Jessica Walker

Jessica Walker is an Investment Associate and Community Manager at Black Nova VC, a Sydney-based early-stage venture capital firm.1 Her career journey is marked by entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for startups.

Career Background

Jessica's entrepreneurial journey began at a young age:

• At 11, she was selling chocolate bars on her school bus
• Throughout high school and university, she experimented with e-commerce stores
• At 22, she founded her first business, a short-term services property management company in New Zealand
• After running the company for 2.5 years, it was acquired by a UK-based company

Current Role and Responsibilities

At Black Nova VC, Jessica's typical workday includes:

• Morning team meetings to discuss goals and priorities
• Attending pitch meetings with founders
• Working with the existing portfolio companies
• Conducting due diligence on potential investments

Work Philosophy

Jessica values work-life balance and flexibility in her current role. She believes in working smarter, not harder, and emphasizes the importance of living life to the fullest while maintaining productivity. Her approach to work has evolved, especially after experiencing personal loss, leading her to prioritize a fulfilling life alongside her career.1

Interests and Recommendations

Jessica is passionate about startups and keeps herself informed through various podcasts and books related to the industry. Some of her recommendations include:

• Podcasts: "This Week in Startups" by Jason Calacanis and "How I Built This" by Guy Raz
• Financial literacy: "She's on the Money" by Victoria Devine

She also considers Spotify an essential app in her daily life.1