leads the company’s mission to simplify and humanise global talent mobility across the US, Portugal, the UK, and beyond.
FOUNDER
Timur Sitdikov
OUR TEAM OF DIRECTORS
DAVID BONELLIE
VP OF BUSINESS OPERATIONS
David Bonellie is the Vice President of Business Operations at World Talents. He leads the company’s B2B strategy, working closely with agencies, institutions, and decision-makers to deliver innovative alternative residency programs like the Global Talent Portugal Program. With expertise in investment migration, sustainability, and strategic growth, David focuses on building lasting partnerships that create global opportunity.
From ATP tennis courts to the forefront of talent mobility, Bernardo Saraiva is co-founder at World Talents, where he leads operations in Portugal. With firsthand experience competing on a global stage, Bernardo now builds partnerships between universities, startups, and entrepreneurs to create seamless pathways to residency and business success through the Global Talent Portugal Program.
CO-FOUNDER
BERNARDO SARAIVA
GONÇALO DA SÁ
Director of Programs & University Partnerships
An award-winning scientist and entrepreneur, Gonçalo de Sá is the Director of Programs and University Partnerships at World Talents. With a PhD in Chemistry and a track record of founding startups like LaserLeap and EcoX, he bridges academia and entrepreneurship to drive innovation. At World Talents, Gonçalo builds strategic university partnerships that help global entrepreneurs connect to Portugal’s world-class research and talent ecosystem.
HARSEV OSHAN
HEAD OF GLOBAL STRATEGIC INITIATIVES
Once stateless and now proudly Canadian, Harsev Oshan leads Global Strategic Initiatives at World Talents. He works closely with visionary entrepreneurs and investors to help them fast-track relocation through programs like the Global Talent Portugal Program. With a blend of personal experience and global business acumen, Harsev brings a rare combination of empathy and strategy to every client journey.
Natalia Ismagilova is Head of Innovation, Ventures, and Consulting at World Talents, with 13+ years’ experience in law, deep tech, heavy industry, and strategic consulting. With dual degrees in law and applied physics & mathematics, she bridges legal complexity and innovation strategy, guiding startups, investors, and researchers through growth and regulatory challenges. She helps participants scale globally and connect with Portugal’s innovation ecosystem with clarity and confidence.
Head of Innovation, Ventures & Consulting
Natalia Ismagilova
A legal expert dedicated to simplifying global mobility, Joana Malaquias is the Head of Legal Operations at World Talents. She leads the legal framework that helps entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and professionals confidently navigate Portugal’s complex immigration system. With deep expertise in immigration and succession law, and experience at Portugal’s SEF and AIMA, Joana ensures every client case is handled with precision and care. Under her leadership, the team delivers the Global Talent Portugal Program, connecting international talent with Portugal’s thriving innovation ecosystem, making a complex legal journey seamless and stress-free.
Head of Legal Operations
Joana Malaquias
Oxsana Kasimskaya
head of processing
Oxsana is the Lead of Processing at World Talents, overseeing the full lifecycle of applications for the Global Talent Portugal Program. With expertise in cross-border operations and international compliance, she ensures every application meets strict regulatory standards. Acting as the key link between AIMA, government authorities, and banks, Oxana leads her team in delivering seamless, transparent processes—allowing clients to focus on building and scaling their ventures within Portugal’s thriving innovation ecosystem.
OUR TEAM
Linda Pereira
Linda Pereira is an Ambassador for World Talents, bringing decades of global experience in strategic communication, destination development, and international diplomacy to support World Talents' mission of connecting global entrepreneurs and researchers with the Portuguese university and startup ecosystems. British-Portuguese and known internationally as the “Destination Diva,” Linda has worked across 149 destinations and played a key role during Portugal and Spain’s entry into the European Union.
Her journey, from a British-born academic studying Portuguese for the first time to a trusted insider at the European Parliament, set the stage for a career at the intersection of politics, entrepreneurship, and global strategy. Linda chose the entrepreneurial path early, turning down a position in the Portuguese government to build her consultancy, on the condition that the prime minister become her first client. That bold decision led to her global firm, CPL Events & Consultancy.
At World Talents, Linda is a powerful advocate for Portugal’s untapped potential. She believes universities, businesses, and government partners must work together to position the country as a destination for global entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators. Her belief is clear: Portugal has all the ingredients to become the 21st-century hub for innovation.
Her journey, from a British-born academic studying Portuguese for the first time to a trusted insider at the European Parliament, set the stage for a career at the intersection of politics, entrepreneurship, and global strategy. Linda chose the entrepreneurial path early, turning down a position in the Portuguese government to build her consultancy, on the condition that the prime minister become her first client. That bold decision led to her global firm, CPL Events & Consultancy.
At World Talents, Linda is a powerful advocate for Portugal’s untapped potential. She believes universities, businesses, and government partners must work together to position the country as a destination for global entrepreneurs, researchers, and innovators. Her belief is clear: Portugal has all the ingredients to become the 21st-century hub for innovation.
Ted Hsieh, Managing Partner and Founder of Opexa, has spent over 14 years transforming how organizations leverage technology and operational excellence to deliver exceptional customer experiences. From his early engineering foundation at UC Irvine to his MBA in Marketing and New Venture Management from USC Marshall School of Business, Ted has built a career at the intersection of innovation, strategy, and scalable execution across Silicon Valley's most dynamic technology companies.
Ted specializes in translating complex business challenges into practical, scalable solutions using industry-leading technologies from SAP, Salesforce, Microsoft, and cloud platforms. His executive leadership spans roles as COO at Xrossworld, CTO at Atlantic-Pacific Processing Systems, and senior director positions at Synopsys, Exar Corporation, and LSI/Broadcom, where he led global program management, business systems development, and customer-centric technology implementations that drove measurable growth.
As a World Talents Ambassador, Ted applies his proven methodology for transforming business challenges into scalable technology solutions within Portugal's business environment. His expertise in operational excellence and systematic execution makes him a valuable advocate for entrepreneurs seeking to establish and grow their ventures in Portugal, while tapping into the larger European market.
Ted specializes in translating complex business challenges into practical, scalable solutions using industry-leading technologies from SAP, Salesforce, Microsoft, and cloud platforms. His executive leadership spans roles as COO at Xrossworld, CTO at Atlantic-Pacific Processing Systems, and senior director positions at Synopsys, Exar Corporation, and LSI/Broadcom, where he led global program management, business systems development, and customer-centric technology implementations that drove measurable growth.
As a World Talents Ambassador, Ted applies his proven methodology for transforming business challenges into scalable technology solutions within Portugal's business environment. His expertise in operational excellence and systematic execution makes him a valuable advocate for entrepreneurs seeking to establish and grow their ventures in Portugal, while tapping into the larger European market.
Fred Gil is an Ambassador for World Talents, where he leverages his unique position as Portugal's tennis legend and entrepreneur to support World Talents' mission of connecting global entrepreneurs and researchers with the Portuguese university and startup ecosystems. As the first Portuguese player to establish himself on the ATP Tour for five consecutive years, reaching No. 62 in world rankings and earning Sportsperson of the Year alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Fred pioneered a path that fundamentally changed Portuguese tennis and opened doors for future generations.
Fred's entrepreneurial ventures span tennis academies, international event management, and strategic brand partnerships. His tennis concept manages multiple courts in the country and organizes international UTR Pro Tennis Tour events, creating a bridge between Portuguese talent and global competition. Through his advisory role with Web Summit and as a tennis coach to founder Paddy Cosgrave, Fred has developed an unprecedented network of CEOs and tech leaders, positioning him uniquely to identify and facilitate high-value connections for World Talents' mission.
At World Talents, Fred is passionate about creating comprehensive sports-education programs that rival those in North America. His vision combines his deep understanding of what drives global talent mobility with his firsthand experience of competing at the highest international levels. Fred sees Portugal as a country capable of competing with the world's best in sport, education, and entrepreneurship.
Fred's entrepreneurial ventures span tennis academies, international event management, and strategic brand partnerships. His tennis concept manages multiple courts in the country and organizes international UTR Pro Tennis Tour events, creating a bridge between Portuguese talent and global competition. Through his advisory role with Web Summit and as a tennis coach to founder Paddy Cosgrave, Fred has developed an unprecedented network of CEOs and tech leaders, positioning him uniquely to identify and facilitate high-value connections for World Talents' mission.
At World Talents, Fred is passionate about creating comprehensive sports-education programs that rival those in North America. His vision combines his deep understanding of what drives global talent mobility with his firsthand experience of competing at the highest international levels. Fred sees Portugal as a country capable of competing with the world's best in sport, education, and entrepreneurship.
GLOBAL AMBASSADORS
ted hsieh
FRED GIL
Joana Águas
Joana Águas manages Legal Operations at World Talents, where she transforms complex immigration processes into seamless experiences, making global talent mobility simpler and more accessible for entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and professionals seeking to thrive internationally.
With a strong legal foundation from Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa and extensive real-world immigration law experience, Joana brings both academic and practical expertise to every client interaction. At World Talents, she serves as the trusted operational backbone, ensuring that individuals and families can navigate their international mobility journey with complete security, transparency, and peace of mind throughout every step of the process.
Joana's meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of immigration law make her instrumental in delivering the seamless experience that defines World Talents' Global Talent Portugal Program. This pioneering pathway to European residency connects global talent to Portugal's thriving innovation ecosystem, from leading universities to startups and established venture networks, while simplifying the complex legal journey so participants can focus on building their future.
With a strong legal foundation from Universidade Autónoma de Lisboa and extensive real-world immigration law experience, Joana brings both academic and practical expertise to every client interaction. At World Talents, she serves as the trusted operational backbone, ensuring that individuals and families can navigate their international mobility journey with complete security, transparency, and peace of mind throughout every step of the process.
Joana's meticulous attention to detail and deep understanding of immigration law make her instrumental in delivering the seamless experience that defines World Talents' Global Talent Portugal Program. This pioneering pathway to European residency connects global talent to Portugal's thriving innovation ecosystem, from leading universities to startups and established venture networks, while simplifying the complex legal journey so participants can focus on building their future.
Mateus Leite de Campos
Mateus Leite de Campos is Senior Legal Counsel at World Talents, where he brings deep expertise in investment migration, Golden Visa processes, and international tax strategy to help entrepreneurs and investors navigate Portugal's residency pathways. Coming from a distinguished legal family with 200 years of tradition in law and judiciary, Mateus combines generational expertise with innovative approaches to make complex legal processes more efficient.
Since 2018, Mateus has specialized in investment migration, working extensively with international entrepreneurs. His approach goes beyond traditional legal services; he focuses on understanding each client's strategic objectives and providing comprehensive solutions that include everything from residency applications to business setup, banking relationships, and long-term planning. Having founded and successfully scaled his own law firm, Mateus has developed proprietary methods that dramatically reduce processing time and improve client experience.
At World Talents, Mateus plays a crucial role in connecting global entrepreneurs not just with legal residency solutions, but with meaningful opportunities to contribute to Portugal's innovation ecosystem through the Global Talent Portugal Program, which creates a pioneering pathway to European residency. He specializes in identifying opportunities that can add strategic value through university partnerships, incubator involvement, or business angel activities.
Since 2018, Mateus has specialized in investment migration, working extensively with international entrepreneurs. His approach goes beyond traditional legal services; he focuses on understanding each client's strategic objectives and providing comprehensive solutions that include everything from residency applications to business setup, banking relationships, and long-term planning. Having founded and successfully scaled his own law firm, Mateus has developed proprietary methods that dramatically reduce processing time and improve client experience.
At World Talents, Mateus plays a crucial role in connecting global entrepreneurs not just with legal residency solutions, but with meaningful opportunities to contribute to Portugal's innovation ecosystem through the Global Talent Portugal Program, which creates a pioneering pathway to European residency. He specializes in identifying opportunities that can add strategic value through university partnerships, incubator involvement, or business angel activities.
Tomás Nothof
Tomás is the Office Manager at World Talents, creating the physical foundation that supports global talent mobility. He ensures the headquarters functions as both a productive workspace for the team and a welcoming space where clients take their first steps toward Portuguese residency.
With over 10 years of experience in telecommunications at companies like Siemens, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, and Vodafone, Tomás brings expertise in operations and service excellence. At World Talents, he manages daily operations and client visits, ensuring every detail reflects the quality and reliability of the journey toward European residency and opportunity.
With over 10 years of experience in telecommunications at companies like Siemens, Alcatel-Lucent Enterprise, and Vodafone, Tomás brings expertise in operations and service excellence. At World Talents, he manages daily operations and client visits, ensuring every detail reflects the quality and reliability of the journey toward European residency and opportunity.
Julia Marakas
Julia is a Case Manager at World Talents, where she personally guides entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers navigating their residence permit applications. With proven expertise in international visa services, Julia serves as the dedicated guide who ensures every client feels confident, informed, and supported while establishing themselves across the globe. At World Talents, she turns complex bureaucratic requirements into clear, manageable steps, transforming what can be an overwhelming experience into a smooth pathway toward clients' international goals.
Julia's proactive approach to client communication and her ability to anticipate needs make her an essential bridge between World Talents' legal team and client success. Working seamlessly across time zones, she delivers exceptional support for World Talents' Global Talent Portugal Program, ensuring that participants focus on what matters most: building their ventures and contributing to Portugal's dynamic innovation ecosystem rather than getting lost in paperwork.
Julia's proactive approach to client communication and her ability to anticipate needs make her an essential bridge between World Talents' legal team and client success. Working seamlessly across time zones, she delivers exceptional support for World Talents' Global Talent Portugal Program, ensuring that participants focus on what matters most: building their ventures and contributing to Portugal's dynamic innovation ecosystem rather than getting lost in paperwork.
Polina S.
Polina is a Senior Marketing Manager at World Talents, where she manages marketing initiatives and lead-generating engines that systematically reach entrepreneurs, investors, and researchers discovering the Global Talent Portugal program.
Prior to joining World Talents, she built her expertise in digital marketing at the global group Mars (working with major brands including Pedigree, Dreamies, and Sheba), and early-stage startup operations at fintech company Lendorse. At World Talents, she orchestrates website optimization, SEO initiatives, paid search campaigns, and client storytelling across B2C channels, transforming marketing efforts into trusted brand experiences that convert prospects into confident participants.
Polina's unique combination of corporate marketing discipline and startup agility makes her essential to World Talents' growth strategy. Working cross-functionally with sales, processing, and legal teams, she ensures marketing translates into real pipeline results while building the systematic marketing infrastructure that positions World Talents as the trusted pathway for global talent seeking European residency.
Prior to joining World Talents, she built her expertise in digital marketing at the global group Mars (working with major brands including Pedigree, Dreamies, and Sheba), and early-stage startup operations at fintech company Lendorse. At World Talents, she orchestrates website optimization, SEO initiatives, paid search campaigns, and client storytelling across B2C channels, transforming marketing efforts into trusted brand experiences that convert prospects into confident participants.
Polina's unique combination of corporate marketing discipline and startup agility makes her essential to World Talents' growth strategy. Working cross-functionally with sales, processing, and legal teams, she ensures marketing translates into real pipeline results while building the systematic marketing infrastructure that positions World Talents as the trusted pathway for global talent seeking European residency.
Lisa-Marie Roos
Lisa-Marie Roos is a Marketing Manager at World Talents, where she turns complex global mobility concepts into clear, compelling stories that make international opportunities accessible to entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and professionals.
She helps the team with strategic campaigns that connect globally minded individuals with pathways to growth, using authentic storytelling to inspire action and build communities of forward-thinking professionals.
Lisa-Marie’s work plays a key role in promoting World Talents’ Global Talent Portugal Program, which links international talent with Portugal’s thriving innovation ecosystem — from leading universities to dynamic startups — while simplifying the legal journey toward European residency.
She helps the team with strategic campaigns that connect globally minded individuals with pathways to growth, using authentic storytelling to inspire action and build communities of forward-thinking professionals.
Lisa-Marie’s work plays a key role in promoting World Talents’ Global Talent Portugal Program, which links international talent with Portugal’s thriving innovation ecosystem — from leading universities to dynamic startups — while simplifying the legal journey toward European residency.
Beatriz Padrela
Beatriz Padrela, Medical and HealthTech Partnerships Manager at World Talents, connects international clients with Portugal’s most innovative medical, health-tech, and biotech projects, start-ups, and spin-offs. Her work bridges global investment with cutting-edge healthcare innovation, driving growth and advancing medical research.
With a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Lisbon and current neuroscience research as a PhD candidate at Amsterdam UMC, Beatriz combines scientific expertise with cross-border experience. This background gives her unique insight into the challenges researchers face and the opportunities created through international collaboration and funding.
At World Talents, Beatriz helps build partnerships that position Portugal as a rising hub for medical innovation, fostering an ecosystem where breakthrough healthcare solutions can scale globally.
With a Master’s in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Lisbon and current neuroscience research as a PhD candidate at Amsterdam UMC, Beatriz combines scientific expertise with cross-border experience. This background gives her unique insight into the challenges researchers face and the opportunities created through international collaboration and funding.
At World Talents, Beatriz helps build partnerships that position Portugal as a rising hub for medical innovation, fostering an ecosystem where breakthrough healthcare solutions can scale globally.
João Padrela
João Padrela is the Customer Relationship Manager at World Talents, where he builds and maintains strong client relationships while ensuring satisfaction throughout the residence permit process.
João holds a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Lisbon and is a competitive swimming champion representing Clube Naval do Funchal, a unique combination that embodies the spirit of global talent mobility. João now serves as a dedicated relationship specialist, applying systematic methodology and unwavering attention to detail to client success. At World Talents, he manages client communications and ensures each participant receives personalized guidance tailored to their unique circumstances and goals.
His distinctive combination of technical engineering background, athletic discipline, and commitment to excellence makes him an invaluable bridge between World Talents' departments and client satisfaction.
João holds a Master's degree in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Lisbon and is a competitive swimming champion representing Clube Naval do Funchal, a unique combination that embodies the spirit of global talent mobility. João now serves as a dedicated relationship specialist, applying systematic methodology and unwavering attention to detail to client success. At World Talents, he manages client communications and ensures each participant receives personalized guidance tailored to their unique circumstances and goals.
His distinctive combination of technical engineering background, athletic discipline, and commitment to excellence makes him an invaluable bridge between World Talents' departments and client satisfaction.