Female Founder Spotlight: Karolina Zatorska

Tell us about yourself and your background

I am a Polish-American and have been a resident of California since 2012. I gained my early business experience in New York City in 2007 and 2008. I currently run a Los Angeles–based consulting group, Paragone Global, which helps companies launch and expand in the West Coast market, including California, Nevada, and Arizona.

What has been your greatest career achievement?

My greatest career achievement is serving as the Trade Commissioner of Poland in Los Angeles from 2017 to 2021.

What led you to founding Paragone Global Consulting Group?

While working in Los Angeles as Poland’s Trade Commissioner, I identified a gap in business connections between the U.S. West Coast and Central and Eastern Europe. With Paragone Global, we set out to bridge that gap.

I co-founded Paragone with my business partner, Tim Randall, after we met at an investment forum in Los Angeles. United by a shared vision, we set out to leverage our combined business experience and extensive networks to help companies successfully enter and grow in the U.S. market.

What is your mission?

Our mission is to build more business bridges between US West Coast and Central Eastern Europe (CEE).

As a firm, what makes you unique in the marketplace?

We prepare bespoke market-entry strategies, drawing on our deep experience and strong networks to help companies deliver their best results

Who do you serve through Paragone Global Consulting Group?

We serve companies and investors seeking business solutions on US West Coast and in Central Eastern Europe

What services do you provide?

We offer a wide range of services including:

  • Go to market strategy,
  • Brand development
  • Technology implementation
  • Investor relations
  • Exit opportunities
  • Government relations

What is the biggest frustration facing business owners looking to expand into North America, and how do you help?

The U.S. market is highly competitive and presents a high barrier to entry. To build long-term relationships and succeed, companies need true “boots-on-the-ground” teams that manage day-to-day execution on their behalf. When done right, the results can be remarkable—for example, we are currently developing a solar farm in Arizona for an innovative Polish company after just four months of collaboration. So worth the effort!

What is the biggest opportunity right now for companies looking to enter the US market?

I would say the greatest opportunities lie in access to investment capital and the ability to scale in the U.S. market. In Los Angeles, additional momentum will be driven by several major upcoming sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the Super Bowl in 2027, and the Olympic Games in 2028.

How have you utilised partnerships to grow the company and expand the opportunities available to your clients?

Our most recent is partnership with Arizona State University for a solar energy company from Poland.

We offer partnerships and networks within Southern California, Arizona, and Warsaw/Poland. Clients who are thinking of building long term business relationships can always count on our guidance.

Recently, we have established partnerships with e-sports federations after identifying the significant potential of the global e-sports market. We facilitate connections with potential investors. With the Olympic Games coming to Los Angeles in 2028, e-sports are expected to see accelerated growth. We welcome inquiries from anyone interested in exploring opportunities in this industry.

What are your goals as a company?

Our main goal is to establish Paragone as one of the leading consulting groups for clients entering the U.S. West Coast market.

What is next for you? 

I am currently in Los Angeles, supporting the Polish Olympic Committee in organizing the LA28 Olympic Games. I will also serve as the Chair representing Poland at the EU Chamber of Commerce in Los Angeles.

Where can readers find out more about you/Paragone Global Consulting Group?

Please visit our website: www.paragoneglobal.com

Editor-In-Chief of Bizpreneur Middle East