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
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
Follow Us:
- Instagram: @FemaleVCLab
Tune in for more inspiring stories and insights from leading women in venture capital!