A New Chapter After Google
After 14 years at Google, where she led global partnerships with some of the world’s largest companies, Blerina Sanocki knew it was time for a new challenge. She had seen how many early-stage founders had strong ideas but needed more support to scale them. That inspired her to launch TideBorn Capital, an advisory and consulting firm dedicated to helping tech startups grow and connect with opportunities worldwide.
“My main goal has always been to build bridges—between talent and capital, innovation and markets, and local ambition and global scale,” Sanocki says.
What TideBorn Capital Offers
TideBorn Capital goes beyond traditional investment. Sanocki draws on her corporate experience to advise startups on scaling strategies, building partnerships, and executing go-to-market plans. Founders and teams working with TideBorn gain more than capital, they gain a partner who helps turn vision into sustainable results.
“What sets TideBorn Capital apart is the combination of experience and network,” she explains. “I don’t just help founders raise money. I help them build lasting business models and partnerships that scale globally.”
Finding Strength in Change
Moving from the structure of Google to the flexibility of entrepreneurship came with challenges. At Google, Sanocki had large teams and systems behind her. As a founder, she quickly realized that she would need to take on every role.
She navigated these challenges by leaning on the trusted circle of investors, advisors, and mentors she had built over the years, and by staying rooted in what she does best: forging partnerships that create mutual value, scaling ideas with discipline, and connecting people in ways that make ecosystems stronger. At the center of it all is kindness: a guiding principle that shapes how she shows up for others, how she builds trust, and how she leads through uncertainty. The transition reminded her that adaptability and resilience matter, but it is kindness—paired with vision and integrity—that creates the space for collaboration and lasting impact
Shaped by Albanian Roots
Sanocki’s upbringing in Albania during a time of transition shaped how she leads today. It taught her resilience, adaptability, and creativity, but also reinforced the importance of community.
“We rise together,” she says. “That sense of loyalty and collaboration is central to how I lead, mentor, advise, and connect people.”
She also believes in the power of representation. “Promoting our culture proudly not only builds confidence in younger generations, but also shows the world the creativity and resilience of Albanians,” she notes.
Embracing New Trends
The startup world is shifting at lightning speed, with AI redefining what it means to compete and scale. TideBorn Capital leans into this shift by working with founders who are building AI into the DNA of their companies—from product design to go-to-market. Sanocki takes an operator’s approach: helping teams embed AI and cloud capabilities early so they can move faster, automate smarter, and serve customers in ways traditional models can’t. She’s advised founders on everything from fine-tuning models for real-world use cases to structuring data pipelines that unlock defensible moats. She also helps them translate that innovation into distribution, whether through platforms like Google Cloud Marketplace or by building the ecosystem partnerships that turn cutting-edge AI into sustainable market traction.
Giving Back to Community
Sanocki remains closely connected to both the tech ecosystem and the Albanian-American community. She mentors young professionals interested in tech and supports nonprofits such as Aspire Education, which works to expand inclusive education.
She is also passionate about creating opportunities for the Albanian diaspora, helping connect talent and investment back to Albania through mentoring, investing, and building international bridges.
Looking Ahead
Sanocki envisions TideBorn Capital becoming a trusted platform for early-stage founders, one where they can access not only investment but also the strategic partnerships and networks they need to succeed. She plans to deepen relationships with global investors, continue advising and consulting startups, and build structured ways for diaspora expertise to flow into early-stage innovation.
Being a business owner has also changed her personally. She has learned to be more resourceful, to embrace uncertainty, and to trust her instincts. “Confidence comes from action, not the other way around,” she says. “And don’t be afraid to open the door for others once you’ve walked through, community is our superpower.”
Connect with TideBorn Capital
TideBorn Capital is more than an investment firm. It is a platform for growth, connection, and opportunity. Whether you are an early-stage founder looking for guidance, an investor exploring new opportunities, or part of the Albanian diaspora eager to engage, TideBorn is creating pathways for collaboration and success.
Learn more at https://www.tideborncapital.com or follow TideBorn Capital on https://www.linkedin.com/company/tideborn-capital/about
