Women in Venture Capital
Join us as we engage with women, from analysts to partners, establishing their presence in the venture capital industry and male counterparts lending a hand. Let's talk networking, recruiting, culture, trends, investment opportunities, female funding and breaking into the boys' club.
Sat, April 12, 2025
Women in Venture Capital Podcast Recap: Learnings, Perspectives & More
In this episode, Anvita and Rashveena look back on the 4+ years and 100+ episodes of the Women in Venture Capital podcast, sharing highlights, learnings and more.
Fri, November 08, 2024
A Conversation with Lisa Lewin, Partner (CEO in Residence) at Primary VC | ex-CEO of General Assembly | Ethical Ventures | The Ready | Pearson plc | Mindgate Media | McGraw-Hill Education | MBA @ Harvard Business School
In this conversation with Lisa, we hear about her journey as a CEO in Residence at Primary VC and what she is most excited about the new trends in the startup ecosystem - the AI wave, climate-tech and east-coast startups scene in the US. We also talk about her role at General Assembly as their CEO, expanding reach and impact.
Fri, October 11, 2024
A Conversation with Akriti Dokania | Partner, Ridge Ventures | ex-Octopus Ventures | ex- Amazon, Microsoft | Previously, founded Coderbhai | MBA, London Business School
Akriti is a Partner at Ridge Ventures, focusing on early-stage investments in enterprise technology companies. With a background in computer science and product management, she brings valuable insights to her role as an investor and board member. Akriti has led investments in various sectors, including AI, fintech, and SaaS, demonstrating her expertise in identifying promising startups. Her experience spans from founding a B2B accounting software company in India to working with tech giants like Microsoft and Amazon. As a Techstars Mentor and angel investor, Akriti continues to support and shape the future of technology entrepreneurship. In this conversation with Akriti, we dive deep into her decisions for career transitions across roles and geographies and what led her to those. Tune in for a fun chat!
Tue, September 10, 2024
A Conversation with Meera Oak, Partner at Alumni Ventures (AV) | Polymath Capital | Strategy and Ops for Yale University | MBA, Tuck
In this conversation with Meera, we chat about how she joined AV, drawing from her endowment experiences and the fund's innovative investment strategy (exclusively co-investors). We also hear Meera's take on recent trends in the VC industry, including how AI has unlocked new capabilities in vertical SaaS. Lastly, we discuss about the current state of the investing ecosystem when it comes to female representation in decision making roles and advice for aspiring women investors.
Thu, August 15, 2024
A Conversation with Barbara Iyayi, CEO and Founding Partner at Unicorn Growth Capital | Lateral Capital l Element, Inc.| Atlas Mara | JP Morgan | Harvard Business School
In this episode with Barbara, we talk to her about her diverse experiences in the investment ecosystem across Africa, USA, Dubai; and how that shaped her investment philosophies. We also talk about how she got to starting her own fund in the Web3 space and what excites her about the opportunities there.
Fri, August 09, 2024
A Conversation with Barbara Iyayi, CEO and Founding Partner at Unicorn Growth Capital | Lateral Capital l Element, Inc.| Atlas Mara | JP Morgan | Harvard Business School
In this chat with Barbara, we hear about her diverse experiences in the investment space across Africa and USA and how that shaped her investment philosophy. We also talk about how she got to starting her own fund in the Web3 space and what excites her about the opportunities there.
Thu, July 11, 2024
A Conversation with Emily Man, Partner at Primary Ventures | Redpoint Ventures | Point72 Ventures | Columbia University
In this conversation with Emily, we touched on the experiences that shaped her move to and career in venture capital, including the rapid transformation in areas like Fintech. Emily shares more about strategies that helped her manage transitions within VC and trends she's excited about at Primary including innovations in payments and capital markets. Finally, Emily touches on bridging the gender gap in venture and shares some advice for aspiring investors.
Wed, June 26, 2024
A Conversation with Katelyn Foley and Vicki Nakata, President & Venture CEO at UP.Labs | BCG | Stellar Labs | Booking Holdings | Hawaiian Airlines | Bain & Co.
In this episode, we talk to Katelyn and Vicki from UP.Labs about the venture lab model in the mobility space. We talk to the team about building startups alongside corporate partners and drawing on their past experiences as operators. Finally we touch on making the move to venture labs, especially in mobility, and some advice for women looking to break into the tech, transportation, and venture lab spaces - including an ask for referrals for female CEOs hoping to join the firm!
Thu, June 13, 2024
A Conversation with Zabreen Khan | Partner, Phenomenal Ventures | Cofounder, HerCapital | Lead Edge Capital | MBA, Harvard Business School
In this episode, with Zabreen, we chat about her career transitions from operator roles to investing, and her current stint with Phenomenal Ventures. We also speak about her non-profit, HerCapital, that aims to empower women to invest in their future. Lastly, we hear Zabreen's thoughts on working towards diversity and advice for women looking to break into the VC ecosystem.
Tue, May 28, 2024
A Conversation with Julia Gudish Krieger, Managing Partner at Pari Passu Venture Partners | ex-Founder @ Villageluxe | Spring House Tenafly | Insight Partners
In this episode, Julia walks us her through her decision to join investing early in her career, leaving to start a company before heading back to Pari Passu. Julia shares more about her decision to start a fund instead of joining one, the newly launched 'PariPassu' app and the firm's strategy. Finally, we end with some thoughts around gender dynamics in check writing roles and some advice for aspiring investors.
Wed, May 15, 2024
A Conversation with Katelin Holloway | Founding Partner, 776 | Founding Member of ANGELS.vc | Pixar | Klout | Reddit
In our conversation with Katelin, we get to know about her diverse experiences that shaped her working style of always being 'people-first'. We also hear about how this strategy has helped her transition into the world of venture capital, at 776 and what differentiates the fund. Lastly, Katelin shares what it takes to break into the VC ecosystem.
Thu, April 25, 2024
A Conversation with Caroline Winnett, Executive Director @ Berkeley SkyDeck | Founder @ BrandNeuro | Neurogami | NeuroFocus | MBA @ University of California, Berkeley (Haas)
In this episode, Caroline dives into her journey from music major to being a serial entrepreneur and leading a powerhouse startup accelerator. We'll hear about her experiences co-founding the neuromarketing pioneer NeuroFocus, her time at Nielsen, and her current role as an investor at SkyDeck. Caroline also shares insights on what makes the Berkeley SkyDeck Fund stand out and their approach to investments.
Tue, April 09, 2024
A Conversation with Ash Arora | Partner, LocalGlobe | Polygon Labs | A-PAG | Citigroup
In this episode with Ash, we talk about her strategic transitions into the world of blockchain investing and finding her next move in the VC world. We also explore the latest trends in AI and early stage investing, and end with some actionable suggestions for entering the investing world.
Wed, March 20, 2024
A Conversation with Priya Saiprasad, Co-Founder and General Partner at Touring Capital | Softbank Investment Advisers | Mayfield Fund | M12 | Square (Block, Inc) | Saints Capital
In this episode, Priya talks to us about her relatively early move into VC and her biggest learnings from investing in mid to growth stage companies. She dives into why she started her firm, Touring Capital and the fund's investment focus on AI enabled software, initially in North America while keeping eyes open on other regional markets. Finally, Priya shares her thoughts on gender dynamics in the industry and some advice for aspiring investors including creating your personal board of directors.
Thu, March 07, 2024
A Conversation with Lily Lyman, Partner at Underscore VC | MIT Sandbox | Facebook | Co-Founder @ NECT | Dalberg Global Development Advisors | Endeavor | Stanford Business School
In our 100th episode, we talk to Lily (recently named Boston's new power venture capitalist) about her decision to pursue a career in VC after years in product strategy at Facebook. Lily also shares Underscore's investment thesis, her views on the thriving Boston ecosystem and the role of data in startups. Finally, Lily touches on how she leverages her role in the industry to promote representation and shares some tactical advice for aspiring female investors.
Thu, February 15, 2024
A Conversation with Joanna Kuang, SVP of Product and Impact at Illumen Capital | Third Sector | Wellington Management
In this episode, we talk to Joanna about her work and pursuit for impact in the non-profit sector and now in venture capital. Joanna touches on how her background shaped her career choices, her decision to join VC and Illumen Capital. She also delves into how companies (VCs and startups) can tactically implement impact strategies and address gender and racial biases.
Fri, January 19, 2024
A Conversation with Heidi Roizen, Partner at Threshold Ventures | Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence (HAI) | DFJ | Mobius Venture Capital | Apple | T/Maker | MBA @ Stanford
In this episode, we talk to Heidi about her career, starting as one of the earliest female operators in Tech as the CEO of T/Maker and growing and building the company. We dive into her transition to VC with roles at Mobius, DFJ and now Threshold and trends she's excited about. We also touch on her story as a great "people connector", being at the center of an HBS case and gender bias experiment. Finally, Heidi shares some of her lessons from the industry and some advice for women looking to break in.
Wed, December 13, 2023
A Conversation with Kelly Shaw, Principal @ Vestigo Ventures | AlmaPact | Synchrony | GE Capital | Harvard Business School
In this episode, we talk to Kelly about her optimization for learning and development which led her to various roles and ultimately VC. We learn more about Vestigo Venture's investment strategy and community driven approach to investing as well as trends Kelly is excited about. Finally, we touch on what it takes to break into the industry.
Tue, November 28, 2023
A Conversation with Fazeela Rashid, Partner at Revolution Growth | Temasek | Solera Capital | Credit Suisse | MBA @ Harvard Business School
In this episode, Fazeela walks us through her global experiences in VC including building out Temasek's healthcare and international businesses and her more recent role at Revolution. Fazeela also touches on Revolution's efforts to tackle the unequal distribution of opportunity and her views on VC DE&I efforts, having led some of them in her career. She shares her insights on how and if the VC industry differs around the world and ends with some advice for breaking in.
Wed, November 08, 2023
A Conversation with Julie Abrams | CEO and Chair, How Women Lead | GP, How Women Invest | Co-founder and CEO, Limitless Bridge Capital | Board Member, Nia Impact Fund.
In this episode, Julie talks about her venture firm, How Women Invest, and how empowering women is about unlocking untapped potential. She shares her view of having women at the table as investors and corporate board members. She also touches on the importance of "networks, mentorship, and continuous learning" in VC and her own life. Finally, Julie touches on some of her most impactful partnerships in advancing diversity in the industry and shares some lessons for women looking to break in and rise while addressing the cost along the way.
Wed, October 18, 2023
A Conversation with Claude de Jocas | Vice President @ Volition Capital | Former VP @ L2 Inc. | MBA Associate @ Bullish Inc. | HBS
In this conversation with Claude, we hear about her operator experience at L2, followed by transition to an investor role with Volition after pursuing an MBA. We hear about how she chose her career transitions and firms she wanted to work with. We end with her take on how women should approach growing in the VC ecosystem.
Wed, September 27, 2023
A Conversation with Alexa Von Tobel, Founder & Managing Partner @ Inspired Capital | Chief Board | Founder & CEO @ LearnVest | Northwestern Mutual | Morgan Stanley | MBA @ Harvard Business School
In this episode, Alexa shares her journey building companies that she wished existed for herself, including LearnVest and Inspired Capital. Alexa dives into Inspired's "napkin to revenue", long term investment strategy. She also touches on her experiences hosting her own podcast, "The Founders Project" interviewing many notable founders. Finally Alexa shares her observations and advice on being an investor and a woman in the VC industry and her focus on and strength in getting better as she succinctly puts, "like anything in life you're only as good as you can evolve".
Fri, September 15, 2023
A Conversation with Melissa Marks | Partner, Gunderson Dettmer | Samsung | Boxee | University of Michigan Law School, J.D.
In this episode, we talk to Melissa about her experience giving legal advice and negotiating deals for tech companies and VC funds and her passion to help inform and represent underrepresented founders in the industry. Melissa dives deeper into the role of lawyers in the VC ecosystem and reflects on some of her highs and lows in the space as a thought partner. Finally Melissa talks about how she uses her position to create a welcoming space for historically underrepresented founders to openly ask questions and seek advice.
Wed, September 06, 2023
A Conversation with Risa Stack, Partner @ The Production Board | Founder @ Veracyte | Kleiner Perkins | JP Morgan Partners | Chicago Board of Trade
In this episode, we talk to Risa about her journey into entrepreneurship and VC, combining her love for science and building. We touch on how being a repeat founder has shaped her investment style and some exciting innovations in life sciences. Finally, we dive into her experiences in male dominated industries on the trading floor, in life sciences, PE and VC, how she navigates that experience and makes sure her work and determination speaks for itself and her advice to women to network their way into the industry and deals.
Tue, August 29, 2023
Kicking off Season 3 of Women in Venture Capital with Rashveena Rajaram & Anvita Dekhane
As we kick off season 3 of the Women in VC, we reflect on the current state of the industry and celebrate the many achievements of women.
Wed, May 03, 2023
A Conversation with Sonja Perkins, Founder of Broadway Angels and Project Glimmer | Menlo Ventures | Symantec | TA Associates | MBA @ Harvard Business School
In this episode, we talk to Sonja about her long and successful career in venture capital, including becoming the youngest GP at Menlo Ventures and investing in companies such as TheRealReal, Q1 Labs and many more. Sonja walks us through how Broadway Angels, an investment group made up of women, came about and what her experience has been being the only woman in many rooms. Finally, she shares some advice on how to break into and navigate VC as an aspiring female investor.
Mon, April 24, 2023
A Conversation with Courtney Russell McCrea | Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Recast Capital | ex-Managing Director of Weathergage Capital | Silver Partners | Weston Presidio | MBA @ Kellogg
In the conversation with Courtney, we talk about her journey into the world of investing, starting as a Kauffman Fellow - to becoming an LP and now running Recast Capital, a platform supporting and investing in emerging managers in venture. We also learn more about their recent fellowship - for emerging VC investors. We hear Courtney's perspective on how the changing market environment is impacting growth of the VC industry. Finally, we talk about some hard facts on gender biases in this ecosystem, their root causes and how can they be changed.
Fri, April 07, 2023
A Conversation with Sophie Panarese, Platform & Operations at 186 Ventures | The TJX Companies | Cambridge Associates | FOX Sports | Georgetown University
In this episode, we dive into the Platform and Operations role at venture funds with Sophie. We also touch on the operations role in times of uncertainties for startups such as the SVB crisis and how 186 Ventures is positioning itself to best support portfolio companies. Finally, Sophie talks about gender dynamics in VC broadly and in the Boston ecosystem and shares some advice for aspiring female investors.
Tue, March 21, 2023
A Conversation with Claire Biernacki | Principal, BBG Ventures | Lerer Hippeau | Cult Capital | Pomona Capital | BoFA Merrill Lynch | MBA @ Columbia
In this conversation with Claire, we hear about her journey from LevFin to PE to now VC, and how she tapped into various networking opportunities and fields of career as she chose to pursue VC. She also shares some trends in the startup world she is tracking closely. And we end the chat with some candid and genuine advice for women who are trying to break into this ecosystem!
Wed, March 08, 2023
A Conversation with Janis Naeve, Partner @ Cota Capital | Amgen Ventures | 2021’s Fiercest Women in Life Sciences
In this conversation with Janis, we chat about her long journey in life sciences and the gradual transition to a more generalist fund set-up, with Cota Capital. We also hear about the fund thesis with Cota and some of the most exciting spaces she is following. Lastly, we touch upon her experiences and take on gender dynamics in this ecosystem and how should one navigate the system!
Fri, February 24, 2023
A Conversation with Johanna Posada | Founder and Managing Partner at Elevar Equity | Central Bank of Mexico | ExxonMobil | Stanford GSB
In this chat with Johanna, we get to hear about her breadth of experiences in economics, finance and and what led her to do investing. She also shares her motivation and journey building Elevar, doubling down on the LatAm ecosystem and her aspirations for women in the space.
Wed, February 15, 2023
A Conversation with Pallavi Chakravorty | Sequoia Capital | BCG | IIT Madras | MBA @ Harvard Business School (2023)
In this conversation with Pallavi, we learn about her career transitions and what got her interested in growth investing, particularly in the Indian fintech ecosystem. We got to hear about a few of her investments and investment theses, and her goals of learning from the international markets, like the USA. Tune in, for a thought provoking chat!
Tue, January 24, 2023
A Conversation with Tasneem Dohadwala, Founding Partner @ Excelestar Ventures | Golden Seeds | Care.com | Lehman Brothers | MBA @ Harvard Business School
In this conversation with Tasneem, she talks about setting up Excelestar - building the fund's thesis and growing it to where its at today. She also talks about her efforts into promoting female entrepreneurs, via Golden Seeds - that is addressing the lack of funding and coaching for female founders. Finally, she shares what her aspirations are for women in investing.
Wed, January 11, 2023
A Conversation with Caitlin Craig and Yvonne Okafor, Investment Officers at Untapped Global | UNPITCHD | A&A Collective | SheLeadsAfrica | Open Capital
In this conversation with the Untapped Global team, we talk to Caitlin and Yvonne about the fund's smart asset financing strategy, data-driven approach and Africa's growth vision. We also hear from them how women have a better "vibe check", making them sound investors in the ecosystem!
Thu, December 08, 2022
A Conversation with Miki Reynolds, Co-Founder and CEO at Grid110 | Republic | General Assembly | MashON | 20th Century Studios | MGM
In this episode, we talk to Miki about her interesting path into VC and her career motivations along the way. We dive into the inspiration behind Grid110, the mission of the firm and the trends she's been excited about. Finally Mikki talks about gender dynamics in VC and details some tactical advice to break into VC; from online research to books, events, and communities.
Mon, November 28, 2022
A Conversation with Justine Huang | Vice President, Industry Ventures | Curology | Pear VC | inSITE | Wharton | Goldman Sachs
In this episode, we talk to Justine about what led her to a career in finance, first at Goldman Sachs then in VC. She further dives into the secondary team at Industry Ventures and how she approached the decision of what stage to invest in. Finally, Justine touches on how the sheer availability of female mentors in itself is a sign that things are changing in the industry, albeit slowly, and discusses the work yet to be done and some advice for aspiring female investors.
Thu, November 10, 2022
A Conversation with Brittany Walker, Principal @ CRV | Crosscut Ventures | DRF | Uber | Deloitte | MBA @ The Wharton School
In this episode, we talk to Brittany about her passion for Tech through her roles in consulting, ops and VC. She also touches on her experience working for one of the longest running VC firms and how the tenure of her mentors have played a role in her own journey. Finally, we dive into the thought that “Talent is equally distributed, but opportunity isn’t — yet." and what it will take to get to equal distribution of opportunity in the industry.
Wed, October 26, 2022
A Conversation with Julie Sandler | Managing Director @ Pioneer Square Labs | Partner @ PSL Ventures | Madrona Venture Group | Seattle Entrepreneurial Women’s Network | Amazon | Stanford U. | Harvard Business School
In this episode, we talk to Julie Sandler about her psychology background and how that has translated to her work today, especially her relationships with founders. Talking about PSL, she touches on the growth of the fund and the Northwestern region and the venture studio model. She also dives into diversity both within the fund and their investments, serving as a testament to advancements in the industry. She concludes with her observation that the support system among women prominent in VC provides guidelines to help navigate the space.
Wed, October 19, 2022
A Conversation with Connie Qian, Vice President @ Forgepoint Capital | Square | Goldman Sachs | Baird | MBA @ The Wharton School
In this episode, we talk to Connie about her early interests in technology and how that translated to working at Square and eventually in VC. Connie shares more about her experience at Forgepoint Capital, including the funding growth in cybersecurity and horizontal expansion of the space across sectors. She also touches on how she engages with a community of professionals to tackle unfavorable gender dynamics and concludes with two key advices for aspiring female investors: (1) find a mentor with industry commonalities and (2) vocalize your opinion.
Fri, October 14, 2022
A Conversation with Temi Ransome-Kuti, Harvard Business School'23 | FirstCheck Africa | TopUp Mama | Republic | Oui Capital | Accion | Bain & Co.
In this episode, we talk to Temi about her pull towards an entrepreneurial space focused on Africa, her deep dive into fintech along with trends and themes she is excited about in the space—notably female founders. Temi also touches on the climate resilience and climate adaptation efforts in Africa (especially considering the prevalence of agriculture-related jobs). We conclude the chat with some advice for aspiring VCs, which includes taking initiative to reach out to founders, having a perspective and being willing to share that thesis, and lastly, to not be shy with your “superpower”.
Mon, October 03, 2022
A Conversation with Jazmin Medina, Principal @ NewView Capital | CapTable Coalition | Bundler TV | Goldman Sachs | MBA @ Harvard Business School
In this episode, we talk to Jazmin Medina about her interest in VC and startups during business school and why she chose an operator role beforehand. We also touch on some of the aspects of the industry that she finds attractive, including the ability to have a high level of ownership, lifelong learning, and the privilege of working alongside CEOs. Jazmin further talks to us about trends she's excited about and The Cap Table Coalition, elaborating on the organization’s broader mission to increase the number of startups, founders, board managers, and other positions in power from underrepresented groups.
Thu, September 22, 2022
A Conversation with Julia Maltby | Principal @ Flybridge | XFactor Ventures | GP, The MBA Fund | Underscore VC | WeWork | Plum Alley Investments
In this episode, Julia shares her experience working in business development at WeWork before joining VC funds for the last 3+ years. She further talks about professional growth within a firm and how to tackle conversations around promotions. She concludes with her very candid recommendation to think about why you see yourself succeeding in and enjoying venture capital before diving in.
Thu, September 15, 2022
A Conversation with Senofer Mendoza, Founder & General Partner and Asya Bradley, Senior Partner @ Mendoza Ventures | Mendoza Design | Kinly | Synapse
In this episode we talk to Senofer and Asya about their journey into VC and their vision to build a more equal and diversified funding landscape. We touch on how the current environment is all about empowering entrepreneurs and how bias can be used to counter the very unequal distribution it has created in the past. We conclude with some advice to aspiring female investors to tap into their strengths and find a place that rewards them but also be comfortable with embarrassing parts of the journey - you might get 1 response to the 20 emails you write, but that 1 might be just enough!
Fri, September 09, 2022
A Conversation with Vivien Ho, Principal @ Pear VC | Pear Healthcare Playbook | The Pulse Podcast | Airbnb | BCG | MBA @ Wharton
In this episode, Vivien talks about her venture path, her passion for healthcare and the podcast she hosts, interviewing & learning from entrepreneurs in the sector. She further talks about leading Pear's Female Founder Circle which is providing a platform for female technical founders and shares the aspiration of bringing these founders to the funding table, technical assistance or simply a community of like minded gamechangers.
Tue, August 16, 2022
A Conversation with Isabelle de Melo | Co-Founder @ Mo Angels | AfrAsia Bank Limited | The IBL Group | SETE- (Geneva) Family Office | PRIVATAIR | MBA @ HEC Paris
In this episode, we talk to Isabelle about her journey through finance and operations and what eventually led her to angel investing. We touch on the realities and opportunities of being part of an angel investing community, especially for women. We wrap up the conversation with some advice for female founders and investors with Isabelle drawing inspiration from two impressive women in very different worlds.
Tue, July 26, 2022
A Conversation with Lexi Novitske | General Partner @ Norrsken22 | Acuity Venture Partners | Singularity Investments | Verod Capital | SEAF | Sandler O’Neill
In this episode, Lexi talks about how a long visit to the continent prompted her to explore innovation and investing in Africa and eventually moving to Nigeria. She dives into some of her key investment strategies that have helped achieve portfolio success at Acuity and themes and trends that she is excited about. Additionally, we talk about her experience with gender dynamics in African VC and her observation of how, the relatively late development of the tech and VC industry in Africa ("late mover advantage") has helped with building a more inclusive ecosystem.
Wed, July 13, 2022
A Conversation with Monica Varman | Partner @ G2 Venture Partners | McKinsey | Tesla | Zola Electric | Harvard Business School
In this episode, we talk to Monica about her role driving impact at G2 Venture Partners and dig into her interest in climate tech and sustainability through her roles at Zola Electric and Tesla. We also touch on the evolution of climate tech over the years and the exciting new opportunities and conclude with how to achieve parity for women in both Tech and VC. Side note: apologies for my flu voice.
Tue, July 05, 2022
A Conversation with Tess Hatch | Partner @ Bessemer Venture Partners | SpaceX | Boeing | Masters in Aeronautics and Astronautics Engineering @ Stanford
In this fun episode with Tess, we talk about her passion for space and how that translated into a career through Boeing, SpaceX and eventually into venture capital at Bessemer. We also touch on mentorship vs. sponsorship and fellowship programs as a means to learn and break in the VC space. Finally, we dive into the low representation stats for female investors and talk about the need to take actions at the funder and founder levels and how playing into your strengths can make a difference.
Thu, June 23, 2022
What Have We Been Up To?
A short message to our avid listeners - we are still here! Anvita graduated from HBS last month (woo!) and is moving to Seattle to start the next chapter of her life and I have been working on an Africa focused Agritech / Foodtech accelerator program in Mauritius, hence the break from the podcast. We are looking forward to resuming the podcast in the coming days. Stay tuned! - Rashveena
Mon, June 20, 2022
A Conversation with Rima Reddy | Principal, Commerce Ventures | DRF | StartU | M13 | Pear VC | XRC Labs | Ralph Lauren | GS | MBA @ Wharton
In this episode, we talk to Rima about her journey from being a "stock picker" in equity research at GS to business development at Marc Jacobs and Ralph Lauren and eventually venture capital, first with XRC labs, and now Commerce Ventures. Rima also touches on her experience working for StartU, "a Techcrunch for student startups" as she calls it, while doing her MBA. She emphasizes the importance of mentorship and community in solving gender disparity in VC and encourages aspiring female investors to tap into their strengths and form meaningful relationships to break in.
Thu, April 14, 2022
A Conversation with Deborah Quazzo | Managing Partner, GSV Ventures | Co-founder, ASU-GSV Summit | GSV Advisors | ThinkEquity Partners | Merrill Lynch | Harvard Business School
In this episode with Deborah Quazzo, we talk about her pathway to VC, including her time at Merrill Lynch and her experience with angel investing as well as her collaboration with Michael Moe in founding ThinkEquity Partners and GSV Ventures later on. We also touch on the current education technology space and the opportunities it holds for entrepreneurs passionate about solving problems. We conclude with a discussion about how GSV has been able to form such a diverse team, especially with women in leadership positions.
Thu, March 03, 2022
A Conversation with Kristin Mugford | Senior Lecturer, Harvard Business School | Managing Director, Bain Capital | Harvard Business School | Harvard College
In this episode, Kristin shares her decades of wisdom on finding the role and fund that you fit in and a bunch of tactical tips on finding the right place for you. We go deep into gender dynamics conversation in the finance industry. Listen in, to get great advice on choosing the optimum career path for yourself, asking the right questions, finding and nurturing the right mentor relations, and more!
Wed, February 23, 2022
A Conversation with Sue Xu | Managing Partner, Amino Capital | Angel Investor, Stanford Angels & Entrepreneurs | Stanford School of Medicine, pHD
In this episode, Sue Xu from Amino Capital shares her journey from research innovations to early stage technology investing and what excites her in the coming years. Sue also shares Amino's deep-rooted focus on data-driven decisions and how the fund's investment theses have evolved in the last few years. Lastly, she discusses how critical mentorship is, in this ecosystem, and how should one go about nurturing the same.
Fri, February 18, 2022
A Conversation with Zainab Raji | Vista Equity | CDC Group | McKinsey & Company | Deloitte | Harvard Business School | Harvard Kennedy School
In this episode, Zainab talks to Anvita about her time at McKinsey and her impact work focused on Africa as well as the the importance of internships before diving into a full-time role. She concludes the conversation with her experience in PE and what she has observed as a woman in the finance industry.
Fri, February 04, 2022
A Conversation with Tanya Rolfe | Co-Founder @ Sophia | Host @ The Money Makers Podcast | Her Capital | Ladies Investment Club
In this episode, we welcome Tanya Rolfe, founder of Sophia, a new learning platform in Asia providing much-needed financial education for women. We talk about her transition from law to finance, her passion for financial empowerment of women, which started with a personal moment with her own daughter at home. We also touch on womens' relationship with money, their role as founders and investors and the need for actions from both institutional investors and the venture community to change the current gender diversity dynamics in VC.
Fri, February 04, 2022
A Conversation with Caitlin Vorlicek | VP, Sageview Capital | SVP, Sifted | Summit Partners | Harris Williams & Co. | BA Econ, Colby College
In our conversation with Caitlin, we chat about what influenced her decision to start a career in finance and then move to an operating role with Sifted. We also discuss her move back into investing as a VP at Sageview Capital. Her insights on where do we see the next wave of value creation - are interesting!
Wed, January 26, 2022
A Conversation with Victoria Ivashina | Head of Finance Unit, Harvard Business School | Faculty Chair, Global Initiative MENA | NBER | Visiting Scholar, Reserve Bank of Boston | Ph.D. NYU Stern
In this episode, we have a conversation with one of the extra-ordinary academicians in the Finance industry. She has built her career in the investing world not as an active investor, but has spent decades studying how the various kinds of investors react (and should react) to market response - spanning multiple areas of financial intermediation including corporate credit markets, leveraged loan market, global banking operations, asset allocation by pension funds and insurance companies, and value creation by private equity. Ivashina shares about her upbringing and her take on over-leverage and risk-return appetite in these times. We also hear about her teaching style, what excites her most about her job and what she believes needs to be changed in the ecosystem today.
Tue, January 11, 2022
A Conversation with Pocket Sun | Co-Founder, Managing Partner @ SoGal Ventures | SoGal Foundation
In this episode, we talk to Pocket Sun, Co-Founder and Partner at SoGal, about: The founding of VC firm, SoGal at USC (which she considers her first startup) and the initial challenges of raising Fund I SoGal's huge community-driven momentum, the portfolio journey so far and the raise of Fund II How SoGal is closing the diversity gap (gender and racial) through its investment thesis and many targeted programs and, Advice for aspiring female founders and investors looking to break into the industry or raise funding and who inspires her Easter egg for our listeners with a quick "Just Do It" failure story from a highly successful investor
Wed, December 22, 2021
A Conversation with Sarah Biggs | Partner and COO, Asymmetric Capital Partners | IR, Long Wharf Capital | Bain Capital | Goldman Sachs | Princeton University
Listen to our episode with Sarah Unger Biggs, where she talks to us about: Her role as an operator in the investment industry Asymmetric Capital Partners’ founding team that traces back 15+ years and how it allows them to bring their entire selves to work Her progression from larger, more established firms to smaller and smaller companies! Where she envisions the fund to be in the next few years while appreciating the beauty that comes from simplicity and a clearly defined investment strategy
Tue, December 07, 2021
A Conversation with Tia Thomson | Vice President @ Visible Hands VC | Scout Studio | iFactory | U.S. Census Bureau | Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce
In this episode, Tia talks to us about her background in graphic design and now company building at Visible Hands. She also describes the company's agency model, venture-founder relationship through its fellowship program. She further touches on diversity and inclusion at and outside the workplace and the need for accountability and commitment for real change.
Wed, November 24, 2021
A Conversation with Eliza McGinn | Associate, .406 Ventures | AEA Investors | Bain & Co. | Goldman Sachs
In this episode, Eliza McGinn shares her experience navigating and building her transferable skills from "the" big industries: banking, consulting and private equity before pivoting to venture capital with .406 ventures. She elaborates on her experience with early stage tech investing, working with small teams and how her poly-sci background can help provide an important legislative / impact perspective to investment decisions. We conclude the conversation with some insights and hopes for female leadership in VC.
Fri, November 05, 2021
A Conversation with Sooah Cho | Principal, Underscore VC | PM, Devoted Health and CVS Health | Bain Capital | Quona Capital | FSG | HBS'17
See our episode with Sooah Cho from Underscore VC, where she talks to us about her interest in fintech and its ever-rising prominence, advice for women looking to break into the VC ecosystem, and the value of operating experience in setting yourself apart in the VC world.
Fri, October 22, 2021
A Conversation with Lainy Painter | Partner, Craft Ventures | Battery Ventures | Gainsight | Goldman Sachs
See our conversation with Lainy, Partner at Craft Ventures, as she talks to us about her journey from Goldman Sachs to Craft, what makes Craft Ventures different, trends and sectors she is excited about including remote working platforms, and her advice on how to break into the VC industry.
Fri, October 08, 2021
A Conversation with Maggie Vo and Olivia Gaudree | CIO and Partner @ Fuel Venture Capital | Blue Shores Capital | Thomson Reuters
In this episode, Maggie Vo and Olivia Gaudree from Fuel VC, talk about their individual journeys into investing and the importance of networks and mentors in succeeding. They also touch on what differentiates Fuel VC from other firms and the startup scene in Miami before finally sharing their experience with gender disparity in VC and the belief that positive change needs to be encouraged through a top down approach.
Thu, September 23, 2021
A Conversation with Adriana Saman | Principal, Clocktower Technology Ventures | Chase Digital Payments | JPMorgan | University of Pennsylvania
See our episode with Adriana Saman, where she talks to us about: - Her passion for LatAm and how FinTech can be mobilized to improve financial inclusion in this market - What contributed to her success at Clocktower Ventures and, - The importance of having a support group for women looking to get into VC
Wed, September 15, 2021
A Conversation with Elizabeth Edwards | Founder and Managing Partner @ H Venture Partners | MAYWIC Select Investments | West Capital | Neyer Holdings | Deloitte
In this episode, we talk to Elizabeth Edwards, founder and partner at seed-early growth stage, consumer focused, H Venture Partners, about her transition from consulting to venture capital and her company's focus on investments in tech-backed "human" products including major consumer categories: food, beverage, apparel, personal care, feminine care, among others. We also dig into post-covid trends in the consumer sector and what it takes to start a fund and enter venture capital.
Fri, September 10, 2021
A Conversation with Caitlin Strandberg | Partner, Lerer Hippeau | FirstMark Capital | Flybridge Capital | LearnVest | Behance | Harvard Business School
In our conversation with Caitlin she starts off with how she discovered her career path of investing. She also discuses recent exciting sectors the fund has been following and is excited about. Caitlin then touches on the culture of inclusivity towards women in VC and how to further improve it, what to consider when getting into venture and a fundamental overview of the job.
Fri, September 03, 2021
A Conversation with Min Zhou | Founder and CEO @ CM Venture Capital | SVB Capital | Unilever Technology Ventures | UCLA
See our episode with Min Zhou, where she talks to us about her career as a scientist before her recruitment into VC, deep tech investments and why investors should look at China for VC investments and finally, her advice for women wanting to break into the industry and why women in China have been relatively better at building a presence in business.
Wed, August 25, 2021
A Conversation with Marjorie Radlo-Zandi | Launchpad Venture Group | Branch Venture Group | Waters / VICAM
In this episode, we speak with angel investor and experienced executive, Marjorie Radlo-Zandi, about her transition from VICAM / Waters to angel investing and the innovation trends she's most excited about. She further touches on her experience and ongoing efforts with gender inclusivity and her belief, backed by data, that investing in women and people of color is largely beneficial to the industry.
Wed, August 11, 2021
A Conversation with Brittany Yoon | Principal @ NFX | Ethos Life | Uber | Synack | App Annie | MBA @ Harvard Business School
In this episode, Brittany Yoon, Principal at NFX talks to us about her career at startups and how she navigated growth most recently at Ethos and Uber. She touches on her transition from startups to investing and shares the themes and sectors she is most interested in post-pandemic. Brittany concludes with some important next steps to promote a culture of inclusivity in VC and the subsequent improvement in the business as a whole.
Mon, August 02, 2021
A Conversation with Amy Cheetham | Principal, Costanoa Ventures | Zuora | Summit Partners | JP Morgan
This episode features Amy Cheetham, principal at Costanoa Ventures. Amy talks to us about the work ethic she gained from working at one of the top investment banks straight out of college, her belief that quantity over quality approach works at VC firms, and her love of early stage investing. She advises women looking to break into the industry to feel comfortable asking for help and reaching out to people willing to sponsor their careers. She ends the session with her inspiring yet practical life mantra to “show up.”
Wed, July 21, 2021
A Conversation with Heather Hartnett | CEO and Founding Partner @ Human Ventures Co. | Trilantic NA | City Light Capital | The David Lynch Foundation
In our most recent episode, Heather Hartnett, CEO and Founding Partner at Human Ventures Co., joins us to discuss her unique learning experience at Maharishi International University and her path into impact investing. She touches on the venture studio model at Human Ventures that focuses on ongoing founder support and shares her own observations on gender dynamics in VC.
Thu, July 15, 2021
A Conversation with Annelies Gamble | Angel Investor | Partner, Scribble Ventures | Western Technology Investment | Dropbox
In this episode, Annelies talks to us about how her entrepreneurial spirit has been a part of her identity since her youth—initially inspired by her dad! We also chat about the vitality of hustling in helping you find your niche (at startups in particular) and the parallels between working in venture and competing in college athletics. We also hear her experience as the first female in WTI's Investment Team and why early stage investing stands out to her and provides the unique opportunity to get involved in the company’s development early on.
Mon, April 26, 2021
A Conversation with Camille Samuels | Partner @ Venrock Ventures | Versant Ventures | Tularik | Genzyme | Harvard Business School
In this episode, Camille shares with us how her upbringing influenced her professional choices as well as her work philosophy of doing good while doing well. She also talks about her work at Venrock, what guides its investment strategy, her particular passion for investing in orphan diseases and the importance of finding the right culture at funds.
Wed, April 14, 2021
A Conversation with Cristina Nunez | Co-Founder and Partner @ True Beauty Ventures | COO @ Clark's Botanicals | Laura Geller Beauty | Equinox | Tengram Capital | L. Catterton | UBS
In our most recent episode, Cristina Nunez talks to us about True Beauty Ventures, a beauty and wellness VC firm which she co-founded in 2020 and touches on the firm's vision and investment thesis and her passion for the space. Cristina talks about how her experience and insights as both an operator and investor has contributed to her role in VC. She articulates the importance of women having other female mentors in the industry and closes with some thoughts on the state of women in VC and what remains to be done.
Tue, March 23, 2021
A Conversation with Jennifer Fonstad | Co-founder and Partner @ Owl Capital and Aspect Ventures | Broadway Angels | Draper Fisher Jurvetson | Bain & Co. | MBA @ Harvard Business School
In this episode we talk to Jennifer Fonstad about her experience as a venture capitalist for over two decades. Jennifer touches on her journey growing DFJ from a $150 million fund to $3.5 billion AUM and her experience working closely with entrepreneurs as an angel investor. Lastly, she dives into her experience with gender dynamics in the VC industry and actions she has taken to bridge the gap, including founding a network of female angel investors, Broadway Angels and her commitment to funding female entrepreneurs at Aspect Ventures.
Wed, March 10, 2021
A Conversation with Siya Raj Purohit | GP, Pathway Ventures | Springboard | Udacity
In this episode, Siya joins us to talk about her engineering background and the unique perspective it has lent to her career in VC. She expounds her article on choosing a college major along with a book she published. She also sheds light on her interest in taking education online and democratizing it. Siya closes with insights on the role of gender in both engineering and VC workplaces.
Sun, March 07, 2021
A Conversation with the Stanford GSB Impact Fund Team | Neha Dalal | Lucy Svoboda | Gina Theresa Puccinelli
In this fun episode with Neha, Gina, and Lucy from Stanford’s GSB Impact Team, we discuss the vastly different areas of interests that launched these women into the common space of impact investing—from increasing access to opportunities, to the environment and improving education. The team touches on the fund's triple bottom line (educating students about impact investing, creating a social and environmental impact, and generating financial returns) and provide insights into the investing process. Lastly, they share some imperative advice to women looking to break into impact investing, emphasizing being a self-starter.
Fri, February 26, 2021
A Conversation with Chloe Breider | Renegade Partners | Pear VC | Glossier | IVP | Goldman Sachs | MBA ‘21 @ Harvard Business School
In this episode, Chloe talks to us about her career—from investment banking at Goldman Sachs to venture capital at Renegade Partners, and key incentives in making the jump between industries. She describes her interest in TMT and dives into the differences between early and late stage investing. She also gives shares about her experience as an angel investor and the diversity-driven motives that led her to pursue this career. Chloe ends on a positive note, recounting her experience with All Raise and her hopes on what it will accomplish in the future.
Mon, February 22, 2021
A Conversation with Mar Hershenson | Co-Founder and Partner @ Pear VC | Revel Touch | Foundation Capital | Magma Design Automation | PhD, Electrical Engineering @ Stanford University
In this episode, we talk to Mar about her journey from co-founding three startups in the mobile/e-commerce, enterprise software and semiconductor industries to co-founding and managing Pear VC. Mar talks to us about Pear's "0 to 1" thesis focused on attractive yet realistic hypotheses and founding teams with demonstrated capacity to execute. Lastly, Mar talks to us about her frustration that venture funding in the hands of women is still sub 5% but hopes for the growth rate to accelerate in the coming years. Her advice to women trying to break in: work on your persona as an investor and be confident.
Tue, February 16, 2021
A Conversation with Anne Dwane | Co-Founder and Partner @ Village Global | GSV Acceleration Fund | Chegg | Zinch | Monster | Military.com | MBA @ Harvard Business School
This week we had the pleasure of talking to Anne Dwane, founding partner at Village Global. In this episode, Anne talks to us about her experience founding and managing Military.com during tough times. She touches upon her interest in education, and the founder-driven investment thesis at Village Global. Lastly, she addresses the tricky questions that female founders have been facing while fundraising, how to build a better environment for women to grow as founders and investors and ends with some tactical advice on how to add value and join the venture industry.
Sun, February 14, 2021
A Conversation with Natalia Gonzalez about Venture Capital in Latin America | Investment Manager @ Clout Capital | Ernst & Young | Boston College
Natalia Gonzalez, Investment Manager at Clout Capital, joins us to talk about her path from consulting to Venture Capital and the focus on Latin American markets that has been central to her career. Natalia provides compelling statistics for investing in LatAm and expresses her own excitement that such an influx can serve as a catalyst for socio-economic change in the region. She identifies important components in sourcing and evaluating LatAm companies and emphasizes the education to be had by the side of the Latin American entrepreneur. Lastly, Natalia tells us about the state of gender inclusivity in VC in LatAm and proposes steps to improve it.
Sun, February 07, 2021
A conversation with Arushi Jindal | Mirae Asset Venture Investments | Co-Founder, Headway Circuit | Elevation Capital | Citibank Investment Banking | FICCI FLO and Project Mahatma
This week, we talked to Arushi Jindal. She talked to us about her transition from banking to VC, emphasizing the ability to see how businesses evolve in VC as a deciding factor. She tells us about why she started Headway Circuit and what she hopes it will accomplish, with the overarching objective of providing mentorship for women in the industry. Arushi also imparts advice for breaking into VC along with concrete steps for improving the role of women in the industry.
Tue, February 02, 2021
A Conversation with Sam Smith-Eppsteiner | Partner @ Innovation Endeavors | Bain | Product | Stanford GSB & University
In this episode, Sam talks about her path from political science to management consulting, to venture capital. She underlines impact and complexity as key components she looks for in a job and it was through this pursuit that she ended up at Innovation Endeavors. Sam reveals the unique ways she keeps up with machine learning technology and concludes with some advice on how to increase diversity and inclusion in vc—namely through vocalizing a desire for change.
Tue, January 12, 2021
A Conversation with Joanna Ilene Lichter | Founder Collective | Rough Draft Ventures | Pear VC | Via | Earshot | RBI | MBA ‘21 @ MIT Sloan
In this episode, we talk to Joanna about the various opportunities she pursued that led her to business school. Joanna has an impressive amount of experience under her belt, starting off in marketing at RBI where she negotiated with franchises in South America to make the region more data driven and afterwards joining the smaller company Earshot where she was director of marketing. She became interested in VC because of the ability to work with dozens of entrepreneurs across industries and made the leap with a pre-MBA internship at S2G ventures. She lastly tells us about her interest in the Femtech industry and elaborates on what should be done to promote diversity in VC and how to best approach recruiting.
Fri, January 01, 2021
A conversation with Anna Khan | GP, CRV Ventures | Founder, Launch X Ventures | Bessemer Venture Partners | HBS'16 | Stanford University
In this episode, Anna talks to us about her 10 year journey in Venture Capital, starting at Bessemer Ventures, where she found the unique opportunity of a venture firm willing to take a chance on a young woman, to CRV ventures where she currently works. She also gives details about her own firm LaunchX Ventures, a firm oriented towards teaching women how to fundraise, democratizing the tips and tricks previously disclosed only in certain exclusive circles. She closes with some advice for aspiring venture capitalists, emphasizing sourcing good deals over all else.
Tue, December 29, 2020
A conversation with Iynna Halilou | Entrepreneurs Roundtable Accelerator (ERA), NY | PM, Yunus&Youth | Fellow, SheLeadsAfrica.org | NYU
In this episode, Iynna talks to us about her unconventional path to VC and the underlying passions that drove her there. Iynna worked at the UN early on in her career and switched tracks to pursue impact work that was more directed. Having grown up in a family that emphasized the importance of education, she became aware of the contrast between her path and those of many others she grew up with, and has made providing resources to African women for education and professional growth a cornerstone of her accomplishments. Lastly, she brings up points on restructuring a broken VC model to not only become more diverse but also more inclusive.
Tue, December 08, 2020
A Conversation with Tony Mayo | Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School (Organizational Behavior) | Author – Race, Work and Leadership / Management, An Integrated Approach / In Their Time / Paths to Power / Entrepreneurs, Managers and Leaders
In this episode, Tony talks about the role that race, gender, social class and other divides play in access to opportunities in the U.S. He highlights the key takeaways from his latest work, "Race, Work and Leadership", notably how women and people of color are more likely to get visible job assignments but less likely to get global assignments, significant line management experience and critical developmental feedback, all key to success within organizations. When talking about gender and racial disparity within venture capital, Tony talks about homophily and unconscious bias as possible reasons to why the industry has been slow to address diversity but he remains optimistic about the recognition that this issue has gotten over the last couple of years and actions being put in place to address it. Tony Mayo is the Thomas S. Murphy Senior Lecturer of Business Administration in the Organizational Behavior Unit of Harvard Business School (HBS). He currently teaches Leadership and Organizational Behavior and Authentic Leader Development in the MBA Program. He recently co-created the HBS Online course, Leadership Principles, designed to help new and aspiring leaders unleash the potential in themselves and others. Tony is the author of many books on Leadership and Management, the latest being Race, Work and Leadership, a rare and important compilation of essays that examines how race matters in people’s experience of work and leadership.
Fri, December 04, 2020
A Conversation with Ashley Aydin | Brand Foundry Ventures | Founders Factory New York | VamosVentures | DRF | Estee Lauder | Saks Fifth Avenue | MS | MBA ‘21 @ MIT Sloan
In this episode, Ashley Aydin talks to us about her interest in the consumer space and passion for impact investing. She also highlights the importance of engaging with younger women and providing them with the resources to learn more and get involved early as a means to tackle gender disparity in the industry. Her advice for breaking into VC: build relationships with founders early, be proactive and hustle. Ashley is a second year MBA student at MIT Sloan. She started her career in Equity Capital Markets at Morgan Stanley before moving to strategy and business development in the consumer/retail space. Since starting her MBA at Sloan, Ashley has taken on a number of venture roles at the Dorm Room Fund, Founders Factory, VamosVentures and Brand Foundry Ventures.
Wed, December 02, 2020
A Conversation with Maria Salamanca | Principal @ Unshackled Ventures | Founding Board Member @ LatinxVC | Forbes 30 under 30 | FWD.us | COO @ Swing Left
In this episode we talk to Maria Salamanca about her journey into politics and investing, her views on diversity at the funding and portfolio level, innovation trends that excite her the most and the women who inspire her. Maria is a Principal at Unshackled Ventures, a fund that fills a unique space in the entrepreneurial ecosystem, funding teams with immigrant founders at pre-seed stage. During her time there, she has been involved in 40+ investments and seen ~1,500 deals a year. She was the first Latina named Forbes 30 Under 30 for Venture Capital and Business Insider’s Under 30 Rising Stars. Maria started her career at FWD.us a bipartisan political organization focused on immigration and criminal justice reform. The group was founded by Mark Zuckerberg, Bill Gates, Ron Conway, Reid Hoffman and other tech leaders. She was also the founding COO at Swing Left and supported Higher Ground Labs with the first-ever political technology landscape.
Tue, November 17, 2020
A Conversation with Geeta Vemuri | Founder & Partner @ Agent Capital | Baxalta Ventures | Baxter Ventures | MBA @ Wharton | Ph.D @ Indian Institute of Science
In this episode, Geeta Vemuri talks to us about her journey into healthcare focused venture capital and applying science to business. She also addresses how the current environment has prompted her team to look into opportunities that are opening up in the form supply chain disruptions and her philosophy that there is no right time to start a company. Geeta is a founder and managing partner at Agent Capital, one of only 4 majority women owned U.S. based Bio Pharma Venture Capital funds, investing in companies that look to treat oncology, immunology, rare diseases, and neurology. Geeta came to the U.S. in 1992 following an invitation to do her post-doc from a national academy of science scientist, but upon arriving, she realized her passion for taking science from the lab and translating it into businesses. She previously held the role of Vice President at Baxalta Ventures along with Vice President of Baxter Ventures. Geeta earned her Ph.D in biochemistry from the Indian Institute of Science and her MBA from Wharton.
Fri, November 13, 2020
A Conversation with Julia Klein | VP at March Capital Partners| Pear VC | InSITE | CareerPeer LLC | Greenspring Associates | Deloitte | MBA ‘20 @ Harvard Business School
In this episode, we hear from Julia about her transition into venture capital, and early stage VC fellowship experience. Julia is a vice president at March Capital Partners, a Santa Monica-based technology investment firm. Julia graduated from Harvard Business School in 2020. While at HBS she worked as a venture fellow for Pear VC, an early stage venture fund with a large focus on student entrepreneurs and was the president of InSITE’s Boston Chapter. Julia started her career in consulting. Prior to HBS, she worked as an associate at Greenspring Associates. She was also the co-founder and CEO of CareerPeer LLC, a web-based career path selection and management tool.
Mon, November 09, 2020
A Conversation with Mary D'Onofrio | Bessemer Venture Partners| Morgan Stanley | MBA @ Yale | Architect of ^EMCLOUD | Author, 10 Laws of Cloud & State of the Cloud 2020
In this episode, we talk to Mary D'Onofrio about cloud software and her experience at Bessemer Ventures including her involvement in the creation of the BVP Nasdaq Emerging Cloud Index and Bessemer’s Cash Conversion Score. She addresses the importance of building meaningful relationships and betting on yourself in venture capital especially as a woman. Mary is a VP at Bessemer Venture Partners, in Silicon Valley. She started the firm’s growth investment practice where she primarily focuses on cloud software. Mary actively tracks both private and public cloud software and is one of the key architects behind the BVP Nasdaq Emerging Cloud Index (^EMCLOUD), which serves as a benchmark for public cloud companies. She also developed Bessemer’s Cash Conversion Score and is an author of the 10 Laws of Cloud. Previously, Mary has worked in Equity Capital Markets at Morgan Stanley. She holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and graduated from Princeton University.
Mon, November 02, 2020
A Conversation with Grace Dhanraj | RapidSOS | Inspira Futures | InGenius Prep | Overton Venture Capital | Investible | JPMorgan | MBA ’21 @ Harvard Business School
In this episode, we talk to Grace about her experience recruiting for venture capital, her passion for coaching and mentoring and her insights on the industry wide efforts in progress / required to bridge the gender gap in investing. Grace is a second year MBA student at Harvard Business School. She started her career in asset management at JPMorgan and has experience as an investment associate at Investible, an early-stage investment group based in Sydney and Overton Venture Capital, a consumer sector focused early-stage venture fund based in New York. Grace is currently interning at RapidSOS, an emergency response data platform while working as a graduate coach / admissions consultant at InGenius Prep and Inspira Futures.
Mon, October 26, 2020
A Conversation with Cassie Young | Operating Partner at Primary Venture Partners | Venture for America | CM Group | Sailthru | MBA ’11 @ Dartmouth-Tuck
In this episode, we hear from Cassie about the role of an Operating Partner at VCs. These roles are relatively new, and are valued by portfolio companies for getting VC support over and above just the capital. Cassie is an Operating Partner at Primary Ventures and works closely with founders and portfolio companies to help them build, scale and optimize their sales, marketing, and customer operations. Prior to Primary, Cassie joined CM Group as their Chief Customer Officer when they acquired Sailthru. Pre-acquisition, she served as Sailthru’s Chief Commercial Officer. Cassie has years of experience in marketing and analytics. She holds an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth. She is also on the advisory board for Venture for America.
Fri, October 23, 2020
A Conversation with Shruti Gandhi | Founder, Array Ventures | Investor, True Ventures & Samsung's Venture Fund | Founder, Penseev | MBA @ Chicago Booth | MS @ Columbia University
In this episode, we talk to investor-founder Shruti Gandhi about her journey from being an engineer to founding her own company, Penseev and eventually, deep tech fosued fund, Array Ventures. Shruti also addresses the importance of having decision makers without bias in the industry and focusing on the give and take in networking. Shruti is the founder of Array Ventures, a fund focused on enterprise deep tech early stage companies. She is also a professor in the CS department at Columbia University. Shruti started her career as a software engineer at IBM and spent her early career as a developer on mainframe security, collaboration tools, and data analytics building a big data startup Penseev. She has been an investor at True Ventures and Samsung's venture fund, investing in early stage enterprise startups. Shruti has an MBA from University of Chicago and MS from Columbia University.
Wed, October 14, 2020
A Conversation with Priscila Tyler | True Ventures | Ginger.io | All Raise | Access Project
Hear Priscilla's story of pure hustle and passion, breaking into the VC industry and continuing to follow her heart to create impact. Priscilla is currently a Senior Associate at True Ventures, SF. She was the first Priya Haji Fellow with the fund, where she worked with a True portfolio company Ginger.io, a wellness platform for on-demand coaching and therapy. Priscilla is actively involved as a member of the data science team with All Raise - an organization that seeks to create gender parity across venture capital and venture-backed businesses. In her personal capacity, she is a mentor with the Access Project - which is a group of investment professionals helping founders build companies. Priscilla has a bachelor’s degree in economics and French from Amherst College, where she was a member of the varsity women’s lacrosse team.
Thu, October 08, 2020
A Conversation with Kriti Bansal – Owl Ventures | Softbank Vision Fund | Sequoia Capital | McKinsey and Co. | MBA '20 @ Harvard Business School
In this episode we talk to Kriti about her experience in venture capital across three continents, trends in Edtech as seen at Owl amid the pandemic and her take on diversity in the industry. Kriti is currently a Principal at Owl Ventures, an early-mid stage fund focusing on Edtech and future of work. She has also worked with the Softbank Vision Fund in London doing growth equity investing and was earlier doing early stage to series C stage investing in technology, consumer and healthcare spaces at Sequoia Capital, India. Kriti is a former consultant from Mckinsey and a graduate of Harvard Business School.
Sat, October 03, 2020
A Conversation with Angela Winegar – Managing Partner @ Dorm Room Fund | Summit Partners | Productiv | Norwest Venture Partners | Freshly Picked | Bain & Co. | MBA/MPP ’21 @ Harvard
In this episode, Angela shares her experiences with the Dorm Room Fund, Summit Partners and Norwest Ventures and gives some actionable, helpful words of advice for aspiring women investors. Angela is a managing partner at the Boston chapter of Dorm Room Fund, a national, student-run venture fund, backed by First Round. She spent this past summer working as an investor at Summit Partners and in operations at Productiv. She’s currently pursuing an MBA / MPP at Harvard. Prior to Harvard, Angela had years of experience in marketing at Freshly Picked and consulting at Bain & Co.
Mon, September 28, 2020
A Conversation with Madeline Keulen – VP @ Victress Capital | HBS Association of Boston | Oliver Wyman | Apple I The Walt Disney Company | MBA ’19 @ Harvard Business School
In this episode, Madeline talks to us about her community and impact driven initiatives at HBS and in Boston in the investing space. She speaks about the need for diversity to be at top of mind rather than an afterthought given its positive impact on business instead of / in addition to a moral imperative and the disproportionate impact of COVID on women. Madeline is an investor at Victress Capital, a Boston-based venture capital firm that invests in early-stage consumer companies led by gender-diverse teams. She’s also on the board of the HBS Association of Boston, a nonprofit organization serving more than 8,000 HBS alumni and business leaders within Greater Boston and focused on Leadership, Entrepreneurship, and Social Enterprise. Madeline earned her MBA from HBS in 2019. Prior to HBS, she worked as a senior consultant at Oliver Wyman and in operations at The Walt Disney Company.
Wed, September 23, 2020
A Conversation with Dhanasree Molugu – Menlo Ventures | Altos Capital | Foundation Capital | Xiaomi Investments | Blume Ventures | Deutsche Bank | IIT Bombay | MBA '21 @ Chicago Booth
In this episode, we hear from Dhanasree about her diverse experience in investing across different markets and her advice for folks, especially women, looking to break into this ecosystem. Dhanasree is a second year student at Chicago Booth School of Business and has deep experiences in the investing world - in India, China and now USA. She is currently working with the investment team at Menlo Ventures, researching and sourcing potential investment opportunities in FinTech, Enterprise SaaS and Consumer internet industries. She has interned with Altos Capital and Foundation Capital, SF earlier developing thesis on 'Future of Work' & 'Age Tech'. Dhanasree is a Yenching Scholar at Peking University and has also worked with the Xiaomi investments team in China. She started her investing journey with Blume Ventures in India, which she joined after 2 years with Deutsche Bank. She is an IIT Bombay graduate.
Wed, September 16, 2020
A Conversation with Hannelle Fares | DCVC Venture Investor | GE Healthcare | BCG | MBA '21 @ Harvard Business School
In this episode, we talk to Hannelle Fares about her transition from healthcare to venture capital, her experience recruiting at HBS and her experience with diversity in the industry as a young female investor. Hannelle is a second year MBA student at HBS. She has mostly recently worked at DCVC (Data Collective), a 23 person San Francisco-based venture capital firm that backs Deep Tech entrepreneurs. Prior to HBS, Hannelle spent two years working in health care as an AI product and program manager before transitioning to consulting, where she continued to focus predominantly on health care and life sciences.
Fri, September 11, 2020
A Conversation with Jeff Bussgang | General Partner - Flybridge | Former entrepreneur turned VC | HBS Senior Lecturer | Author of two | Dad of three | Husband of one | Civic leader | Cross Fitter and fan of all Boston sports
In this episode, Jeff talks about trends in venture capital, from sector growth, to gender and race based biases. He also shares his key learnings having spent over a decade in the venture ecosystem with his diversity of experiences. Jeff is a General Partner at Flybridge, with investment interests in AI, blockchain, consumer, e-commerce, machine learning, and mobile start-ups. He also teaches a class at HBS on entrepreneurship and lean start-ups called Launching Technology Ventures. Jeff also runs The Graduate Syndicate, a micro-seed fund that Flybridge created to invest in startups co-founded by recent Harvard graduates. Jeff has previous experience as co-founder and president / COO of Upromise, a loyalty marketing and financial services firm that was acquired by Sallie Mae and as VP of Worldwide Marketing and Business Development at Open Market, an Internet commerce software leader that went public in 1996. Prior to Open Market, Jeff was with BCG. Jeff has also authored 2 books Entering StartUpLand: An Essential Guide to Finding the Right Job and Mastering the VC Game, to provide entrepreneurs an insider’s guide to financing and company-building. Additionally, Jeff is an active community member, serving as co-chairman of the leadership council at educational non-profit, Facing History and Ourselves, co-founder of a private-public partnership designed to tackle the underrepresentation of highly-skilled minority employees in Boston’s innovation ecosystem, Hack. Diversity, co-founder and co-chair of an immigration reform non-profit, the Global EIR Coalition, and co-founder and former chair of the progressive policy organization, The Alliance for Business Leadership. Jeff also serves on the boards of the New England Venture Capital Association (NEVCA) and Edx. Jeff holds a BA in Computer Science from Harvard University where he graduated magna cum laude and an MBA from Harvard Business School where he was a Baker Scholar and a Ford Scholar.
Fri, September 04, 2020
A Conversation with Tess Manning – Principal @ GSV Ventures | Pluralsight | Andela | Board Member @ Girl Develop It | MBA ‘19 @ Stanford GSB
In this episode, Tess gives us a deep dive into Edtech, a sector that has gained renewed momentum this year as ~1.5 billion students and teachers move online. She talks to us about her journey working for Edtech companies, Andela and Pluralsight and eventually moving to Edtech focused fund, GSV Ventures and the need to break the cycle of limited funding to minority groups. She also gives us an overview of the ASU+GSV summit 2020, one of the largest conferences in the space. Tess Manning is a Principal at GSV Ventures, an early stage venture fund that partners with entrepreneurs in the $2 trillion global learning and talent technology sector. She’s heavily involved with the annual ASU+ GSV Summit that connects leaders focused on transforming society and business around learning and work. Tess joined GSV after graduating from the Stanford Graduate School of Business in 2019. Prior to GSV, Tess worked at Pluralsight, a technology skills platform and Andela, a New York based business solving the technical talent shortage by building distributed engineering teams in Africa.
Tue, September 01, 2020
A Conversation with Anoushka Vaswani – Partner @ Lightspeed Venture Partners | Softbank Investment Advisers | MasterClass | Matrix Partners | McKinsey & Co. | Goldman Sachs | MBA ‘19 @ Harvard Business School
In today's episode we chat with our first female partner on the show, Anoushka Vaswani, Partner at Lightspeed Venture Partners in the Bay Area. Anoushka talks to us about enterprise software, diversity at the decision table, the importance of self-advocacy in career progression and fundraising amid COVID. At Lightspeed, Anoushka focuses on growth-stage companies within the enterprise software and infrastructure ecosystems. She has years of investing experience, having previously worked on the investment teams of Softbank Investment Advisers and Matrix Partners. She also has startup experience as a product manager at MasterClass. Anoushka started her career in banking at Goldman Sachs before moving to consulting at McKinsey. She double majored in Economics and Psychology at Columbia and went to Harvard for her MBA.
Fri, August 28, 2020
A Conversation with Kam Phillips-Sadler – Indicator Ventures | The Fund | Black New Venture Competition & Tech Master Series | Founder & Chief Executive Dreamer @ Dream Outside the Box & Dream Delivered | MBA ‘21 @ Harvard Business School
In this episode, Kam shares her journey of transitioning from social enterprise to investing and her tips on recruitment process. We also discuss how critical mentorship is, especially in the space of venture capital. Kam is an Associate at Indicator Ventures, a US-based seed-stage venture firm that backs and supports companies leveraging ‘digital efficiencies’ and at The Fund, NYC’s most active seed stage fund backing local entrepreneurs. She’s also involved with the Black New Venture Competition, a startup bootcamp and largest pitch competition for Black entrepreneurs in the nation. Before joining the investment space, Kam founded Dream Outside the Box, an app-driven social franchise model connecting college workforce with PK-5th grade students for career focused experiences, an organization that was recognized by President Barack Obama. Kam was a first generation college student at University of Missouri and is currently a second year MBA student at Harvard Business School
Tue, August 25, 2020
A Conversation with Bukie Adebo – Rebel One VC | Co-Founder, Liza | Ogilvy Consulting | Deloitte | MBA ‘21 @ Harvard Business School
In this episode with Bukie Adebo, a second year student at HBS, we talk about Bukie's transition into venture capital without any prior experience. She also shares her thoughts on implicit biases in the ecosystem and how it is important to start by accepting those and working towards them consciously. You gravitate towards people who look like you, so there is extra effort needed to recognize diversity in funding – recognize the bias, then do something to overcome it” Bukie is currently working with Rebel One Ventures. Before HBS, she was a brand strategist and social impact consultant at Ogilvy Consulting. Prior to that, Bukie was a Consultant in Deloitte's Strategy & Operations practice and her work focused on growth strategy within retail and consumer products.
Wed, August 19, 2020
A Conversation with Kriti Gupta – PayPal Ventures | Chiratae Ventures | Deutsche Bank | MBA '21 @ Harvard Business School
Kriti talks to us about networking and recruiting across geographies in a very people-centric industry and her experience working in early stage and growth stage funds. She addresses culture at VC firms and how both men and women are keen to help improve gender representation at the decision table. Kriti is a second year MBA student at HBS. She is currently working with corporate venture firm, PayPal Ventures, where she focuses on later stage investments. Before starting her MBA at HBS, Kriti has had trading experience at Deutsche Bank as well as venture investing experience at an early to mid-stage fund in India- Chiratae Ventures. She has also been an entrepreneur in the past in the Agri-tech space and is an alum of IIT Bombay.
Tue, August 18, 2020
A Conversation with Aia Sarycheva – Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund | Goldman Sachs | MBA '22 @ Harvard Business School
Aia is a first year student at HBS. She is currently a Senior Associate at the Revolution’s Rise of the Rest Seed Fund, where she focuses on making early-stage technology investments in companies across the United States. In her role, she focuses on investment sourcing, due diligence, and working with portfolio companies. Prior to joining Revolution, Aia was an Analyst in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs in New York City. She graduated from Yale University with a B.A. in Ethics, Politics, and Economics.
Fri, August 14, 2020
A Conversation with Kim Patel (Part 2) – Founder @ Envision Accelerator | Lerer Hippeau | Forbes 30 Under 30 (Media) | MBA '21 @ Harvard Business School
We continue our conversation with Kim as she candidly addresses diversity (women and people of color) in the industry, the female network and her work at and inspiration from Bravehouse, a non-profit focused on providing legal and community benefits to young immigrant women. Kim is a second year MBA student at Harvard Business School where she’s also a Rock Venture Partner. She made the Forbes 30 under 30 for media in 2019 while working at Vice Media as a Director of Global Strategy. Kim has venture experience from Lerer Hippeau, AlleyCorp and Harlem Capital. She is the founder of Envision Accelerator, the first student led virtual accelerator for underrepresented student founders which just initiated its first cohort of 17 companies this summer. Kim is very passionate about empowering women and people of color and serves on the Board of Women in Innovation (WIN) and Brave House.
Tue, August 11, 2020
A Conversation with Kim Patel (Part 1) – Founder @ Envision Accelerator | Lerer Hippeau | Forbes 30 Under 30 (Media) | MBA '21 @ Harvard Business School
In this 1st part of a two-part series, Kim Patel talks to us about her experience in banking, how she navigated a number of restructurings within media and formed the corporate strategy team at Vice, her transition to venture capital and founding Envision Accelerator. Kim is a second year MBA student at Harvard Business School where she’s also a Rock Venture Partner. She made the Forbes 30 under 30 for media in 2019 while working at Vice Media as a Director of Global Strategy. Kim has venture experience from Lerer Hippeau, AlleyCorp and Harlem Capital. She is the founder of Envision Accelerator, the first student led virtual accelerator for underrepresented student founders which just initiated its first cohort of 17 companies this summer. Kim is very passionate about empowering women and people of color and serves on the Board of Women in Innovation (WIN) and Brave House, a non-profit focused on providing legal and community benefits to young immigrant women.
Wed, August 05, 2020
A Conversation with Shani Carter - January Ventures | CEO and Founder of RESET Third Space | MBA '21 @ Harvard Business School
Shani is a second year MBA student at Harvard Business School. She started her career in investment management before moving to consulting. She’s currently working as a fellow at January Ventures, an early stage VC founded by operators turned investors who believe in an equal opportunity tech ecosystem. Earlier this year, she founded RESET Third Space, a health, wellness and fitness platform that seeks to scour 200k+ wellness apps for clients and provide personalized plans and access that align with their goals and interests. In this episode, Shani talks to Rashveena and Anvita to share her inspirations, journey into investing and entrepreneurship and her take on culture, resources available for women in VC.
Sat, August 01, 2020
A Conversation with Abhivyakti Dixit - Openhouse | Lightspeed Partners India | BCG | MBA '22 @ Harvard Business School
Abhivyakti (Abhi) is an incoming MBA student at Harvard Business School. After graduating as an engineer from IIT Kharagpur, Abhi spent her initial time as a management consultant with BCG and then moved to a global, early to growth stage fund's India team : Lightspeed Partners, as an associate. In order to experience the other side of the table, she is currently working at an early stage Ed-tech startup in India.
Wed, July 29, 2020
Introducing Women in Venture Capital
The co-hosts, Rashveena and Anvita, talk about the idea behind and goals for this podcast, originated at the Harvard Business School and dedicated to women learning about and/or working in the venture capital industry.
loading...