Most entrepreneurs are accustomed to hearing the word “no” from inherently skeptical potential investors. But not from Bob Sopko. His positivity and guidance nurtured new and seasoned entrepreneurs at Case Western Reserve University—and throughout the region—for years.
Those who worked with and knew him are mourning his loss after he died Dec. 3 at age 64.
Sopko worked at CWRU for more than 21 years, first in the Division of Information Technology Services (now University Technology) managing strategic technology partnerships, before becoming an integral figure in the university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. He directed CWRU LaunchNET for more than eight years before transitioning to an entrepreneur-in-residence role at the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship this summer.
The news of his death resulted in an outpouring of love for a man to whom many credit their success.
“Bob was beloved and trusted,” said Michael Goldberg, executive director of the Veale Institute for Entrepreneurship and professor at Weatherhead School of Management. “Our community of CWRU entrepreneurs knew they could count on him. He would do everything for them.”
Throughout his career, Sopko tirelessly advocated for students, alumni, faculty, staff and community members hoping to start their own ventures, helping them bring their ideas to life with advice, connections—and truly anything else he could bring to the table.
“You could text Bob at any time with a question or a need and he would come through 100% of the time. [He was] so happy to be that person to all of us,” said Tiffany Cashon, senior director of strategic partnerships and business development at Sears think[box]. “His deep dedication to students was unmatched.”
One of Sopko’s most notable accomplishments was developing CWRU’s presence at CES. He was instrumental in leading the university’s first contingency to the annual trade show in 2013, and in 2024, he led 18 exhibitors to the event in Las Vegas.
What made Sopko especially impactful was his innate ability to connect people. In fact, he was so well-known in the Cleveland entrepreneurial community that many just called him “Bob,” Cashon said.
For student entrepreneurs, those connections were especially invaluable. Alumni Stan Garber (CWR ’07) and Alex Yakubovich (CWR ’07) were among those who experienced firsthand the power of Sopko’s wide network. In 2019, the duo sold their company Scout RFP for $540 million in cash. Sopko was a key driver of their success, having introduced them to an investor who gave them $500,000 for their first venture just as they were graduating from CWRU.
Sopko more than supported aspiring entrepreneurs—he believed in them.
Alumna India Johnson (CWR ’17), founder of UAVistas, ran into Sopko at a pitch event in 2023, just a few months after her mother had a stroke. With both of her parents in attendance, Sopko sought them out to heap praise on their daughter.
“It was a highlight of the whole thing,” Johnson said. “I got the funding, which was also a highlight, but for some reason I remember that [conversation] even more.”
Johnson recalled how Sopko’s good-natured, hopeful personality could instantly quell her concerns when outcomes looked bleak.
“Every time I talked to him, I ended up feeling better, regardless of what was going on with my business,” Johnson said, recounting how Sopko was always ready to point her in the direction of resources that could be helpful.
Garber described Sopko as an “eternal optimist.” Even years after seeing him with regularity, Garber remembers Sopko’s ever-present smile and laugh distinctively—how he’d throw his head back and look upward.
“Anyone who knows Bob would describe him as the most kind, caring, selfless person,” said Drew Poppleton, assistant vice president for careers and corporate engagement, who worked with Sopko when his position was housed within Student Success. “What was Bob’s was yours—whether it was his expertise, his connections or his marketing reach. He would do anything to help.”
Sopko is survived by his wife of 40 years, Judy, their three children, three grandchildren, and several other beloved family members.
Students who would like support during this time are encouraged to contact University Health and Counseling Services at 216.368.5872. This line is staffed by a counselor 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Faculty and staff can access counseling at any time by calling IMPACT Solutions at 1.800.227.6007.