VC Panel: "Demystifying Venture Capital" Hosted by Genisys

Want a more clear understanding of the venture capital industry and how it operates?

Our Genisys program has rallied together 3 inspiring VC professionals from TechNexus, mHUB, and Cleveland Avenue who are not only knowledgable about the venture capital industry but passionate about entrepreneurship and the startup community! You'll get the insider's scoop on their experiences, insights, and tips on how to navigate the venture capital world.

You'll learn about a wide range of topics related to venture capital, including:

• Different stages of fundraising
• Role of venture capitalists in the startup ecosystem
• Characteristics of successful startups

The overall theme of the panel is to provide attendees with a better understanding of the venture capital industry, including the investment process, the role of VC firms in supporting early-stage startups, and the importance of advancing equity in the venture industry. The panel discussion will help demystify the venture capital industry and provide practical insights for those interested in learning more about the industry.

Click here to learn more about our Genisys program at Illinois Tech.

Neethi is a Venture Manager at Tech Nexus Venture Collaborative where she supports the investment team through sourcing, diligence, and relationship management. Her investment theme focus is on Climate Tech and ESG and has a background in the energy sector. Neethi's interest in the energy transition stems from her personal experience as a TX native, experiencing firsthand the impacts of climate change in her day-to-day life. Previously, Neethi served as a Mayoral Fellow in the City of Chicago, was a Chicago:Blend Venture Fellow, and a Farber Fellow for REDF.

Neethi holds a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Chicago Harris School of Public Policy, is currently working on her MBA (graduating in June!), and did her undergraduate degree at Rice University in Houston, TX.

Alex Lambert, Venture Capital Manager, is responsible for supporting mHUB's broader venture-related efforts to drive investor and corporate participation in mHUB initiatives. Along with the Managing Partners, Alex is currently supporting the fundraise and administration of the mHUB Product Impact Fund.

Prior to joining the mHUB team, Alex worked with a team of financial advisors at Merrill Lynch Wealth Management.

Alex is a graduate of Miami University (Ohio) and holds a business degree in Management and Entrepreneurship. Alex is passionate about the startup community and entrepreneurship, and is an avid runner.

Jason is a Principal at Cleveland Avenue focusing on its CAST US, leading sourcing and due diligence of investment opportunities. Jason has over ten years of work experience in strategy, finance and mergers and acquisitions-related roles within large, multi-national organizations in the Food & Beverage sector. Most recently, Jason was the Business Manager Consumer for Fonterra USA, where he was responsible for growing volume, profitability and brand awareness.

Previously Jason served as Director, Corporate Strategy for TreeHouse Foods and Manager, Strategy & Operations for Deloitte Consulting. Earlier in his career Jason was a Senior Financial Analyst for Warner Music Group and an Investment Banking Analyst at Lehman Brothers.

Jason earned his Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Morehouse College and an MBA from Stanford University Graduate School of Business.

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Host or Publisher Kaplan Institute