Melissa Kosciusko

At Intellectual Ventures (IV), Melissa Kosciusko, General Counsel and Vice President of Corporate Affairs, is guided by a steady mix of legal principles, creative problem-solving, and a commitment to collaboration. For nearly two decades, she has advised IV through complex legal landscapes, overseeing compliance across funds, supporting monetization efforts, and advising on a wide range of legal matters. What keeps her energized? “There’s rarely a dull day,” she says. “The diversity of the work and the people I work with make it incredibly fulfilling.” 

Melissa is no stranger to navigating uncharted territory. At IV, where many initiatives are unprecedented by design, she approaches complex legal challenges with a blend of creativity and pragmatism. “Legal work isn’t always linear,” she says. “There is a substantial amount of creativity in structuring transactions that are both effective and compliant, especially when we are doing something unique.” Melissa's ability to think outside the box while adhering to foundational legal concepts has made her a trusted advisor across the organization. 

Melissa’s parents had long predicted she’d be a great lawyer thanks to her natural tendency to challenge ideas and advocate for her point of view. Turns out her parents were right. Melissa’s path to corporate law began with a Sociology degree from UC Santa Barbara, and after a year of travel and reflection abroad, Melissa pursued her JD at the University of San Francisco School of Law.  

Prior to joining IV, Melissa worked at Wilson Sonsini Goodrich & Rosati (WSGR), a prominent Silicon Valley law firm, where she supported complex finance transactions, M&A deals, and—serendipitously—had her first interactions with IV. That connection eventually brought her in-house, where she’s been a key part of the company’s evolution ever since, helping to shape its legal and corporate affairs functions to what they are today. 

At IV, Melissa’s leadership style is grounded in listening, learning, and leading with respect. “I aim to support individual growth by creating space for leadership and encouraging people to bring their own ideas forward,” she says. “I believe great leadership starts with listening. Understanding others’ goals and perspectives cultivates a more effective environment that supports sound decision making, stronger collaboration, and more intentional results.”  

Melissa brings a thoughtful, people-first approach to everything she does, and she is a strong believer in community both inside and outside of work. She credits IV’s mentoring program as a transformative experience, one that strengthened her connections across the company and broadened her perspective.  

Personally, Melissa balances a full family life with two teenagers that keep her constantly on–the-go with their club and high school sports activities. She incorporates movement and exercise into her daily routine through yoga, Peloton workouts, and regular walks with her Golden Retriever. How does she juggle it all you might ask? "At IV, work flexibility isn't just a benefit - it's a shared value." I'm fortunate to work for a company that supports both my career and family life. That balance, along with the opportunity to contribute to meaningful, inventive work, is what continues to make IV a place where Melissa thrives. 

Her advice to future leaders? “Work hard, be kind, follow your passions—and have some fun along the way.”