Biography
I am a Lecturer in Finance at the University of St Andrews and a member of the Centre for Responsible Banking and Finance, with research interests in entrepreneurial finance, equity crowdfunding, fintech, business angels, venture capital, and early-stage finance. Prior to my academic career, I was actively involved in the startup ecosystem as a female entrepreneur, gaining firsthand experience in launching and managing a startup. This practical background enriches my research and teaching, offering valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by early-stage ventures. I am engaged in collaborative work with innovation centres and in exploring the impact of digitalization, and I conduct research in related areas with an interest in how academic insights can inform and support practical implementation.
In addition to my academic and entrepreneurial pursuits, I serve as a reviewer for journals, including Small Business Economics, The European Journal of Finance, International Journal of Finance & Economics, and The British Accounting Review. At St Andrews, I contribute to Financial Technology (FinTech) and Advanced Corporate Finance modules. In my previous academic role, I taught a range of undergraduate modules, including Financial Intermediaries, Instruments and Markets, Quantitative Methods and Finance, Corporate Finance, The Pricing of Securities in Financial Markets, and the Economics and Finance Research Project.
Selected publications
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Open access
Digital equity and government support during COVID-19
Kazembalaghi, S., Coakley, J., Liñares-Zegarra, J. M. & Vismara, S., 1 Apr 2025, In: Small Business Economics. 64, p. 1679-1705 27 p.Research output: Contribution to journal › Article › peer-review
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Evolving relationships between business angels and equity crowdfunding
Coakley, J. & Kazembalaghi, S., 16 Apr 2025, The Palgrave encyclopedia of private equity. Cumming, D. J. & Hammer, B. (eds.). Cham: Palgrave Macmillan, p. 413-419Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceeding › Entry for encyclopedia/dictionary
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Open access
Responses to COVID-19: the role of digital equity and government loan schemes
Kazembalaghi, S., Coakley, J., Liñares-Zegarra, J. M. & Vismara, S., 7 May 2024, Social Science Research Network, 42 p.Research output: Working paper