Valentin Pentchev was born in Sofia, Bulgaria on December 14, 1973. He held a masters degree in Philology and Linguistics from Sofia University and later also obtained bachelors degrees in Information Systems and Computer Sciences and Management of Information Systems from the University of Miami and Purdue University Global, respectively. He was expecting his Master's in Business Administration and Business Analytics from IU Kelley Business School in 2022.

Val was the founding Director of Information Technology of the Indiana University Network Science Institute. Prior to joining IUNI he worked at several government and educational institutions, as well as an electric car and energy storage startup in Southern California. He was recognized by his peers as a thoughtful and inspiring leader. Val's restless yet creative mind led to multiple initiatives in the fields of computer and data science.

Val truly loved and treasured his Bulgarian roots. He became the Founder and the President of the Bulgarian Cultural Society Foundation and the Founding Director of the Bulgarian School in Indiana. His initiatives energized and brought together the Bulgarian community in Indiana in an unprecedented way and allowed Bulgarian children from the whole state to learn the Bulgarian language, history and traditions. He was a board member of St. Stephen Bulgarian Orthodox Church in Indianapolis.

Val was a devoted husband and father, and a great friend to many! He is survived by his loving parents and brother Tsvetana, Todor and Nikolay Penchev, his devoted wife Liana Apostolova and his adoring children Julian and Martin Pentchev.

To continue Val's legacy, you may donate to the Bulgarian Cultural Society Foundation at https://gofundme.com/f/bulgarian-cultural-society.

The family will receive friends and hold a viewing from 11:00 until 12:00 pm, Saturday, January 8, 2022, at St. Stephen Bulgarian Orthodox Church, 1435 Medford Ave, Indianapolis, IN 46222. Religious services will be held from 12-1 pm at the church. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memory Gardens, 1977 S State Rd 135, Greenwood, IN 46143. Due to COVID restrictions, we will only be able to serve wine and prepackaged offerings after the burial.