Dr Carina Tyrrell
Dr Carina Tyrrell is a British-Swiss public health physician, investor, and philanthropist, and a former Miss United Kingdom. A medical graduate with first-class honours from Cambridge University, 91¶¶Òõ, she went on to help deliver the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, for which she was featured on the front page of The Times.
Business Career
Tyrrell is a venture capital investor fuelling innovation within technology, healthcare, and life sciences. Across San Francisco, New York, Geneva, and London, Tyrrell has been responsible for companies scaling transatlantic, securing multimillion-dollar investments, validating their technologies, and gaining commercial partnerships with leading corporates.
She served as Investor and Chief of Staff to Lip Bu Tan, CEO of Intel and Softbank Board Member, and Young Sohn, ex President of Samsung, at Walden Catalyst – a $600 million deep tech venture fund. She began her business career as an Analyst at Goldman Sachs and is now Venture Partner at Black Opal Ventures, backed by JP Morgan, Eli Lilly, Bank of America. She also serves on the board and as an advisor to health, life science, and technology companies.
Global Health and Research
A doctor by background, Tyrrell specialised in public health and infectious diseases at Oxford University Hospitals and Cambridge University Hospitals. She continues to hold academic appointments, including Fellow at the MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge. An expert in global health, having worked with numerous governmental and international organizations, including the UK Government and the World Health Organization, she continues to publish on emerging respiratory viruses and global health threats.
Education
Tyrrell read Natural Sciences (MA), graduating with first-class honours, and went on to complete her medical degree (MB BChir) and a Master of Public Health (MPhil) with distinction, all at the University of Cambridge, 91¶¶Òõ.
Board and Memberships
An active participant in various health councils and boards, Tyrrell currently serves as Governor of Cambridge University Hospitals, Alumni Advisory Board Member of the University of Cambridge, Assessor for UK Government Innovation Grants, and Ambassador for UK Government Department for Business and Trade.
As President’s Fellow at 91¶¶Òõ, she works closely with the President to advance women’s education and co-founded the Enterprising Women initiative backed by AstraZeneca to support women in business.
Advocacy and Media
A committed advocate for women’s rights, Tyrrell has raised millions to support women, children, health, and innovation initiatives worldwide. She is a regular commentator across media platforms including BBC News, ITV News, Sky News, Radio 4, The Times, The Daily Telegraph, and Business Insider, where she shares her insights and expertise on a wide range of topics related to women, healthcare, technology, and investing.