Erica Minnihan

Erica Duignan Minnihan is a prominent figure in the venture capital landscape, serving as the Co-Founder and General Partner at Reign Ventures, a seed-stage investment fund focused on consumer technology and enterprise software startups, particularly those led by underrepresented founders. She has over 15 years of experience as an investor and advisor in early-stage companies, having previously held significant roles such as Managing Director at DreamIt Ventures and Executive Director at both STAR Angel Network and Golden Seeds.13

Education and Early Career

Minnihan holds a Bachelor of Arts in Business Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and an MBA in Finance from Columbia Business School. Her career began in investment banking, where she worked for major firms like Citigroup, Credit Suisse, and Cantor Fitzgerald before transitioning into venture capital.124

Contributions to Venture Capital

At Reign Ventures, which she co-founded in 2013, Minnihan emphasizes a hands-on approach to supporting startups. The fund aims to build healthy companies that deliver substantial rewards for both investors and founders. Under her leadership, Reign Ventures has invested in numerous startups, focusing on fostering diversity within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.35

In addition to her role at Reign Ventures, she serves as the Chairwoman of the SEC Small Business Capital Formation Advisory Committee and is a Kauffman Fellow, reflecting her commitment to supporting small businesses and promoting inclusive investing practices.24

Personal Life

Erica Duignan Minnihan resides in New York City with her family and is actively involved in various initiatives aimed at empowering women and minority entrepreneurs.13