Zeynep Yavuz

Zeynep Yavuz is a prominent figure in the venture capital landscape, currently serving as a Partner at General Catalyst, a leading venture capital firm with over $28 billion in assets under management. Her primary focus areas include fintech and crypto, particularly in emerging markets.

Background and Education

Zeynep grew up in Turkey, where she witnessed the challenges faced by entrepreneurs due to a nascent venture capital ecosystem. This experience motivated her to pursue a career in investment to foster change. She studied economics at the University of Chicago and later obtained her MBA from Harvard Business School.

Career Path

Before joining General Catalyst in August 2022, Zeynep built a diverse career:

• Investment Banking Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch (2015-2016), focusing on technology, media, and telecommunications.
• Growth Equity Investor at TA Associates (2016-2019), where she specialized in technology investments across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
• Strategy & Product role at WorldRemit (2020-2021), where she gained insights into how fintech can empower emerging economies.

Investment Focus

At General Catalyst, Zeynep is involved in investing in early-stage companies globally, emphasizing sectors like fintech and blockchain. She has been instrumental in several investments, including companies like TrueLayer, Ramp Network, and Taxdoo.

Personal Interests

Outside of her professional endeavors, Zeynep is active in cultural initiatives through CISV International, which promotes global understanding among youth. She also enjoys open-water swimming and kitesurfing.

Zeynep Yavuz's commitment to enhancing the venture capital landscape, particularly in underserved regions, marks her as a significant player in the industry today.