The finance newsletter for founders who think globally.
Markets, fundraising, and the decisions investors actually face. Written by someone who’s been in the room. Free. Weekly.
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In good company
"Your stories went so much deeper than just your traditional news piece. That's exactly what we were looking for."Head of US Communications, Visa
"If you work in financial services and aren't reading Ilona's work, you're missing out on some of the most thoughtful writing in the industry."Stephanie Borman, Head of Comms for Hyper Growth Brands
"Ilona is the most helpful VC I've worked with across multiple fundraising journeys. She doesn't offer the passive 'how can I be helpful.' She takes action. Countless intros to prospects, partners, investors, and strategic relationships. I believe our odds of success are meaningfully higher because Ilona is on our side."Founder, Redii
"Just wanted to say thank you for sharing your Xero piece. Really enjoyed the read. It honestly left me feeling inspired. I started thinking about where SMB software and AI are headed. Appreciate you always keeping us thinking bigger."Joshua Bartholomew, CPO / Co-Founder, Build-A-Way
One email. The signal without the noise.
Every issue is written with one goal: give you a perspective you can actually use. No hot takes for clicks, no recycled headlines. Just clear thinking from someone who's been in the room.
Long-form analysis on the companies, trends, and markets that are shaping where capital goes next.
Founders, investors, and operators share the financial moments that shaped how they see the world.
Personal essays connecting culture, markets, and money, the kind of thing you share with your smartest friend.
Occasionally, a guest whose thinking is worth your time. Curated, not random.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Hi, I'm Ilona.
Cuban-Russian immigrant. Kentucky-raised. Four languages, 65 countries, a UPenn degree and a Kellogg MBA. Forbes fintech contributor ranked in the top 1% globally. I've partnered with Fortune 50 companies and early-stage startups before they were deemed "obvious." Bear and the Bull is where I think out loud and try to make finance feel like what it actually is: deeply human.
1%
Forbes Global
65
Countries
30k+
Downloads
4
Languages
Built for people who operate at the edge of capital.
If you're building, funding, or advising in the global economy, this is the signal you've been looking for.
Early-Stage Builders
Pre-seed through Series B founders who want to understand capital markets, investor dynamics, and the financial context shaping their raise, without the MBA.
Emerging Fund Managers
First- and second-time GPs building their thesis, managing LP relationships, and navigating a market that doesn't reward the obvious plays.
Globally-Minded Investors
Operators, angels, and allocators looking beyond their geography. The overlooked markets, underpriced trends, and conversations happening outside the default corridors.