Courtney Powell

Courtney Powell is the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Managing Partner at 500 Global, a prominent venture capital firm formerly known as 500 Startups. She assumed this role in July 2019, where she is responsible for scaling the firm's operations globally and exploring new market opportunities. Her leadership is focused on driving day-to-day operations and supporting the firm's mission to invest in talented entrepreneurs worldwide.13

Professional Background::

• Entrepreneurial Experience: Courtney co-founded PublikDemand, a platform aimed at amplifying consumer voices, and led it through its early stages. She later became the CEO of Agent Pronto, a major real estate agent referral service in North America, which was acquired by Fidelity National Title Group.13
• Corporate Development: Before joining 500 Global, she served as Head of Corporate Development at Keller Williams, where she initiated the company's first corporate innovation program and facilitated tech acquisitions through Keller Capital.13

Education and Recognition:: Courtney holds a degree in Corporate Communications from The University of Texas at Austin. She has been recognized for her contributions as a leader, including being named to Forbes' "30 Under 30" list in 2013.24

Personal Philosophy:: In her own words, Courtney emphasizes the belief that "talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not," reflecting her commitment to diversity and inclusion in entrepreneurship. This perspective stems from her experiences as a female entrepreneur facing challenges outside Silicon Valley.13

Courtney Powell's journey from entrepreneur to a key figure in venture capital exemplifies her dedication to fostering innovation and supporting diverse founders globally.