Student Life
Georgi Petrov: From Failure to a Seven-Figure Digital Marketing Entrepreneur
Before attending Lincoln University, Georgi Petrov found himself at a crossroads. Working a traditional 9-to-5 job in Bulgaria, he dreamed of building a better future through entrepreneurship.Â
His first business—a fast-food venture—ended in failure, leaving him with more than $75,000 in debt. Rather than allowing that setback to define his future, Georgi made a life-changing decision: he pursued an MBA at Lincoln University in California, determined to gain the knowledge and perspective needed to start over. That decision marked the beginning of an extraordinary journey.
In 2012, Georgi launched a small e-commerce business by importing a single product from China and selling it on Amazon. Fascinated by the rapidly evolving world of digital marketing, he taught himself online advertising, mastering platforms such as Facebook and Google. His first product generated more than $156,000 in sales, proving that perseverance and continuous learning could create new opportunities.
Inspired by this success, Georgi expanded into Shopify. The road was far from easy—his first three online stores failed—but he refused to give up. His fourth store became a success and was sold just two years later for a six-figure amount.
Today, Georgi is an accomplished digital marketing strategist and entrepreneur who has worked with startups, e-commerce brands, coaches, consultants, course creators, and Fortune 500 companies across Europe, North America, Australia, and New Zealand. He has also collaborated with internationally recognized marketing experts, further establishing himself as a leader in the digital advertising industry.
Georgi’s story is a powerful reminder that failure is not the end of the journey—it can be the foundation for future success. Through resilience, lifelong learning, and the education he received at Lincoln University, he transformed adversity into opportunity and built a thriving global career.
“Success is not determined by how many times you fail, but by how many times you choose to keep moving forward.”
Wakana Fukuda: From Full-Time Mother to Global Innovation Leader
Wakana Fukuda’s journey is a powerful example of how determination, lifelong learning, and courage can transform lives. After dedicating 14 years to raising her family as a full-time mother, Wakana made the bold decision to pursue an MBA at Lincoln University.Â
Viewing motherhood as her “biggest project in life,” she moved to the United States with her two teenage children to study as an international student. Balancing graduate studies, parenting, and volunteer work, Wakana demonstrated exceptional resilience and discipline. Her hard work culminated in graduating as the Valedictorian of her MBA class, reflecting her unwavering commitment to academic excellence.
At Lincoln University, Wakana gained far more than a business degree. She developed the leadership, strategic thinking, and global perspective that would shape her professional future. Inspired by dedicated faculty and a hands-on learning environment, she embraced entrepreneurship and innovation as lifelong pursuits.
Following graduation, Wakana built an outstanding international career in education, entrepreneurship, and startup development. She worked with nonprofit organizations in the United States to foster innovation among young people and later served as General Manager of Silicon Valley Japan College, where she led programs introducing Japanese students to the entrepreneurial ecosystem of Silicon Valley. She also contributed to the global startup community as a Program Coordinator at 500 Global, supporting founders and helping high-growth startups scale internationally. Motivated by her passion for empowering others, Wakana founded IKIRU LLC and co-founded BizWorld Japan, organizations dedicated to cultivating entrepreneurship and leadership among young people in Japan. Her work has earned recognition from Japanese government ministries and local governments for developing programs that prepare the next generation of innovators.
Today, Wakana serves as Head of Japan Expansion at Draper University, where she leads initiatives that connect Japanese entrepreneurs with Silicon Valley’s world-renowned innovation ecosystem. In this role, she helps founders, startups, and business leaders access global opportunities, entrepreneurial education, and international networks while strengthening collaboration between Japan and the United States. Wakana continues to inspire entrepreneurs, educators, and future business leaders by championing innovation, global collaboration, and lifelong learning. Her journey—from full-time mother to MBA valedictorian, entrepreneur, and international innovation leader—reflects the transformative impact of a Lincoln University education.
Her story embodies Lincoln University’s mission of preparing ethical, innovative, and globally minded leaders who create meaningful change around the world.
“Education creates opportunities, but determination and the courage to embrace change are what turn opportunities into extraordinary achievements.”
Mohamed Salama: Empowering Entrepreneurs Through Innovation and No-Code Technology
Mohamed Salama transformed his entrepreneurial vision into a mission of helping others build successful businesses through technology. Equipped with the knowledge and strategic mindset gained from his MBA at Lincoln University, he founded Inova Studio, a visual development software company dedicated to making entrepreneurship more accessible.
Recognizing that many startups struggle with the high cost and complexity of software development, Mohamed established Inova Studio to provide fast, affordable, and scalable digital solutions using no-code and low-code technologies. By leveraging platforms such as Bubble and FlutterFlow, his company enables entrepreneurs to launch products in weeks instead of months, dramatically reducing development costs while accelerating innovation.
Since its founding, Inova Studio has grown into a thriving digital innovation studio. Mohamed has built a multidisciplinary team of engineers, designers, and product strategists who have helped more than 70 businesses across 12 industries transform their ideas into successful digital products. From wellness and travel to transportation and e-commerce, Inova Studio has supported startups launching their first minimum viable product (MVP) as well as established businesses modernizing their operations.
One of the company’s standout projects helped a digital marketing agency automate client onboarding and content production, reducing manual work by nearly 40% while increasing revenue fourfold. This commitment to delivering measurable business results has earned Inova Studio a reputation as a trusted technology partner for entrepreneurs.
Beyond leading his company, Mohamed is deeply committed to supporting the entrepreneurial community. He regularly mentors early-stage founders and speaks at webinars on lean startup methodologies, no-code development, and building scalable digital businesses. He is especially passionate about empowering immigrant entrepreneurs and underrepresented founders, helping them overcome barriers and successfully launch businesses in the United States.
Mohamed credits his MBA at Lincoln University with strengthening his leadership skills, strategic thinking, and entrepreneurial mindset. The University’s practical, business-focused education provided the confidence and foundation needed to build a company that not only develops technology but also empowers others to pursue their entrepreneurial ambitions.
Today, Mohamed continues to expand Inova Studio while inspiring the next generation of innovators. His journey reflects Lincoln University’s commitment to preparing graduates who combine business knowledge, innovation, and leadership to create meaningful impact in the global economy.
“Technology is most powerful when it empowers people to turn bold ideas into successful businesses.”
Discover more inspiring alumni success stories in the Lincoln Chronicle. Click below to learn more about the achievements and impact of our graduates.
