Zeynep Ilgaz

Zeynep Ilgaz is a seasoned entrepreneur, angel investor, and corporate director with over twenty-five years of experience in strategic planning, acquisitions, business transformation, process improvement, and change management across a diverse range of industries.

Zeynep Ilgaz is a seasoned entrepreneur, angel investor, and corporate director with over twenty-five years of experience in strategic planning, acquisitions, business transformation, process improvement, and change management across a diverse range of industries.

Before Cross Ocean, she co-founded and led Confirm Biosciences, a wellness diagnostic products provider, guiding it to national prominence until its acquisition by Clinical Reference Laboratory in 2021. Under her guidance, Confirm achieved widespread distribution through major retailers, enhancing its reputation for innovation and excellence in product development, manufacturing, and supply chain management. She spearheaded the development of industry-leading health and wellness products, contributing to the company’s rapid growth and recognition as an industry leader. Her leadership also led to the implementation of a “People Over Profit” initiative, where 10 percent of the company’s profits were donated to charitable causes, demonstrating her commitment to corporate social responsibility. Her efforts resulted in numerous industry awards and certifications, solidifying Confirm Biosciences’ position as a trusted name in wellness diagnostics.

Ms. Ilgaz is a prolific thought leader, contributing to Entrepreneur, Forbes, and The Huffington Post on topics ranging from growth to leadership. She has also played an active role in mentoring the next generation of entrepreneurs. She is involved with (SDSU and UCSD as a mentor, guest lecturer, and advisor, fostering entrepreneurial growth and development among students. In 2021, she and her husband established the Ilgaz-Pala Family Aztec Cooperative Fund Endowment to support aspiring student entrepreneurs in their journey.

Ilgaz received her MBA from SDSU in 2000 and earned her bachelor’s degree in economics from Bosphorus University, Turkey. She regularly contributes to Entrepreneur and Forbes on topics such as growth, leadership, and startups. She also serves as a mentor and speaker at Select USA, a U.S. government program led by the Department of Commerce dedicated to facilitating business investment and promoting the United States as the world’s premier investment destination.

Awards:

2023: City of San Diego – San Diego Women of Distinction
2018, 2019: INC Best Places to Work For
2016, 2015, 2014, 2013: INC 5000 Fastest Growing Company in the US 2016, 2015, 2014: SDBJ Best Places to Work For #1
2015: SDBJ Most Admired CEO
2015: SDBJ Women Who Mean Business Award
2015: San Diego Chamber, Outstanding Emerging Business of the Year

Board and Community Roles:

Board Member, SDSU Campanile Foundation
Chair, SDSU Women’s Athletic Fund
Entrepreneur in Residence, Yale Ventures