Ready to discover how venture capital can drive real impact for emerging markets—and what true leadership looks like in the investment world? In this episode of Female VC Lab, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Eva Yazhari, Managing Partner at Beyond Capital Ventures, for an unfiltered conversation on building a mission-driven VC fund, why conscious leadership matters, and how investing in Africa and India’s rising middle classes creates incredible opportunities for transformation. Tune in to hear Eva share how she moved from finance into venture capital, her relational approach to due diligence, why formalizing informal markets like smallholder farming is a game-changing thesis, and how she’s fostering community and alignment by giving GP carry to all team members—and even founders. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a founder in emerging markets, or simply passionate about sustainable growth, you’ll walk away inspired and equipped with fresh insights into where VC is headed next.
Guest Information
Guest Name: Eva Yazhari
Bio: Eva Yazhari is the Managing Partner of Beyond Capital Ventures, a purpose-driven venture capital firm investing in seed to Series A rounds across Africa and India. With roots in institutional finance, Eva brings a wealth of experience in fund management, deep due diligence, and impact investing, focusing on technologies and services that uplift the “need to haves” through conscious leadership and stakeholder alignment.
Links:
Episode Outline
How Eva Yazhari Entered VC & Built Beyond Capital Ventures
Hear Eva’s unconventional journey from math major to fund-of-funds to founding her own emerging markets VC, and the unique skill set she carried into her new role. Resource: Beyond Capital Ventures Team
Formalizing Informal Markets in Emerging Economies
Explore “formalizing the informal,” and learn how Beyond Capital Ventures invests in businesses that empower smallholder farmers and aggregate resources for scalable, sustainable impact, featuring a spotlight on agritech company Cinch.
Resource: Portfolio Companies
Conscious Leadership & Redefining VC Alignment
Gain insight into Eva’s approach to authentic, stakeholder-centered leadership, including her innovative decision to share GP carry with both her team and portfolio founders—creating alignment and community while driving results.
Resource: The Good Your Money Can Do
Related Episodes & Additional Resources
Book Recommendation: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle – Eva’s pick for building strong, collaborative cultures
Host & Show Info
Host Name: Barbara Bickham
About the Host: Barbara Bickham is the founder and Managing Partner of Trailyn Ventures, technology execut
Ready to discover how venture capital can drive real impact for emerging markets—and what true leadership looks like in the investment world? In this episode of Female VC Lab, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Eva Yazhari, Managing Partner at Beyond Capital Ventures, for an unfiltered conversation on building a mission-driven VC fund, why conscious leadership matters, and how investing in Africa and India’s rising middle classes creates incredible opportunities for transformation. Tune in to hear Eva share how she moved from finance into venture capital, her relational approach to due diligence, why formalizing informal markets like smallholder farming is a game-changing thesis, and how she’s fostering community and alignment by giving GP carry to all team members—and even founders. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a founder in emerging markets, or simply passionate about sustainable growth, you’ll walk away inspired and equipped with fresh insights into where VC is headed next.
Guest Information
Guest Name: Eva Yazhari
Bio: Eva Yazhari is the Managing Partner of Beyond Capital Ventures, a purpose-driven venture capital firm investing in seed to Series A rounds across Africa and India. With roots in institutional finance, Eva brings a wealth of experience in fund management, deep due diligence, and impact investing, focusing on technologies and services that uplift the “need to haves” through conscious leadership and stakeholder alignment.
Links:
Episode Outline
How Eva Yazhari Entered VC & Built Beyond Capital Ventures
Hear Eva’s unconventional journey from math major to fund-of-funds to founding her own emerging markets VC, and the unique skill set she carried into her new role. Resource: Beyond Capital Ventures Team
Formalizing Informal Markets in Emerging Economies
Explore “formalizing the informal,” and learn how Beyond Capital Ventures invests in businesses that empower smallholder farmers and aggregate resources for scalable, sustainable impact, featuring a spotlight on agritech company Cinch.
Resource: Portfolio Companies
Conscious Leadership & Redefining VC Alignment
Gain insight into Eva’s approach to authentic, stakeholder-centered leadership, including her innovative decision to share GP carry with both her team and portfolio founders—creating alignment and community while driving results.
Resource: The Good Your Money Can Do
Related Episodes & Additional Resources
Book Recommendation: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle – Eva’s pick for building strong, collaborative cultures
Host & Show Info
Host Name: Barbara Bickham
About the Host: Barbara Bickham is the founder and Managing Partner of Trailyn Ventures, technology execut
Ready to discover how venture capital can drive real impact for emerging markets—and what true leadership looks like in the investment world? In this episode of Female VC Lab, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Eva Yazhari, Managing Partner at Beyond Capital Ventures, for an unfiltered conversation on building a mission-driven VC fund, why conscious leadership matters, and how investing in Africa and India’s rising middle classes creates incredible opportunities for transformation. Tune in to hear Eva share how she moved from finance into venture capital, her relational approach to due diligence, why formalizing informal markets like smallholder farming is a game-changing thesis, and how she’s fostering community and alignment by giving GP carry to all team members—and even founders. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a founder in emerging markets, or simply passionate about sustainable growth, you’ll walk away inspired and equipped with fresh insights into where VC is headed next.
Guest Information
Guest Name: Eva Yazhari
Bio: Eva Yazhari is the Managing Partner of Beyond Capital Ventures, a purpose-driven venture capital firm investing in seed to Series A rounds across Africa and India. With roots in institutional finance, Eva brings a wealth of experience in fund management, deep due diligence, and impact investing, focusing on technologies and services that uplift the “need to haves” through conscious leadership and stakeholder alignment.
Links:
Episode Outline
How Eva Yazhari Entered VC & Built Beyond Capital Ventures
Hear Eva’s unconventional journey from math major to fund-of-funds to founding her own emerging markets VC, and the unique skill set she carried into her new role. Resource: Beyond Capital Ventures Team
Formalizing Informal Markets in Emerging Economies
Explore “formalizing the informal,” and learn how Beyond Capital Ventures invests in businesses that empower smallholder farmers and aggregate resources for scalable, sustainable impact, featuring a spotlight on agritech company Cinch.
Resource: Portfolio Companies
Conscious Leadership & Redefining VC Alignment
Gain insight into Eva’s approach to authentic, stakeholder-centered leadership, including her innovative decision to share GP carry with both her team and portfolio founders—creating alignment and community while driving results.
Resource: The Good Your Money Can Do
Related Episodes & Additional Resources
Book Recommendation: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle – Eva’s pick for building strong, collaborative cultures
Host & Show Info
Host Name: Barbara Bickham
About the Host: Barbara Bickham is the founder and Managing Partner of Trailyn Ventures, technology execut
Step into the world of impact investing with this captivating episode of Female VC Lab! Host Barbara Bickham sits down with Najada Kumbuli, Vice President and Head of Investments at the Visa Foundation, for an illuminating conversation on reshaping capitalism for the greater good. Discover how Najada’s journey from communist Albania to leading global VC strategies at Visa Foundation fuels her passion for social responsibility, small business empowerment, and inclusive innovation. Find out what’s next in venture capital, why AI and emerging markets are top of mind, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Visa Foundation backs entrepreneurs while driving lasting social impact. Whether you’re an investor, founder, or changemaker, you’ll leave inspired and equipped with actionable insights on building a more equitable future.
Guest Information
Guest Name: Najada Kumbuli
Bio: Najada Kumbuli is the Vice President and Head of Investments at the Visa Foundation, where she champions impact investing and ecosystem growth for small businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide. Leveraging her unique upbringing in Albania and global expertise, Najada leads a holistic investment strategy with a focus on inclusion, sustainable growth, and measurable social impact.
Links:
Visa Foundation Website: https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/visa-foundation.html
LinkedIn: Najada Kumbuli LinkedIn
Episode Outline
Origins & Inspiration for Impact Investing
Najada shares her powerful personal journey from communist Albania to global investing, revealing what motivated her to pursue impact investing and advocate for “conscious capitalism.”
Visa Foundation’s Investment Thesis & Global Strategy
A deep dive into how the Visa Foundation’s thesis centers on championing small businesses with access to capital, digital tools, and financial skills—spanning micro-entrepreneurs in Nigeria to high-growth startups in India.
Trends Shaping the Future of Venture Capital
Najada gives her perspective on what’s ahead for VC: the expanding role of AI and deep tech, greater discipline in investing, increased attention to emerging markets like Africa and Latin America, and the rise of responsible, impact-driven investments.
Resources for Founders & Fund Managers
Discover how to get connected with the Visa Foundation, access reports, and tap into support and tools for scaling your impact-driven business.
Further Reading & Resources:
Visa Foundation Impact Report: Read here
Book: “Conscious Capitalism” by John Mackey & Raj Sisodia
<What does it take to be a globally minded investor in today's ever-evolving landscape? In this unmissable episode, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Erika Aquino—angel investor, strategic advisor, and head of m Squad—to dive deep into investing with purpose and heart. Erika shares her dynamic journey from boardroom legacy in The Philippines to championing women and minority-led startups worldwide. You’ll hear her sharp insights on the explosive impact of AI, why founder EQ is a make-or-break factor, and how global crises (from disaster-prone regions to food supply) are reframing what impactful investing truly means. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a founder, or a changemaker, this conversation offers real talk on values-driven investment and the future of angel funding.
Guest Information
Guest Name: Erika Aquino
Bio: Erika Aquino is an angel investor, strategic adviser, and the head of m Squad, a Singapore-based investment group with a global focus. Raised and based in The Philippines, Erika is dedicated to supporting women and minority founders in fields like sustainability, wellness, future of work, and education. Her investment style centers on community impact, founder chemistry, and leveraging technology for good.
Links:
Website: https://erika-aquino.com
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-aquino
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamerikaaquino/
Episode Outline
Erika Aquino’s Journey to Investing
Discover Erika’s transition from supporting her father’s tech company in The Philippines to forging her own path as a global angel investor, with a focus on legacy, impact, and growth in community-driven ventures.
Thesis-Driven Investing with Heart
Erika lays out her investment criteria: backing women and minority founders in critical sectors (sustainability, wellness, the future of work, education, and adjacent areas). She shares how her upbringing in The Philippines shaped her commitment to impactful, values-driven investments.
AI, Founder EQ, and the Future of Venture
A fast-paced look at how AI is turbocharging diligence, research, and even daily routines—plus why human intelligence and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable in venture. Erika and Barbara debate the evolving human/AI dynamic and discuss the critical importance of founder mindset and community engagement in tomorrow’s ecosystem.
Transcript
For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://femalevclab.com
Host & Show Info
Host Name: Barbara Bickham
About the Host: Barbara Bickham is an accomplished technologist, investor, and mentor dedicated to amplifying the voices and impact of female venture leaders around the globe.
Podcast Website: https://femalevclab.com
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Unlocking Lifetime Financial Security & The Future of Wealth | E113 feat. Cheryl L. Evans, JD (Milken Institute)
What does it really take to achieve lifelong financial security in a changing world? In this episode, Barbara Bickham sits down with Cheryl L. Evans, JD—Director of the Lifetime Financial Security (LFS) Program at the Milken Institute—to discuss the evolving landscape of retirement, the impact of generational wealth transfer, and why women need to be at the forefront of financial planning. Whether you’re navigating the start of your financial journey or contemplating legacy and longevity, this thought-provoking conversation is packed with actionable insights, future-forward trends, and inspiring perspectives for investors, innovators, and anyone interested in the intersection of finance and social impact.
Key takeaways include:
The realities behind “peak 65” and the massive shift as Boomers retire
How Gen Z and Millennials can tackle the unique financial headwinds they face
Why personalized retirement strategies matter more than ever
The pivotal role of guaranteed income products and the reinvention of pensions
The great wealth transfer—what it means for women, venture capital, and entrepreneurship
Don’t miss this deep dive into how financial security impacts individuals, families, and the future of investment.
Guest Information Guest Name:
Cheryl L. Evans, JD Bio: Cheryl L. Evans is the Director of the Lifetime Financial Security Program at the Milken Institute. With a background as a securities lawyer (formerly at the SEC) and training in life coaching, Cheryl brings a unique perspective to wealth building, retirement planning, and financial empowerment across generations.
Email: cevans@milkeninstitute.org
LinkedIn: Cheryl Evans LinkedIn
Episode Outline
The Evolution of Retirement & Longevity
Explore how demographic shifts (like “peak 65” as Boomers hit retirement age) are reshaping policies, products, and individual decisions around lifetime financial security.
Link: Milken Institute LFS Program
Meeting Millennial and Gen Z Financial Challenges
Dive into current research and expert panel insights on wealth-building challenges faced by younger generations—from student debt to home-buying hurdles—and strategies for future financial success.
Women, Wealth Transfer & Financial Confidence
Learn about the upcoming great wealth transfer to women, the specific challenges and opportunities this presents, and why empowering women with financial literacy and leadership is more vital than ever.
Resources:
Lifetime Financial Security Report: https://milkeninstitute.org/report/shifting-retirement-paradigm-financial-security
Enhancing Retirement: Advancing Lifetime Income for All
Our Afternoon with Gloria Steinem https://milkeninstitute.org/article/our-afternoon
In this powerful episode of Female VC Lab, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Mary King, vice president at Aligned Climate Fund, to uncover how venture capital is accelerating the global clean energy transition. If you’re curious about the future of climate tech, energy innovation, and how investors are driving decarbonization, this episode is for you!
Mary pulls back the curtain on Aligned Climate Fund’s investment thesis: investing in companies taking real action to decarbonize our infrastructure—including clean energy, resilient infrastructure, electric transport, and sustainable land use. You’ll hear insider stories about backing geothermal breakthroughs, innovative microgrid solutions, and the growing impact of point source carbon capture. Mary and Barbara also dive deep on challenges in climate tech VC, how AI could transform investment diligence, and why distributed energy and resilience are game changers for communities around the world.
Whether you’re in the climate space, an entrepreneur, or just passionate about shaping a sustainable future, you’ll walk away with fresh insights and inspiration for what’s next in climate innovation and venture capital.
Guest Information Guest Name: Mary King Bio: Mary King is vice president at Aligned Climate Fund, the venture strategy for Aligned Climate Capital. She invests in early-stage companies driving decarbonization across clean energy, resilient infrastructure, electric transport, and sustainable land use. Links:
Mary King’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryeking/
Aligned Climate Capital: https://alignedclimatecapital.com/
Episode Outline
Aligned Climate Fund’s Investment Thesis Mary explains how Aligned invests in seed to Series B companies with proven climate solutions, focusing on clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and decarbonization.
More about Aligned Climate Capital
The Role of Emerging Technologies: Geothermal, Microgrids & Carbon Capture A look at how Aligned approaches geothermal and microgrid investments, plus insights on distributed energy and point source carbon capture for scalable climate action. Resource: What is Geothermal Energy?
Resource: Distributed Energy Resources
The Future of Climate Tech and VC: AI, Diligence, and Industry Shifts Mary predicts how AI will soon revolutionize VC deal flow and diligence, enabling faster, smarter investment decisions—and what this means specifically for the climate sector. Resource: AI in Venture Capital
Transcript For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://femalevclab.com
About the Host: Barbara Bickham is a venture investor, technologist, and founder of Female VC Lab. She champions women in venture and spotlights game-changing leaders investing for a better future. Podcast Website: https://femalevclab.com
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Episode Summary:
Dive into the intriguing world of venture capital with our latest episode featuring Katelin Holloway, a founding partner at Seven Seven Six. Discover what motivated Katelin to transition from an executive operator to a venture capitalist and how her deep empathy for founders guides her investment decisions. In this episode, you'll gain insights into Seven Seven Six's unique thesis-agnostic approach and explore the dynamic shifts in the venture capital landscape. Whether you're curious about space tech, women's health tech, or AI's impact on the future of VC, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways that will keep you engaged from start to finish.
Guest Information:
Guest Name: Katelin Holloway
Bio: Katelin Holloway is a founding partner at Seven Seven Six, a venture capital firm driven by her extensive experience as an operator and executive. With a passion for supporting founders and a focus on innovative sectors, Katelin brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective to the investment landscape.
Links: LinkedIn, X - formerly Twitter
Episode Outline:
1. Transition to Venture Capital
Katelin discusses her journey from being an executive to a venture capitalist, fueled by her desire to scale her impact by supporting multiple companies as an investor.
2. Thesis-Agnostic Investment Strategy
Explore how Seven Seven Six’s thesis-agnostic approach allows them to invest in diverse sectors, focusing on the best founders and innovative ideas.
3. The Future of Venture Capital and AI
Discover how AI is reshaping the venture capital ecosystem and Katelin’s insights on leveraging AI to create impactful investments and operational efficiencies.
Community & Calls to Action:
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Marcia Dawood is not just a name in the venture capital world; she is a beacon of hope and empowerment for women entrepreneurs across the globe. As a venture partner at Mindshift Capital, Marcia's mission revolves around elevating women-led innovation in sectors that matter, such as health tech, fintech, edtech, and food tech. This blog post delves into her journey, her investment thesis, and the essential changes needed in the venture capital landscape to foster diversity and inclusion.
Marcia's venture into the investment world began about twelve years ago when she attended an angel investing meeting. Initially unaware of what angel investing entailed, she quickly grasped the innovative potential around her. However, she was struck by a sobering realization: the lack of funding for women entrepreneurs. This pivotal moment inspired her to join various funds, contributing as an investor and member of investment committees.
Marcia's passion for supporting women-led businesses led her to co-found Mindshift Capital with her colleague Heather Henyan. Their goal? To invest in women-led companies globally, creating a ripple effect of change and innovation.
Marcia's investment thesis is rooted in the belief that women-led companies can drive significant change in the world. Mindshift Capital focuses on four key areas: health tech, fintech, edtech, and food tech. These sectors are not just trends; they represent the future of innovation and societal improvement.
Marcia highlights a fascinating trend: many entrepreneurs seeking funding often look to the U.S. to commercialize their innovations. This phenomenon is colloquially referred to as "all roads lead to Delaware." U.S. investors can sometimes be hesitant to invest in foreign companies due to unfamiliar tax implications. However, Marcia and her team have successfully navigated these complexities, allowing them to invest in promising companies at lower valuations while providing valuable support for their growth.
Episode Title and Number: CES2025: What's Next for Smart Cities - AI for Data, Planning, and Beyond
Name of Session: What's Next for Smart Cities: AI for Data, Planning and Beyond
Date and Time: Tuesday, January 7, 2025 at 3:00 PM
Location: Las Vegas Convention Center North - N257
Session Description: The rise of AI-powered Smart Cities is significant. Learn from early adopters who have seen AI capabilities become notable force multipliers in our smartest cities.
Full Panel:
David Shier, Managing Director, Visionary Future (Moderator)
Sheri Bachstein, CEO, The Weather Company
Barbara Bickham, Founder & GP, Trailyn VC
Nadia Hansen, Global Digital Transformation Executive, Salesforce
Prachi Vakharia, ARPA-I: Strategic Advisor for Innovations & Infrastructure, USDOT
Episode Summary: In this episode, we dive into the transformative potential of AI in developing smart cities, as discussed in a CES 2025 panel. The conversation covers aspects ranging from extreme weather prediction to citizen-centric services and the ethical implications of AI in urban governance.
Key Points Discussed:
The role of AI in predicting extreme weather and urban design
Probabilistic forecasting and its benefits for emergency preparedness
The concept of citizen-centric smart cities for enhanced public participation
Challenges in data standardization and the importance of public-private partnerships
Ethical considerations, including bias and privacy concerns in AI technologies
Timecode Guide:
00:00:04
- Introduction to smart cities and AI
00:00:38
- Discussion about extreme weather prediction with AI
00:01:53
- Explanation of probabilistic forecasting
00:03:09
- Concept of citizen-centric smart cities
00:04:47
- Data challenges and public-private partnerships
00:08:09
- Ethics, transparency, and public education on AI
00:11:01
- Challenges with AI model sizes and limited data
00:17:40
- Privacy concerns in smart cities
00:18:45
- Ensuring AI doesn't perpetuate bias
00:20:02
- Discussion on potential job losses and new opportunities
00:21:09
- Misuse of AI by authoritarian governments
00:22:25
- Weather strategy in the era of climate change
00:25:27
- Collaboration and human-centered AI
00:27:45
- Future vision for smart cities
Full Topic Guide:
Introduction: As we stand on the brink of an AI-driven transformation in urban living, the CES 2025 panel offers an enlightening glimpse into how next-gen technologies are being leveraged to create smarter, more resilient cities. Hosts Daniel and Barbara Bick
Welcome back to the Female VC Lab Podcast! In our latest episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Liz Kuka, CEO of Purpose for Profit. Liz shared her unique perspective on venture capital, affordable housing, and the innovative funding structures her organization is pioneering.
When asked what inspired her to become a venture capitalist, Liz succinctly stated, “Money makes the world go round.” She believes in deploying capital to projects that can create real change, empowering people to bring their visions to life.
Purpose for Profit operates as a tokenized lending fund, focusing on providing below-market-rate loans to businesses that are developing affordable mixed-income housing. Here’s how it works:
Liz emphasized the importance of transparency in fund management. By leveraging blockchain technology, Purpose for Profit aims to provide:
Liz pointed out that many nonprofits struggle with fundraising and face donor burnout. She highlighted the potential of cryptocurrency, which currently exceeds $3 trillion in market capitalization, to create new funding streams for affordable housing initiatives.
Liz believes that safe and affordable housing is a crucial determinant of economic stability and educational outcomes. She noted that:
Looking ahead, Liz predicts that venture capital will evolve significantly in the next two years. Key trends to watch include:
Interested in learning more about Purpose for Profit or connecting with Liz? Here are the best ways to reach out:
Episode E107: Julia Krieger of Pari Passu Venture Partners
Guest: Julia Krieger
Host: Barbara Bickham
Summary: In this episode of the Female VC Lab Podcast, Barbara Bickham interviews Julia Krieger, founder of Pari Passu Venture Partners. Julia shares her journey into venture capitalism, the unique structure and thesis behind her firm, and the importance of value-add investors. The conversation covers her current learnings, thoughts on future trends in venture capital, and how PariPassu aims to support founders through their innovative approach.
Key Points:
Inspiration Behind Venture Capitalism:
Julia's entrepreneurial spirit and prior experience as an operator drove her to venture into investing, allowing her to support a diverse range of companies and continuously feed her intellectual curiosity.
PariPassu Venture Partners' Unique Approach:
The fund operates through individual SPVs rather than a traditional venture fund, involving a wide array of dedicated resources and a focus on meaningful involvement from experienced operators.
Thesis and Motivation:
PariPassu’s main thesis is that collaboration and support from experienced operators on the cap table can help de-risk businesses and bridge the gap for high-net-worth individuals wanting to participate in top venture deals with smaller checks.
Future Trends in Venture Capital:
Julia foresees a greater emphasis on value-add investors and more thoughtful fundraising strategies. Additionally, she predicts a growing interest in industries like defense tech and wellness tech.
Fun Facts:
Book Recommendation:
Julia is rereading "The Surrender Experiment" by Michael Singer, which emphasizes the concept of flow versus force in life and business.
PariPassu App:
PariPassu recently launched an app designed as a tech home for their community, making it easier to share opportunities and support founders.
Investment Record:
Since December 2020, PariPassu Venture Partners has invested in 30 deals with approximately $1 million check in each.
Contact Information:
Email: julia@ppvp.com
Download the Pari Passu's app to connect and share opportunities.
Thank you for tuning in to the Female VC Lab Podcast with your host, Barbara Bickham! Be sure to check out the show notes for more details and resources.
Welcome back to the Female VC Lab Podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Keara Sauber, CEO of Sauber Capital. Keara shared her journey into venture capitalism, her investment thesis, and her thoughts on the future of the industry. Here are some key takeaways from our conversation.
Keara Sauber has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and technology sectors. She began her career in big pharma, driven by a passion for making impactful changes in healthcare. Her focus areas include:
Keara's investment philosophy is rooted in her commitment to healthcare innovation. Her approach encompasses two main arms:
Keara expressed her interest in the longevity sector, highlighting the importance of understanding the difference between health span and lifespan. She is currently exploring:
When asked about the future of venture capital, Keara shared her insights on how the industry is likely to evolve over the next two years:
Keara emphasized the importance of women supporting women in leadership roles. Here are her key recommendations:
Keara highlighted that founders seeking venture capital should understand the balance sheets and where the money comes from. She pointed out that:
Welcome back to the Female VC Lab Podcast! In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kt McBratney, a partner at Renew Venture Capital and the driving force behind Purpose Rounds. Kt shared her inspiring journey into the world of venture capital, her investment thesis, and her vision for the future of the industry.
Kt path to becoming a venture capitalist was anything but conventional. Here are some key takeaways from her journey:
Kt investment philosophy is rooted in supporting impactful founders and historically overlooked groups:
Kt articulated the critical intersectionality of these two focuses, noting that:
Kt discussed the need to confront and change exclusionary systems within the venture capital industry:
Kt is an avid reader and lifelong learner. Recently, she has been diving into:
Looking ahead, Kt envisions a more inclusive and innovative venture capital landscape:
Kt is eager to connect with like-minde
Show Notes: Episode E104 - Anne Gherini - SIERRA Ventures
Episode Summary:
In this enlightening episode of Female VC Lab, our host Barbara Bickham sits down with Anne Gherini, the CMO at Sierra Ventures, an early-stage VC firm focusing on the future of enterprise. Anne reveals her journey from being an operator to a venture capitalist, the dynamic role she plays in Sierra Ventures, and her investment thesis centered around B2B SaaS. She also shares her insights on the rapid changes in the venture capital world and the significance of go-to-market strategies.
Key Topics Discussed:
- Anne Gherini's career transition from operator to venture capitalist
- Detailed breakdown of Anne's role as a CMO at Sierra Ventures
- Sierra Ventures’ investment thesis focused on early-stage B2B SaaS companies
- Importance of building a technical moat and go-to-market strategies
- Anne’s recommendations on reading and continuously learning about health and longevity
Fun Facts:
1. Diverse Portfolio: Sierra Ventures invests almost exclusively in B2B software but has delved into deep tech sectors like quantum computing and Vertex AI.
2. Passion for Optimization: Anne is enthusiastic about optimizing not only businesses and campaigns but also personal health and longevity, inspired by Peter Attia's book "Outlive."
3. Constant Learning: Besides sitting on investment teams and helping build campaigns, Anne enjoys the continuous learning aspect of venture capital, finding excitement in the pace of advancements in technology and startup solutions.
Contact Information:
- Anne Gherini on LinkedIn
- Anne Gherini on Twitter (X): @AnnieG
- Sierra Ventures Website
Thanks for Listening! Thank you for tuning in to this episode of Female VC Lab. Be sure to subscribe and leave us a review if you enjoyed the episode. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories from female venture capitalists around the world!
Show Notes: Female VC Lab Podcast
Episode: E103 - Katie Quilligan of BankTech Ventures
Host:
- Barbara Bickham
Guest:
- Katie Quilligan, Investor at BankTech Ventures
Episode Summary:
In this insightful episode, Barbara Bickham chats with Katie Quilligan, an investor at BankTech Ventures. Katie shares her journey from the operator side at American Express to becoming a venture capitalist, driven by her passion for supporting women entrepreneurs and bridging the funding gap. She discusses BankTech Ventures' strategic focus on aiding community banks by providing innovative fintech solutions to improve their efficiency and competitiveness. Katie delves into the current trends and challenges in the banking industry, especially the integration of AI and the importance of balancing innovation with regulatory compliance.
Key Points:
1. Journey to Venture Capital: Katie transitioned from a career in operations at American Express to venture capital to help women entrepreneurs secure funding.
2. BankTech Ventures’ Thesis: The fund aims to bridge traditional community banking with modern fintech solutions by acting as an R&D arm for over 100 community banks.
3. AI in Banking: Katie discusses the growing role of AI in banking, emphasizing its potential to streamline both front and back-office operations while navigating regulatory challenges.
Fun Facts:
1. Katie's first venture capital experience was with Petra Griffith at Wedbush Ventures in LA.
2. Community banks are responsible for over 60% of small business loans and more than 80% of agricultural loans in the U.S.
3. Katie likens the role of AI in banks to that of an intern, aiding in tasks but still requiring human oversight.
Contact Information:
- Katie Quilligan: LinkedIn or via email at katie@banktechventures.com
Podcast Links:
- Female VC Lab Podcast Website
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- Instagram: @FemaleVCLab
Tune in for more inspiring stories and insights from leading women in venture capital!
Keri Findley, is the founder of Tacora Capital, an Austin, Texas based firm which does asset-backed private credit to venture-owned companies. Providing loans to youngish companies is an important part of the VC ecosystem, and Keri takes pride in helping young entrepreneurs grow their startups.
Corinne Bortniker is a Director at Cohen Circle where she supports SPAC deal execution and venture capital investments. Previously, Corinne was a Vice President at Wells Fargo Securities, focused on Technology, Media, and Telecom Equity Capital Markets. She has extensive experience executing equity capital markets transactions, raising proceeds for public and private companies. Prior to Wells Fargo Securities, she was an Equity Capital Markets analyst at Cowen Inc. Corinne holds a B.A. in Business and Psychology from Brandeis University.
Mary Ellen Iskenderian is President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, the global nonprofit devoted to giving more low-income women access to the financial tools and resources they need to achieve security and prosperity. Ms. Iskenderian has led the Women’s World Banking global team, based in New York, since 2006 and also serves on the Investment Committees of its two impact investment funds.
Previously, Ms. Iskenderian worked at the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank, and the investment bank Lehman Brothers. Ms. Iskenderian is a permanent member of the Council on Foreign Relations, as well as a member of the Women’s Forum of New York and the UN’s Business and Sustainable Development Commission. She
serves as a Director on the Board of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation.
Ms. Iskenderian holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Recently, she was recognized in the Forbes 50 over 50: Investment list, which highlights female investors and financial leaders. Her first book, There’s Nothing Micro About a Billion Women: Making Finance Work for Women, was published by MIT Press in April 2022.
Madhu is a managing partner and co-founder of Rocketship.vc. Prior to Rocketship, she was Chief Data Officer for Gojek, contributing to its growth into a $10 billion unicorn. She served as an operating partner at a $150M PE fund building startups across Southeast Asia and was a member of Intuit’s Quickbooks Lending Platform founding team.
Nicole Valentine is the FinTech Director of the Center for Financial Markets at the Milken Institute with over a decade of financial services, international Mergers & Acquisitions, technology and innovation experience. She leads the FinTech Program with a focus on access to capital, financial inclusion, compliance and transparency.
Join us for an intriguing conversation with Michael Phillips, the dynamic Chief Operating Officer of T.D. Jakes Enterprises. Recorded live from Milken's 2024 Global Conference, Michael dives deep into their social impact venture, Goodsoil, and how it’s making waves for minority businesses. 🌍👥
5 Keys You'll Learn from This Episode
Fun Fact from the Episode
Did you know that Michael Phillips reads The Invisible Man every year? 📚 It started as a tradition with his son, and it’s become one of his personal rituals. Talk about dedication to a classic!
Outtro
Our chat with Michael was nothing short of enlightening. His insights into creating a digital playground for entrepreneurs and fostering trust within business ecosystems are truly transformative. You’re in for a treat!
Call to Action
Ready to get inspired and gain some valuable knowledge? Listen to Episode 097 now! Also, don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review the Female VC Lab podcast on your favorite listening platform.
As always, thank you for your support! We can't wait to hear what you think about this episode.
P.S. Want to dive deeper into the world of Goodsoil and connect with Michael Phillips? Visit goodsoilform.com and explore the amazing work they’re doing!