Venture Capital Coaches

I navigated the transition from ops and engineering in venture-backed startups to invest at Antler. I had the chance to work across a few different funds in the process of my pivot, and as a result I gained a broad perspective of the VC ecosystem and how to break through the common barriers. I am passionate about helping aspiring VCs and founders navigate the complexities of the industry. Let's connect to discuss how I can support your journey into venture capital!

- Interned at M25 VC during MBA - Leveraged internship at FJ Labs during MBA into FT role - Have led / supported over 50 private markets transactions at FJ Labs - Head our India investment practice - Wrote about Opportunity Fund best practices & why diversification works in venture

Priya joined Smash Capital in April 2022 as a Venture Investor in the Los Angeles investment office. Most recently, Priya worked at March Capital, a growth-stage venture capital fund in Santa Monica focused on B2B SaaS investments. Prior to joining March Capital, Priya received her MBA from Columbia Business School. During her time at Columbia, Priya worked at a seed stage venture capital fund focused on investing in female founded startups, an early-stage venture capital fund that invests in entrepreneurial consumer brands, and an early-stage venture capital fund focused on investing in enterprise businesses. Before business school, Priya worked at Deloitte Consulting where she specialized in transforming business processes at Fortune 500 organizations. At Deloitte, Priya developed global technology solutions for Financial Services clients but served clients in a variety of industries including TMT (Technology, Media, and Telecommunications), Consumer and Packaged Goods, and Professional Services. Outside of client service, Priya worked on a variety of entrepreneurial initiatives including consulting for grassroots organizations in Central America. Priya received her B.B.A from the University of Texas at Austin.

I spent the last few years exploring how to pivot into VC particularly since the market took a turn. Ultimately, I was able to get an offer from my top choice dream fund. Through this process, I've seen how the experience differs across fund types, and can help think through what kinds of funds you're interested in, and how to target your efforts to secure an offer.

I was an MBA Investment Associate at a student-run venture capital group at Wharton. I also recently recruited for a summer internship in climate tech VC, where I went through the process of crafting my own investment thesis.

I bring over 8 years of comprehensive venture capital, operations, and investment experience across multiple stages and sectors. As a Venture Associate at Rethink Impact, I was team member number four, so I understand the ins and outs of what is required to build and run a venture capital firm, from due diligence to writing investment memos, building cap tables, deal sourcing, fundraising, and portfolio construction. I currently serve on the Investment Committee for Resilient Ventures where I continue to evaluate and invest in early-stage technology companies. With dual Harvard graduate degrees (MBA and Public Policy) and experience as Chief of Staff at a venture-backed fintech company, I understand both the investor and entrepreneur perspectives. I've personally navigated career transitions within the VC ecosystem and can provide practical guidance on breaking into the industry, advancing within firms, and building the skills that matter most to investment committees and senior partners.

With extensive experience at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), one of the most renowned venture capital firms, I bring a unique blend of expertise in recruiting and coaching. During my tenure as a principal recruiter and heading a team for internal recruiting, I honed my ability to identify top-tier talent across diverse industries and roles, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and culture. This hands-on experience has equipped me with deep insights into strategic talent acquisition, workforce planning, and the nuances of building high-performing teams. My background also includes navigating complex hiring landscapes in competitive markets, which has strengthened my ability to coach others on optimizing their recruitment strategies. Beyond my technical recruiting skills, I have actively embraced a coaching mindset to elevate the recruitment process. By leveraging tools like open-ended questions and scaling techniques, I’ve helped candidates uncover their motivations and potential, fostering meaningful connections that go beyond transactional hiring. My approach aligns candidates with organizational values while emphasizing adaptability and long-term growth—a methodology proven to enhance productivity and retention. This combination of strategic expertise and personalized coaching ensures that I can effectively guide clients in achieving their recruitment and career development goals.

Welcome to my profile! With a degree in Economics from Harvard University, I bring a wealth of experience from top-tier investment funds. As a VP at a PE/VC fund, I have honed my skills in investing and portfolio management. I am passionate about helping aspiring venture capitalists break into the industry and excel in their careers. Let's connect to craft a personalized strategy for your success in venture capital!

Coming from a non-traditional background, I was able to break into venture capital and now serve as a partner at my firm. I am an expert on all thing venture captial and am qualified to coach on any topic including understanding VC, preparing for VC interviews, and steps to break into the space.

I am qualified to coach due to my extensive experience and background in tracking consumer trends and market dynamics. I have worked for reputable venture capital firms such as XRC Ventures and DGS Consumer Partners, where I specialized in helping them identify and invest in emerging brands within the beauty and personal care space. Through my work with these firms, I have gained deep insights into consumer behavior, market trends, and the factors that drive success in this industry. My analytical skills and hands-on experience in evaluating potential investments have equipped me with a robust understanding of what it takes to succeed in this competitive market. I am passionate about leveraging my expertise to help others navigate the complexities of the beauty and personal care sector, whether they are aspiring entrepreneurs or established brands seeking to enhance their strategies.