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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.