Anne Dwane

Anne Dwane is a prominent figure in the venture capital landscape, serving as the co-founder and partner at Village Global, an early-stage venture fund. Established in 2017, Village Global is distinguished by its backing from notable tech entrepreneurs, including Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, and Reid Hoffman. The firm emphasizes a network-driven approach to investing, aiming to support innovative founders by providing not just capital but also valuable connections and resources.124

Career Overview

Dwane's career spans over two decades, marked by significant achievements as a startup founder, executive, and investor. She began her entrepreneurial journey in the late 1990s by co-founding Military.com, a social network for service members and veterans, which was later acquired by Monster Worldwide. Following this, she served as the General Manager of Military Advantage at Monster, where she focused on connecting veterans with benefits and opportunities.125

In 2008, Dwane became the CEO of Zinch, an educational technology startup that facilitated connections between students and colleges. Zinch was acquired by Chegg in 2011, where she then took on the role of Chief Business Officer, overseeing the company's revenue streams and contributing to its IPO in 2013.135

Before her current role at Village Global, Dwane was also a founding partner at GSV Acceleration Fund, focusing on early-stage investments in technology companies aimed at enhancing learning and career outcomes.23

Education

Anne Dwane holds a bachelor's degree from Georgetown University and an MBA from Harvard Business School. Her educational background complements her extensive experience in the tech and venture capital sectors.13

Contributions and Philosophy

Dwane is known for her commitment to empowering founders and fostering innovation. She believes in the potential of individuals and the importance of building strong networks to navigate the complexities of the business world. Her approach combines a deep understanding of technology and a passion for aligning teams to achieve their goals.256

In addition to her role at Village Global, Dwane is also involved with Harvard Business Publishing as a board member and continues to mentor and support emerging entrepreneurs through various initiatives.45