The son of Ukrainian and Georgian immigrants, Kote is a native of Boston, Massachusetts. He served seven years as an Intelligence Analyst in the United States Army, specializing in counterintelligence and European affairs. In 2018, he completed a combat deployment out of Jalalabad, Afghanistan, where he performed in advising, targeting, and human intelligence support roles. Kote most recently served in Belgium as an engagement coordinator for his organization within NATO, tasked with developing and maintaining key relationships with allied Ministries of Defense. Kote’s eastern European background and experience in Afghanistan motivated him to fight against the growing specter of authoritarianism. While at HBS, Kote intends to study, learn, and implement innovative ways to help companies in the private sector develop sustainable business models that complement the American values of democracy and human rights. Kote graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Maryland Global Campus with a BSc in Finance.