Niovi Christopoulou is an experienced NY/DC/Athens attorney with a focus on digital tech and AI-driven product and policy development; currently, Ms. Christopoulou is an investor in a venture capital firm focused on AI and a Professor at CUNY teaching Business Law. In the past, Ms. Christopoulou worked at Amazon as the global legal lead for select innovative fintech products worldwide. Niovi Christopoulou is the first and sole candidate from the U.S. who run for the EU Parliament (June 2024, party of Nea Dimokratia) with a platform focused on the Greek diaspora, transatlantic partnership, and digital tech & AI. Her earlier professional experience includes working at international law firms in New York, London, and Washington, DC with a focus on mergers & acquisitions and private equity. Ms Christopoulou is a graduate of Columbia University School of Law (J.D. and LL.M., Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar)
Affiliations
- City University of New York: Adjunct Professor
- ICC Global Digital Economy: member; AI working group member
- Columbia Business School Alumni Club of New York, Chair of the Global Business & Tech Committee
- Association of Corporate Counsel of New York, Member of the Board of Directors (2016-2019)
- Carnegie Council for Ethics in International Affairs, Member of the Board of Trustees (2016-2018)
Contributor: Frederica Bolgouras
1) Who has inspired you the most in your life?
Definitely my mother, a woman of strong intellect, clear thinking and strong values focused on education, independence, Greece and Greek Orthodox spirituality. My mother remained present in my life while handling a demanding and emotionally draining job as a social worker with true empathy and resilience. She is my sounding board with her balanced and insightful approach to life.
2) More recently, what compelled you to become an AI Investor and an AI & Digital Policy Advisor in Greek innovation and global technology?
I started my career as a Mergers & Acquisition attorney working at big law firms in New York City and I really enjoyed the intensity of working at international law firms and global deals. After I developed an interest in tech following advisory work for tech start-ups, I joined Amazon with global responsibility for fintech products. Working at Amazon ignited my passion for digital technology and AI and it allowed me to develop expertise in all legal aspects of AI and digital technology in the US and the EU. Being a truly curious and avid learner, I could not help, not developing a true passion for AI and innovation in general.
3) Congratulations on your previous 2024 European Parliament Elections candidacy. Describe what you learned from this experience.
Working for Amazon and experiencing the “Brussels effect” of EU regulations regarding digital tech is what sparked my interest in EU politics and ultimately led me to accept the proposal to run for the EU Parliament with Nea Dimokratia, as the first-ever and sole US-based candidate. My platform was focused on a) giving visibility to the Greek omogeneia into EU politics as they have the most impact on Greece’s national security and growth, b) digital tech & AI both from the perspective of innovation & growth but also within the framework of digital sovereignty and digital diplomacy and c) entrepreneurship and growth for Greece.
It was a great honor to run as a candidate from the Greek omogeneia in the US and I truly enjoyed this experience. It enabled me to reconnect with Greece after a longtime absence and deep dive into the needs, potential and challenges of Greece and its various regions. at a cellular level.
Most importantly, I witnessed the greatness of Greek people throughout the world.
I feel grateful to my fellow Greeks for their warm welcome to my entry into transatlantic politics.
4) As a VC/Entrepreneurship Advisor, what would you say was your greatest accomplishment in working for a start-up in Fintech.
Enabling companies to launch their innovative products despite regulatory or other roadblocks is always gratifying. Securing financing and empowering the founders of earlier stage companies is impactful. Connecting talent, capital and ideas is my true passion.
5) What advice would you give to Hellenic Professional Women today in the US and in Greece in terms of career trajectory and global technology?
There are so many opportunities, do not hesitate to go global and explore world-wide! I find it valuable to start at an established global company and to then pursue one’s passions by working for or even founding a start-up company! There is a wealth of female Greek talent worldwide and we should connect amongst ourselves, help each other and build together!
6) Tell us about one of your most proud accomplishments.
In general, I feel proud when I am able to take risks getting out of my comfort zone and being able to see ahead: for example, when I first moved to the US all alone to study and practice law during a time when common legal studies were deemed irrelevant for a Greek lawyer; or when I pivoted into tech working for Amazon in a challenging role where I had to reinvent myself; when I ran as a candidate in the EU elections trailblazing a role in transatlantic politics and aspiring to connect and give a voice to the Greek omogeneia. However, the highlight of my entire existence are my two kids, two curious and playful boys who are my best teachers in life, love and play.
7) What impact has your Greek heritage had on your aspiring career?
I feel truly blessed to be born Greek and to have been given the gift of Greek language, a language with ancient roots and modern references that wires our brains and thinking like no other linguistic system. I always fall back on my Greek heritage for inspiration, grit and a moral compass when I face challenging decision-making situations. The Greek principles of moderation, empathy and human-centric leadership, along with rational, principled and ethical thinking have served me well. Greek spirituality and zest for life always keep me going!
