034 Oralia Alvarez – The Power of the Purse

034 Oralia Alvarez – The Power of the Purse



Episode Summary

Welcome to She Invests, where you’ll hear from existing female angel investors, venture capitalists and fund managers on their investment thesis. From deal flow to exits, they will share the best practices that contribute to their success.

In this episode, Dr. Silvia Mah welcomes to the podcast leader, connector and mentor of startup founders, Oralia Alvarez. Oralia currently serves as a director of business development for Founders First Capital Partners, a fund committed to growing and funding small businesses led by diverse and inclusive founders. With over ten years of experience in distressed real estate investments and business strategy, Oralia works exclusively with cash investors in the acquisition of off-market properties. As an angel investor, Oralia is extensively involved in San Diego’s startup ecosystem by serving as a connector and mentor to entrepreneurs and was recently appointed to the Board of Directors at Startup San Diego. Dr. Silvia and Oralia talk about the daring journey of being an entrepreneur, why women of color make some of the most efficient founders and the importance of being bold and confident.

What We Covered

  • 04:19 – Dr. Silvia Mah introduces today’s guest, Oralia Alvarez who speaks to her involvement in San Diego Angel Conference, her entrepreneurial origin story and her involvement in animal philanthropy
  • 10:31 – Oralia provides her thoughts on why women of color are some of the best and most efficient entrepreneurs
  • 14:13 – Oralia speaks to the brilliant work the winning founders at San Diego Angel Conference are currently doing and what impressed her the most by these founders
  • 21:28 – The importance of communication and coachability when it comes to investing in founders
  • 25:46 – Dr. Silvia and Oralia talk about their excitement for SDAC Fund III
  • 31:16 – Oralia talks about her bold, confident nature and how she maintains balanced confidence
  • 34:30 – Oralia shares what having an abundance mindset means to her

Tweetables







Links Mentioned

Dr. Silvia Mah’s LinkedIn
Dr. Silvia Mah’s Website
Dr. Silvia’s Twitter – @silviamah
Domaine Santé Website
San Diego Angel Conference
Oralia’s LinkedIn
Founders First Capital Partners

Episode Sponsor

Domaine Santé

Share the Show

Did you enjoy the show? We would love it if you subscribed today and left us a 5-star review!

  1. Click this link
  2. Click on the ‘Subscribe’ button below the artwork
  3. Go to the ‘Ratings and Reviews’ section
  4. Click on ‘Write a Review’

033 Amy Duncan – Inspiring Women in Angel Investing

033 Amy Duncan – Inspiring Women in Angel Investing



Episode Summary

Welcome to She Invests, where you’ll hear from existing female angel investors, venture capitalists and fund managers on their investment thesis. From deal flow to exits, they will share the best practices that contribute to their success.

In this episode, Dr. Silvia Mah welcomes to the podcast business owner, consultant and investor, Amy Duncan. Amy has over 20 years of experience working in the high growth life sciences industry and is a seasoned marketing strategist. Amy co-founded Goldfish Consulting in 2008 with the goal of helping small businesses and life science entrepreneurs grow their business. Amy currently serves as chair of the communications committee for the San Diego Entrepreneurs Exchange (SDEE) and co-fund manager for the San Diego Angel Conference (SDAC). Dr. Silvia and Amy talk about the mindset transition Amy had to undergo from active angel investor to Lead Fund Manager, the importance of women representation in this field and the growth of the Women of SDAC.

What We Covered

  • 03:59 – Dr. Silvia Mah introduces today’s guest, Amy Duncan who speaks to her involvement in the San Diego Angel Conference and the mindset that was required to take over as Lead Fund Manager
  • 12:33 – Amy recalls a particularly impressive pitch from an entrepreneur finalist pitch at the San Diego Angel Conference and how Amy became a champion for her
  • 20:17 – The transition to becoming a Fund Manager for SDAC III and what excites her most about this venture
  • 26:23 – Amy talks about the group ‘Women of SDAC’ and the work that they do
  • 30:12 – Amy shares what having an abundance mindset means to her

Tweetables

Links Mentioned

Dr. Silvia Mah’s LinkedIn
Dr. Silvia Mah’s Website
Dr. Silvia’s Twitter – @silviamah
Domaine Santé Website
San Diego Angel Conference
Amy’s LinkedIn
Goldfish Consulting Website
Gust Website

Episode Sponsor

Domaine Santé

Share the Show

Did you enjoy the show? We would love it if you subscribed today and left us a 5-star review!

  1. Click this link
  2. Click on the ‘Subscribe’ button below the artwork
  3. Go to the ‘Ratings and Reviews’ section
  4. Click on ‘Write a Review’
Trailer: Inspiring Women in Angel Investing Series

Trailer: Inspiring Women in Angel Investing Series



Episode Summary

Excited to bring to you a new series for the She Invests podcast, a special Inspiring Women in Angel Investing 12-episode series. The genesis of this series rises from the exceptional work the San Diego Angel Conference does in funding innovative companies and the women who are part of this group who are creative, inquisitive and curious, a true alignment of my mission at She invests to give voices to the female angel investors who are actively investing and being an advocate for our amazing San Diego innovation ecosystem through real investor stories.

Episode Sponsor

Uqora

Share the Show

Did you enjoy the show? We would love it if you subscribed today and left us a 5-star review!

  1. Click this link
  2. Click on the ‘Subscribe’ button below the artwork
  3. Go to the ‘Ratings and Reviews’ section
  4. Click on ‘Write a Review’

032 Maria Gonzalez-Blanch – Values-Based Investing

032 Maria Gonzalez-Blanch – Values-Based Investing



Episode Summary

Welcome to She Invests, where you’ll hear from existing female angel investors, venture capitalists and fund managers on their investment thesis. From deal flow to exits, they will share the best practices that contribute to their success.

In this episode, Dr. Silvia Mah welcomes to the podcast Vice President of Crescent Ridge Partners, Maria Gonzalez-Blanch. CRP is a female-led venture capital and private equity firm that invests in early stage companies and growth equity for more mature and proven businesses. Prior to CRP, Maria held senior roles in Operations, Sales and Strategy at Red Bull and Altamont Capital. Dr. Silvia and Maria talk all about investing in values-aligned founders, the impact COVID-19 has had on entrepreneurs and examples of innovative companies Maria and CRP have recently invested in.

What We Covered

  • 03:34 – Dr. Silvia Mah introduces today’s guest, Maria Gonzalez-Blanch who shares her origin story, the work she does at Crescent Ridge Partners and the respect she has for entrepreneurs
  • 11:04 – Maria speaks to her career transition from private equity to venture capital and the investment criteria that Crescent Ridge Partners utilizes
  • 17:27 – Maria identifies some examples of innovative entrepreneurs CRP has invested in
  • 20:40 – How Maria and CRP adapted and pivoted during COVID-19
  • 23:53 – The work Maria is doing with Ad Astra Ventures
  • 28:45 – Maria speaks to yet another company that is doing tremendous work and earned an investment from CRP
  • 31:07 – Maria shares what having an abundance mindset means to her

Tweetables

Links Mentioned

Dr. Silvia Mah’s LinkedIn
Dr. Silvia Mah’s Website
Dr. Silvia’s Twitter – @silviamah
Uqora Website
Maria’s LinkedIn
Crescent Ridge Partners Website

Episode Sponsor

Uqora

Share the Show

Did you enjoy the show? We would love it if you subscribed today and left us a 5-star review!

  1. Click this link
  2. Click on the ‘Subscribe’ button below the artwork
  3. Go to the ‘Ratings and Reviews’ section
  4. Click on ‘Write a Review’
031 Sonia Steinway – It Takes a Village

031 Sonia Steinway – It Takes a Village



Episode Summary

Welcome to She Invests, where you’ll hear from existing female angel investors, venture capitalists and fund managers on their investment thesis. From deal flow to exits, they will share the best practices that contribute to their success.

In this episode, Dr. Silvia Mah welcomes strategic advisor, entrepreneur, and investor Sonia Steinway to discuss the work she’s doing with Village Up. Sonia has a wide array of experience helping startups and entrepreneurs achieve their goals. Most recently, she has focused on helping companies with underrepresented founders, specifically women, people of color, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Dr. Silvia and Sonia discuss investing during COVID-19, the exciting future of Femtech and what abundance mindset means to Sonia.

What We Covered

  • 03:38 – Dr. Silvia Mah introduces today’s guest, Sonia Steinway who shares the exciting work she’s doing with Village Up and the importance of supporting aspiring entrepreneurs from all walks of life
  • 08:14 – Sonia opens up about barriers that LGBTQIA entrepreneurs and founders continue to face
  • 15:55 – Sonia highlights a specific company she’s extremely excited about
  • 21:10 – Sonia shares her investment criteria and the importance of promoting and fostering true diversity
  • 27:14 – Sonia shares her excitement for the future of Femtech
  • 33:30 – Sonia discusses what having an abundance mindset means to her

Tweetables

Links Mentioned

Dr. Silvia Mah’s LinkedIn
Dr. Silvia Mah’s Website
Dr. Silvia’s Twitter – @silviamah
Uqora Website
Sonia’s LinkedIn
Artemis Connection Website

Episode Sponsor

Uqora

Share the Show

Did you enjoy the show? We would love it if you subscribed today and left us a 5-star review!

  1. Click this link
  2. Click on the ‘Subscribe’ button below the artwork
  3. Go to the ‘Ratings and Reviews’ section
  4. Click on ‘Write a Review’