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    Kate Beardsley

    Founding Partner at Hannah Grey

    Kate Beardsley, also known as Kate Shillo Beardsley, is a prominent venture capitalist and the Founding Partner at Hannah Grey, an early-stage venture capital firm based in Denver, Colorado. She has a rich background in venture investing, having previously served as a Managing Partner at Upslope Ventures and a founding member of Lerer Hippeau, one of New York City's most active seed funds.

    Career Highlights

    • Hannah Grey: Founded in April 2020, Hannah Grey focuses on investing in customer-centric founders who are redefining everyday experiences. The firm employs a data-informed, thesis-driven approach to identify investment opportunities across various sectors, including SaaS, Fintech, and consumer products.14

    • Upslope Ventures: Prior to Hannah Grey, Beardsley was the Managing Partner at Upslope Ventures, where she led investments in notable companies like Billie and PureWow. Upslope Ventures is known for its focus on pre-seed and seed-stage companies across the U.S..5

    • Lerer Hippeau: As a founding member, she played a crucial role in managing multiple funds and was involved in over 200 investments, including iconic brands such as Warby Parker and Venmo.13

    • Early Career: Beardsley began her career as Chief of Staff to Martha Stewart and later worked with Kenneth Lerer, co-founder of The Huffington Post. These roles helped her build a robust network and gain valuable experience in business operations and strategy.13

    Education and Affiliations

    Beardsley graduated with honors from Middlebury College and has been actively involved in initiatives supporting women in venture capital, including serving as a board member of the Global Women in VC organization.25

    Investment Philosophy

    Her investment strategy emphasizes understanding changes in consumer behavior and creating exceptional customer experiences. Beardsley is known for her commitment to fostering relationships within the venture ecosystem and supporting underrepresented founders.456

    Kate Beardsley's extensive experience and strategic approach to venture capital position her as a significant figure in the industry, particularly in the context of early-stage investments.

    Highlights

    Jul 21 · youtube.com
    Kate Shillo Beardsley (Founding Partner, Hannah Grey) - YouTube
    Kate Shillo Beardsley (Founding Partner, Hannah Grey) - YouTube
    Denver VCs warn founders to 'assume the worst' as markets turn volatile - Denver Business Journal - The Business Journals
    May 31 · TechCrunch
    Hannah Grey launches its $52M inaugural fund - TechCrunch

    Related Questions

    What inspired Kate Beardsley to transition from Lerer Hippeau to founding Hannah Grey?
    How did Kate Beardsley's role as Chief of Staff to Martha Stewart influence her career?
    What are some of the key strategies Hannah Grey uses to support early-stage companies?
    How does Hannah Grey's approach to liquidity management differ from other venture funds?
    What are some notable companies in Hannah Grey's portfolio?
    Kate Beardsley
    Kate Beardsley, photo 1
    Kate Beardsley, photo 2
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    Experience

    Founding Partner at Hannah Grey (April 2020 - Present)
    Member at Global Women in VC (February 2015 - Present), Managing Partner at Upslope Ventures (March 2014 - Present), Founding Member, Investor, Director of Operations at Lerer Hippeau (January 2010 - February 2014), Chief of Staff to Kenneth Lerer at Huffington Post (January 2008 - January 2010), Chief of Staff to Martha Stewart at Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (November 2006 - December 2008)

    Education

    Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in English Language and Literature with Honors from Middlebury College, Study Abroad Program in English Language and Literature at University of St. Andrews, Attended Suffield Academy

    Location

    Denver, Colorado