Passing the Mic: The VC Exchange - Sara Brand and Kerry Rupp

09/13/22 • 38 min

Sara Brand and Kerry Rupp are the General Partners of True Wealth Ventures, one of the first venture firms founded by women to invest in women. The Austin-based duo are known for being on the forefront of women-focused and women-led investments. As thought leaders in their fields, they are frequently sought out as speakers, coaches and judges as well as contributors on topics such as the advantages of investing in women entrepreneurs and the importance of engaging more women as investors. Each of the women have a set of skills and background experiences that not only guide them in their investment decisions, but add significantly to the success of the companies they join as board members and advisors. Outside of work, Sara and Kerry take pride in being actively involved in a community that never ceases to inspire them.
Episode Highlights

Sara and Kerry reflect on barriers to entry for women in venture capital.
The leaders behind True Wealth Ventures double down on their investment thesis to fund women-led business.
Advice for female entrepreneurs and the impact women have in venture capital.

Sara and Kerry reflect on barriers to entry for women in venture capital.
The leaders behind True Wealth Ventures double down on their investment thesis to fund women-led business.
Advice for female entrepreneurs and the impact women have in venture capital.

Previous Episode

Passing the Mic: The VC Exchange - Mellie Chow

Mellie is an angel investor/venture capitalist, entrepreneur, IT/Technology and Management/Strategy Consultant and Product Innovation Executive with 20+ years of experience across multiple industries including telecommunications & cable, utilities & power generation, banking, healthcare, government, and food. She is currently a venture partner at Archangel, Axion Fund and the Executive Director of Competitive Product Research & Strategic Insights at a Leading Global Telecom/Media Company. Mellie holds a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Waterloo and an MBA from Kellogg (Northwestern) and the Schulich School of Business (York University). She is currently pursuing her executive leadership and management certification from MIT Sloan. Mellie resides in Philadelphia but will always call Canada home.
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

Can overqualification be a downfall?
Tips for females entering the investing landscape
Firms who embrace diversity and female leadership

Next Episode

Passing the Mic: The VC Exchange - Astrid Schanz-Garbassi

Astrid is the CEO at Agni, a company that makes healing foods and teas to support women along the reproductive health continuum. Agni’s cookies, teas, and seasonings are designed to replenish nutrients women are most often depleted of and to support hormone balance, better periods, fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum recovery. Agni infuses science and wisdom in all they do in collaboration with experts in Western Medicine, Ayurveda, Chinese Medicine, Herbalism, and Holistic Nutrition. Agni is committed to serving people and the planet by nourishing people through a sustainable supply chain that does no harm.
Episode Highlights

Why you need diversity on your cap table and how only having male or female investors inverses the problem of diversity and success.
Every business and individual is unique, so even if you try using the same blueprint as someone else, your pathway will look different.
Being proactive in building a balanced culture helps with hiring the right people and finding the best investors.