
Tiana T.
5.0
Forbes 30U30 VC trained by Top Silicon Valley Firms
Studied at Morehouse College

Works at Tukes & Company
Available Monday at 11:00 AM UTC
Questions? Start chatting with this coach before you get started.
Tiana’s Venture Capital Qualifications
Coaches professionally
Experience level: Angel Investor
50+ people coached for Venture Capital
Tiana has helped clients get into these companies:
I began my venture capital career at Sequoia Capital, where I learned directly from some of the industry’s best—gaining firsthand insight into how top firms identify and support exceptional founders. I went on to receive additional training through a selective venture scout program affiliated with Accel, Lightspeed Venture Partners, and Sequoia, which sharpened my ability to assess early-stage opportunities and develop a strong investment thesis. Today, I bring that experience into my work as an angel investor, backing founders who are building with intention and ambition. As the first transgender woman to work in the venture capital industry, I also understand what it takes to navigate nontraditional paths and succeed in competitive, high-barrier spaces. If you're looking to break into VC or grow a meaningful career in the ecosystem, I’m here to help you move strategically—and unapologetically—toward your goals.
Tiana can help with:
LinkedIn Review
Cover Letters
Resume Review
Networking Strategy
Behavioral Interview Prep
About Tiana
Tiana Tukes is an American businesswoman, academic, and humanitarian whose career bridges capital, culture, and change. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and the first trans woman of color in venture capital, she has advised Silicon Valley firms, co-founded a nonprofit advancing LGBTQ investors, and taught at Spelman College, where she received the June Jordan Faculty & Staff Award. Formerly a public appointee in the City of Atlanta, she has contributed to civic initiatives focused on inclusive economic growth. Tiana began her career as a journalist at Black Enterprise and The Huffington Post, and graduated with high Latin honors from Morehouse College, where she was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa and recognized as an HBCU All-Star by The White House.
Why do I coach?
Everyone deserves a champion—someone who sees their potential clearly, even when they’re still finding their footing. I coach to be that steady, encouraging presence in my clients’ lives. Whether they’re launching a new venture, navigating a career pivot, or stepping into leadership, I’m there to amplify their vision, celebrate their wins, and help them move with clarity and confidence. Witnessing their growth and success is one of the greatest joys in my life.
Work Experience
Strategic Advisor
Slauson & Co
2024 - Present

Founder & CEO
Tukes & Company
2015 - Present
Adjunct Professor
Spelman College
2024 - 2024

Founder
LGBT+VC
2022 - 2024
Business Development and Strategic Partnerships
Silicon Valley Bank
2022 - 2022

Principal
Colorful Capital
2022 - 2022

Management Consultant
Accenture
2017 - 2021
Research
Sequoia Capital
2020 - 2020
Strategy & Operations
Spotify
2017 - 2017
Education
Morehouse College
Bachelor of Arts, Cinema, television & emerging media studies
2013 - 2017
Grade: Magna Cum Laude, Phi Beta Kappa
5 Reviews
Overall Rating
5.0
Tiana has helped clients get into these companies: