Hi from Valia Partners!
In the dynamic world of high-growth companies, the need for a balanced fusion of cutting-edge technology and human expertise is paramount. This is where we identified a unique opportunity to make a significant impact. Drawing from our broad spectrum of skills and our experiences as operators, subject matter experts, and investors, we envisioned a platform that could propel businesses to their maximum potential. Thus, Valia Partners was born.
​
"Valia," its meaning derived from value, became the cornerstone of this innovative venture. Valia Partners is not just a company; it's a testament to the power of merging advanced AI technology with the irreplaceable value of human connection and emotional intelligence. At its heart, Valia Partners offers a comprehensive suite of services.
​
Valia Partners is more than just an advisory firm. It's a beacon of growth and innovation. Its commitment to nurturing high-growth businesses through best in class advisory services and curated talent development programs is a reflection of our belief in the transformative power of collaboration and innovation. Valia Villa, a private oasis in the Florida Keys, is a physical manifestation of this ethos—a place where leadership teams are supercharged through unique, curated experiences.
​
Valia Partners stands as a symbol of transformative growth, combining the best of AI and human intelligence. It's a venture that promises to redefine the landscape of business advisory and pledges to infuse real value into every endeavor it touches.
​
All legal services are provided by Caldera Law, a separate entity and our vetted and approved law firm partner. Valia Partners is not a law firm and does not provide legal services directly. All non-legal engagements with Valia Partners are not subject to attorney-client privilege rules.
Our Journey
20+
years of operator experience and know-how
50+
collective advisory engagements
25+
Pre-seed to Series C investments made since 2015
She has been instrumental in closing over 15 leveraged buyout transactions, amounting to over $2 billion in enterprise value across diverse sectors. This includes several acquisitions financed through syndicated debt offerings.
Over the past decade, Karina has worked at prominent law firms including, Arnstein & Lehr (now known as Saul Ewing LLP) and DLA Piper LLP. During her time at DLA Piper LLP, Karina was a key attorney for the firm's Nest Program, an initiative dedicated to supporting high-growth technology companies at every stage of their lifecycle. Her involvement in this program showcases her commitment to fostering the development and scalability of innovative companies.​
Following her tenure at DLA Piper, Karina spent over five years serving as General Counsel and Chief People Officer at Mi9 Retail, ThryveAI (a division of Mi9 Retail), and Ironhack. During her time at Mi9Retail and ThryveAI, Karina adeptly managed a critical merger, involving comprehensive legal and operational restructuring across six countries. Serving initially as outside counsel and later as General Counsel at Ironhack, Karina provided strategic legal and operational leadership from Seed to Series B.
During her time as Chief People Officer, she transformed the company's leadership structure, talent acquisition strategy, and compensation strategy, leveraging leading technologies in each instance to enable the company to make data-driven and efficient decisions. As Interim General Manager for the US Business, she forged a first of its kind technology partnership with the Miami Marlins, through this partnership Ironhack continues to operate its flagship US campus out of loanDepot Park and partners with the Miami Marlins to develop specific tech programming for the local community.​
In 2021, Karina co-founded Sixty3VC with her husband, Ignacio DuQuesne, with the goal of investing behind founders and management teams that are transforming the world we live in by pioneering technology and products that address the challenges and opportunities of our time. Sixty3VC was established on the principle that diverse ideas and backgrounds promote optimal outcomes and are committed to investing behind teams with diverse representation.
She has played a leading role in the Women in Tech movement in Miami, notably through establishing the Women in Tech Collective at Ironhack to tackle the gender gap in technology. Her dedication to this cause is further highlighted by her involvement in numerous speaking engagements, where she has been a vocal advocate for the importance of women in the workplace, especially within the technology industry.
She earned a Juris Doctor and Certificate in Dispute Resolution from Benjamin N. Cardozo School in New York City and a Bachelor of Science in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. She is a member of the Cuba Study Group and has been recognized by The Daily Business Review as Counsel on the Rise and is a recipient of the Attorney Ad Litem Award for Lawyers for Children America. She is also an active angel investor.
Meet our Founder
Karina DuQuesne
Karina DuQuesne, the founder and managing principal of Valia Partners, stands at the forefront of the AI-powered advisory in the realms of legal, operations, and leadership development. She is also a Partner at Caldera Law and the Technology and Innovation Practice Leader.
Her journey as an operator, legal professional, and investor imparts her with a distinct perspective, enabling her to offer practical and innovative strategies to businesses.​ Karina's profound experience in advising high-growth tech companies and investment firms on scaling and strategic acquisitions is noteworthy.
