Emerging Venture Capitalists Association (EVCA)

“This next generation of AI-native vertical software startups are eliminating costs and unlocking revenue opportunities for customers from day one,” says Lisa Xu , Partner at Threshold Ventures and 2023 EVC List Honoree. “Not only will this next-gen software improve the customer experience and employee performance, but once integrated, they can generate proprietary data sets that can be harnessed to uncover new opportunities to create value and expand the bottom line for customers.” Xu’s Thesis Brief explores how vertical software solutions can tap into the huge market opportunity presented by these often-overlooked businesses. As SMBs and enterprises across different industries navigate shifting customer expectations and labor challenges, AI-native solutions are becoming essential to improve employee productivity, generate new business, and ensure long-term profitability and success. Read the full article here:  https://lnkd.in/gqqyyz4z Learn more about the EVC List: https://www.evclist.com/

Last week, in celebration of EdTech Week, we brought together an incredible group of EdTech and workforce-focused pre-partner investors for an intimate dinner. The evening was filled with engaging conversations, knowledge sharing, and discussions on emerging trends shaping the future of EdTech and workforce investment. 👏 Special thanks to our EVCA community leaders, Bridget Duru and Mady Duboc, for their leadership and dedication in curating this gathering. 🌟 Thank you to our partner, EASTWIND CAPITAL ADVISORS PRIVATE LIMITED, fur supporting this event. 💡 Interested in discovering more opportunities to connect with the VC community? Explore how EVCA fosters collaboration and empowers the next generation of VCs: https://lnkd.in/eCiDhRcc

🌟 Leadership Spotlight: Meet Keshav Reddy, EVCA New York Chapter Co-Lead! Keshav Reddy, Senior Analyst at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey Blue Shield, focuses on Seed & Series A+ healthcare investments in areas like healthtech, telehealth, and behavioral health. As EVCA New York Chapter Co-Lead, Keshav fosters deeper connections in the VC community through events, networking, and meaningful collaborations. "EVCA offered me a diverse, supportive network. I’m passionate about creating opportunities for NYC VCs to build meaningful relationships," shares Keshav. Read more: https://lnkd.in/eA5ZQiEN Join Keshav and other EVCA leaders in shaping the next generation of VC: https://lnkd.in/eCiDhRcc

🌟 Event Recap: GP & Junior VC Dinner in Boston We came together with our partners to host the next installment of the General Partner & Junior VC Dinner Series in Boston. It was an evening filled with thoughtful conversations, career insights, and shared learnings. With small roundtable discussions led by Maia Heymann (Converge VC), Douglas Roth (Connecticut Innovations), Hongkai He (Taihill Venture), Craig Driscoll (HighlandX, Highland Capital Partners), Kevin King (53 Stations), emerging VCs had the unique opportunity to tackle career challenges, exchange advice, and connect with some of the most senior leaders in Boston’s venture ecosystem—all over a fantastic meal and drinks. 💬 Feedback from attendees: "The event was perfectly organized, conversations went great, and both attendees and speakers were deeply engaged throughout the evening." A huge thank you to our sponsors Silicon Valley Bank and New England Venture Capital Association for making this event possible. Special thanks to our incredible EVCA Boston community co-leaders—Tyler Fohrman, Sarah Lamont, and Chaya Patel—for your dedication and support in bringing this event to life!

🌟 Featured Investor: Alejandra Vergara, Principal at Bee Partners Ale Vergara is passionate about AI’s potential to transform knowledge into prosperity. At Bee Partners, she focuses on AI platforms that drive productivity, creativity, and enable human-machine collaboration. Her career journey, from managing portfolios to investing in tech, was inspired by a personal turning point—meeting her husband, a tech founder. Witnessing his dedication sparked her desire to pursue a mission-driven career. Today, she’s helping reshape the future of AI-powered collaboration. We’re thrilled to have Ale as our featured investor! Check out her insights on AI’s transformative role and her personal journey into venture capital: https://lnkd.in/e4xvwUd2

⛳ 🏌♂️ Recap of the Atlanta Investor Top Golf Mixer! We had an incredible time at the exclusive networking mixer, hosted by Las Olas Venture Capital, Morris, Manning & Martin, LLP (MMM), and the EVCA Atlanta Chapter during Venture Atlanta 2024. The event brought together top founders and investors in a unique, relaxed setting at Topgolf Atlanta. The evening was a standout, combining professional networking with a fun, engaging atmosphere. With a fantastic turnout, investors connected effortlessly, shared ideas, and explored potential partnerships—all while enjoying a lively game of golf. The well-organized setting made it easy to form meaningful connections and build relationships. A huge thank you to our amazing sponsors, LOVC and MMM, for making this event possible. And a special shoutout to our Atlanta community co-leaders, Scotty Lefkowitz and Yasho Singh, for their incredible support and leadership.

🥁 Meet Andy Triedman, Partner at Theory Ventures Get to know Andy Triedman’s journey from computational neuroscience at Brown University to consulting at Bain & Company, and finally, finding his calling in VC. As a Partner at Theory Ventures, Andy is focused on early-stage investments in technology-driven companies, with a passion for constant learning and a strong belief in building respectful, collaborative relationships with founders. In this interview by Samantha Huang, EVCA’s Head of Content, Andy shares his take on venture capital trends, lessons learned, and why he believes empathy and curiosity are crucial for success in VC. 💡 Dive into Andy’s thoughts on: - Technology-driven category creation and investment theses - Key trends in workflow automation and reasoning in AI - Lessons for emerging VCs - His path from the ski slopes and jazz piano to the world of venture Read the full interview: https://lnkd.in/ehYNJeS8

The EVCA November newsletter just dropped this morning! Check it out for a series of spotlight features, jobs, and events in #VC. 💡 Our Spotlight Feature on Andy Triedman, Partner at Theory Ventures 👏 Our Investor Spotlight on Alejandra Vergara, Principal at Bee Partners 🥁 Our EVCA Leadership Spotlight on Keshav Reddy, Senior Analyst at Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey ✍🏻 Two new EVC List thesis briefs by Wesley Tillu, Partner at S32, and Daphne Che, Principal at Montage Ventures. 💼 13 #jobs in VC and the latest VC events for November Read the newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/eJcR9TKE

🍽️ Held a Thai Cooking together with Harmonic AI! What an incredible experience exploring Thai cuisine with fellow EVCA members, from gluten-free to vegan options! Events like these not only let us savor new flavors but also foster meaningful connections and networking within our community. A huge thanks to our partner Harmonic AI for making this event possible, and to our amazing EVCA NYC community co-leaders, Bridget Duru and Isha Kenkare, for organizing such a unique and delicious evening!

Thank you for a great discussion at the EVCA Mobility Roundtable with Shahin Farshchi A big thank you to Shahin Farshchi for sharing his invaluable insights into the future of mobility, technology, and venture capital. The conversation was engaging and thought-provoking, and we’re grateful for the time he took to be with our community. Special thanks to our amazing EVCA Mobility leaders, Brian Wei and Puneeth Meruva, for organizing this event and making it a success!