Our Story
Where expertise
meets innovation
Two professionals. One shared vision. A commitment to transforming how organizations approach ESG assurance.
Our Values
The principles that guide everything we do—from client relationships to the work we deliver.
01
Integrity
Upholding the highest standards of professional ethics and independence in every engagement.
02
Precision
Meticulous attention to detail and data-driven methodologies in all our work.
03
Transparency
Clear communication and honest reporting that builds stakeholder trust.
04
Purpose
Advancing sustainable business practices that create lasting positive impact.
Our Journey
From classroom
to company
The path that brought two professionals together and led to the founding of VirentAssure.
2023
The Meeting
Two paths converge at Northwestern Kellogg
2024
The Vision
Identifying the gap in ESG assurance
2025
Launch
VirentAssure begins operations
2026+
Growth
Expanding impact across industries
In the halls of Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management, two professionals discovered they shared more than just a classroom—they shared a vision for transforming an industry.
The VirentAssure Origin Story
Leadership
Meet the Team
Combining decades of experience in ESG, assurance, and technology
Anisa Chowdhury
Founder & Managing Director
Anisa Chowdhury, CPA, CA, PCSAP, and Kellogg Executive MBA, is the Founder and Managing Director of VirentAssure and an assurance and risk management leader with over 15 years of experience across Big 4, mid-tier firms, and Fortune 500 organizations. She has led global internal audits, forensic investigations, and regulatory compliance reviews, delivering measurable improvements in governance, fraud prevention, and operational efficiency.
Her expertise spans financial and operational audits, SOX 404, enterprise risk management, and the use of data analytics and automation to strengthen assurance outcomes. Anisa brings deep expertise in sustainability and ESG assurance, having designed and led engagements aligned with regulations such as CSRD, SB 253, and SB 261, as well as leading frameworks including ESRS, TCFD, and GRI.
A Chartered Professional Accountant (Canada) and Professional Certified Sustainability Assurance Practitioner (PCSAP), Anisa is a published thought leader and recipient of the Institute of Internal Auditors (IIA) 2021 Ted Keys Award. She leads VirentAssure with a focus on data integrity, transparency, and stakeholder trust.
Expertise
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Viktor Avdulov
Data Scientist & Technology Lead
Viktor Avdulov, MS in Applied Data Science and Kellogg Executive MBA, is the Technology Lead at VirentAssure and a data science and AI leader with over a decade of experience across Fortune 500 organizations including Deloitte, Accenture Federal Services, and General Dynamics IT. He has led enterprise-scale AI implementations, built global data science teams, and pioneered production RAG systems serving 100,000+ users.
His expertise spans generative AI architecture, multi-agent systems, machine learning operations (MLOps), and enterprise data strategy. Viktor has designed and deployed AI solutions that automated 40% of analytical workflows and achieved 70% improvement in search relevance across platforms processing millions of documents.
A U.S. military veteran who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, Viktor holds a Chief Data Officer Certificate from Carnegie Mellon University and brings a unique combination of technical depth and strategic leadership. He leads VirentAssure's technology vision with a focus on building AI-powered assurance tools that enhance efficiency, accuracy, and scalability.
Expertise
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Grant Wahlstrom
Forensic Accounting & Fraud Advisory
Grant Wahlstrom is a seasoned forensic accountant with over 25 years of extensive experience in fraud auditing. He has managed complex investigations, developed financial integrity programs, and delivered substantial annual savings through effective remediation of controls. Mr. Wahlstrom specializes in fraud data analytics and forensic accounting and possesses a strong track record in conducting COSO-aligned fraud risk assessments. Grant provides advisory services to clients regarding litigation support, financial investigations, fraud detection, and fraud prevention.
Grant is an established authority in fraud detection and prevention. His work has been featured in multiple professional journals. Previously, Grant served as the Senior Editor of the Fraud Findings section for Internal Auditor Magazine.
Grant holds a Bachelor's in Accounting and a Master's in Taxation from Florida Atlantic University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Association of Certified Internal Auditors, and Association of Certified Fraud Examiners.
Expertise
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