Female VC Lab

Discover how an accidental career leap led to investing across global gaming, consumer apps, and beyond. In this compelling episode of Female VC Lab, Barbara Bickham sits down with Phylicia Koh, GP at Play Ventures, to unpack the journey from startup growth roles to leading one of the most forward-thinking early-stage funds in gaming and consumer tech. Whether you’re a founder, investor, or aspiring VC, this episode is packed with insights on embracing serendipity, the evolution of VC, and the art and science of finding product-market fit.Why listen? You’ll learn what makes a VC distinctive, how Play Ventures disrupts itself, and why consumer apps are the new frontier for gaming’s best practices. Phylicia Koh also offers a candid look at founder hustle, the realities of raising VC money, and bold predictions about the future of venture capital—including the rise of new investment vehicles and retail investor participation.Guest Information Guest Name: Phylicia KohBio: Phylicia Koh is a General Partner at Play Ventures, an early-stage global venture fund focused on gaming, consumer apps, and infrastructure. Drawing upon nearly a decade in startup growth and product leadership, she brings a unique founder’s eye to investing, prioritizing curiosity, adaptability, and operational experience.Links:X: @pphylLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/phyliciakoh/Play Ventures: https://www.playventures.vc/Host & Show Info Host Name: Barbara BickhamAbout the Host: Barbara Bickham is the Host of the Female VC Lab and an experienced technologist, investor, and advocate for diversity in early-stage startups.Podcast Website: https://femalevclab.comCommunity & Calls to ActionPrimary CTA: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – The most impactful way to support the show.Sign up for our newsletter: https://femalevclab.com/subscribeFollow us on social media:X (formerly Twitter): @FemaleVCLabLinkedIn: Female VC LabJoin the conversation: Comment on LinkedIn, send us a message, or share your key takeaways using #FemaleVCLab.Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Female VC Lab podcast, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Kristina Chapple, General Partner at 11 Tribes VC. Kristina shares her journey into venture capital, driven by a passion for supporting founders beyond just financial returns. She discusses 11 Tribes’ unique thesis: investing not only in business outcomes but also in founder well-being, allocating capital specifically for founder resilience initiatives such as coaching, therapy, and even marriage counseling.Kristina dives into why a founder’s personal health, relationships, and identity are crucial for long-term business success, and how 11 Tribes underwrites for sustainable, middle-market exits rather than chasing billion-dollar unicorns. The conversation touches on industry shifts, with founders raising less and pursuing earlier, impactful exits. Kristina also shares her current reading—Katherine Graham’s autobiography—and reflects on identity and confidence themes that resonate both with her work and personal growth.Tune in for an insightful look at how venture capital can evolve to truly put founders first, and why “founder outcome” might just be the next big metric in investment success. ★ Support this podcast ★

Ready to discover how venture capital can drive real impact for emerging markets—and what true leadership looks like in the investment world? In this episode of Female VC Lab, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Eva Yazhari, Managing Partner at Beyond Capital Ventures, for an unfiltered conversation on building a mission-driven VC fund, why conscious leadership matters, and how investing in Africa and India’s rising middle classes creates incredible opportunities for transformation. Tune in to hear Eva share how she moved from finance into venture capital, her relational approach to due diligence, why formalizing informal markets like smallholder farming is a game-changing thesis, and how she’s fostering community and alignment by giving GP carry to all team members—and even founders. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a founder in emerging markets, or simply passionate about sustainable growth, you’ll walk away inspired and equipped with fresh insights into where VC is headed next.Guest InformationGuest Name: Eva YazhariBio: Eva Yazhari is the Managing Partner of Beyond Capital Ventures, a purpose-driven venture capital firm investing in seed to Series A rounds across Africa and India. With roots in institutional finance, Eva brings a wealth of experience in fund management, deep due diligence, and impact investing, focusing on technologies and services that uplift the “need to haves” through conscious leadership and stakeholder alignment.Links:Beyond Capital VenturesLinkedIn – Eva YazhariInstagram – @consciousinvestorThe Good Your Money Can Do (Book)Episode OutlineHow Eva Yazhari Entered VC & Built Beyond Capital VenturesHear Eva’s unconventional journey from math major to fund-of-funds to founding her own emerging markets VC, and the unique skill set she carried into her new role. Resource: Beyond Capital Ventures TeamFormalizing Informal Markets in Emerging EconomiesExplore “formalizing the informal,” and learn how Beyond Capital Ventures invests in businesses that empower smallholder farmers and aggregate resources for scalable, sustainable impact, featuring a spotlight on agritech company Cinch.Resource: Portfolio CompaniesConscious Leadership & Redefining VC AlignmentGain insight into Eva’s approach to authentic, stakeholder-centered leadership, including her innovative decision to share GP carry with both her team and portfolio founders—creating alignment and community while driving results.Resource: The Good Your Money Can DoRelated Episodes & Additional ResourcesBook Recommendation: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle – Eva’s pick for building strong, collaborative culturesHost & Show InfoHost Name: Barbara BickhamAbout the Host: Barbara Bickham is the founder and Managing Partner of Trailyn Ventures, technology executive, and passionate advocate for diversity and innovation in venture capital.Podcast Website: femalevclab.comCommunity & Calls to ActionPrimary CTA: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. https://taplink.cc/femalevclabFollow us on social media:X (formerly Twitter): @FemaleVCLabInstagram: @femalevclabComment on LinkedIn, send us a message at femalevclab@trailyn.com, or share your key takeaways using #FemaleVCLab.Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway. ★ Support this podcast ★

Step into the world of impact investing with this captivating episode of Female VC Lab! Host Barbara Bickham sits down with Najada Kumbuli, Vice President and Head of Investments at the Visa Foundation, for an illuminating conversation on reshaping capitalism for the greater good. Discover how Najada’s journey from communist Albania to leading global VC strategies at Visa Foundation fuels her passion for social responsibility, small business empowerment, and inclusive innovation. Find out what’s next in venture capital, why AI and emerging markets are top of mind, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Visa Foundation backs entrepreneurs while driving lasting social impact. Whether you’re an investor, founder, or changemaker, you’ll leave inspired and equipped with actionable insights on building a more equitable future.Guest InformationGuest Name: Najada KumbuliBio: Najada Kumbuli is the Vice President and Head of Investments at the Visa Foundation, where she champions impact investing and ecosystem growth for small businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide. Leveraging her unique upbringing in Albania and global expertise, Najada leads a holistic investment strategy with a focus on inclusion, sustainable growth, and measurable social impact.Links:Visa Foundation Website: https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/visa-foundation.htmlLinkedIn: Najada Kumbuli LinkedInEpisode OutlineOrigins & Inspiration for Impact InvestingNajada shares her powerful personal journey from communist Albania to global investing, revealing what motivated her to pursue impact investing and advocate for “conscious capitalism.”Learn more about impact investing from the Visa FoundationVisa Foundation’s Investment Thesis & Global StrategyA deep dive into how the Visa Foundation’s thesis centers on championing small businesses with access to capital, digital tools, and financial skills—spanning micro-entrepreneurs in Nigeria to high-growth startups in India.Visa Foundation Annual Report: See their latest impact and portfolio highlightsTrends Shaping the Future of Venture CapitalNajada gives her perspective on what’s ahead for VC: the expanding role of AI and deep tech, greater discipline in investing, increased attention to emerging markets like Africa and Latin America, and the rise of responsible, impact-driven investments.Acquired Podcast – a favorite resource mentioned by NajadaResources for Founders & Fund ManagersDiscover how to get connected with the Visa Foundation, access reports, and tap into support and tools for scaling your impact-driven business.Contact Visa Foundation or access their resourcesFurther Reading & Resources:Visa Foundation Impact Report: Read hereBook: “Conscious Capitalism” by John Mackey & Raj SisodiaAcquired PodcastHost & Show InfoHost Name: Barbara BickhamAbout the Host: Barbara Bickham is a veteran technologist, investor, and founder committed to amplifying women’s voices in venture capital. She brings her expertise in innovation, investing, and entrepreneurship to every episode of Female VC Lab.Podcast Website: https://femalevclab.comCommunity & Calls to ActionRate & Review on Apple Podcasts – Support the show by leaving a review!Contact the show: femalevclab@trailyn.comFollow us on social media:X (formerly Twitter): @femalevclabInstagram: @femalevclabJoin the conversation: Comment on LinkedIn, X, or share your key takeaways using #FemaleVCLab.Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of Female VC Lab, host Barbara Bickham welcomes Erika Aquino, angel investor and head of m Squad, a global investment group based in Singapore with deep roots in the Philippines. Erika shares her unique journey into investing, starting with her father's legacy in tech entrepreneurship and evolving into her own path focused on impact and community. Erika dives into her investment thesis, which centers on supporting women and minority-owned startups in sustainability, wellness, the future of work, and education—plus adjacent sectors like biotech and agriculture. She discusses her passion for early-stage investments and highlights the critical role that founder EQ (emotional intelligence) plays in her decision-making process. The conversation also explores how AI is transforming research, due diligence, and even founder discovery, while acknowledging the ongoing need for human connection in investment decisions. Erika also touches on her interest in food sovereignty, driven by her experiences in the disaster-prone Philippines, and how that shapes her perspective on the global supply chain. Tune in to hear Erika’s insights on the future of angel investing, the evolving impact of technology, and the importance of community-driven investments. Don’t miss her tips for founders, her recommended reads, and her candid reflections on the challenges and opportunities in today’s rapidly changing investment landscape. To connect with Erika, visit erika-aquino.com or find her on LinkedIn and Instagram. ★ Support this podcast ★

Cheryl L. Evans joins host Barbara Bickham from the Milken Institute’s Global Conference to discuss longevity, retirement planning, and the emerging wealth transfer impacting women and future generations. Drawing on her background in securities law and financial education, Cheryl shares actionable insights about financial security, the necessity of lifetime income, and challenges and opportunities for younger generations in today’s economic landscape. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this powerful episode of Female VC Lab, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Mary King, vice president at Aligned Climate Fund, to uncover how venture capital is accelerating the global clean energy transition. If you’re curious about the future of climate tech, energy innovation, and how investors are driving decarbonization, this episode is for you!Mary pulls back the curtain on Aligned Climate Fund’s investment thesis: investing in companies taking real action to decarbonize our infrastructure—including clean energy, resilient infrastructure, electric transport, and sustainable land use. You’ll hear insider stories about backing geothermal breakthroughs, innovative microgrid solutions, and the growing impact of point source carbon capture. Mary and Barbara also dive deep on challenges in climate tech VC, how AI could transform investment diligence, and why distributed energy and resilience are game changers for communities around the world.Whether you’re in the climate space, an entrepreneur, or just passionate about shaping a sustainable future, you’ll walk away with fresh insights and inspiration for what’s next in climate innovation and venture capital.Guest Information Guest Name: Mary King Bio: Mary King is vice president at Aligned Climate Fund, the venture strategy for Aligned Climate Capital. She invests in early-stage companies driving decarbonization across clean energy, resilient infrastructure, electric transport, and sustainable land use. Links:Mary King’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryeking/Aligned Climate Capital: https://alignedclimatecapital.com/Episode OutlineAligned Climate Fund’s Investment Thesis Mary explains how Aligned invests in seed to Series B companies with proven climate solutions, focusing on clean energy, resilient infrastructure, and decarbonization.More about Aligned Climate CapitalThe Role of Emerging Technologies: Geothermal, Microgrids & Carbon Capture A look at how Aligned approaches geothermal and microgrid investments, plus insights on distributed energy and point source carbon capture for scalable climate action. Resource: What is Geothermal Energy?Resource: Distributed Energy ResourcesThe Future of Climate Tech and VC: AI, Diligence, and Industry Shifts Mary predicts how AI will soon revolutionize VC deal flow and diligence, enabling faster, smarter investment decisions—and what this means specifically for the climate sector. Resource: AI in Venture CapitalTranscript For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://femalevclab.comAbout the Host: Barbara Bickham is a venture investor, technologist, and founder of Female VC Lab. She champions women in venture and spotlights game-changing leaders investing for a better future. Podcast Website: https://femalevclab.comRate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. Review us here!Contact the show: femalevclab@trailyn.comFollow us on social media:Instagram: @femalevclabX (formerly Twitter): @femalevclabYoutube: @femalevclabJoin the conversation: Comment on X, send us a message, or share your favorite takeaway using #FemaleVCLab.Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Female VC Lab podcast, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Katelin Holloway, founding partner at venture capital firm Seven Seven Six. Katelin shares her journey from being an operator and executive to becoming a venture capitalist. She talks about her deep empathy for founders and the valuable insights she gained while sitting on the other side of the boardroom table. Katelin elaborates on the thesis-agnostic approach of Seven Seven Six, highlighting how the firm meets the best founders with capital, regardless of industry or sector. The conversation also delves into Katelin's reading habits, which include the Artemis Accords related to space exploration, and her views on how the venture capital landscape is evolving. She emphasizes the need for VCs to provide more than just capital, advocating for expertise and operational support to the founders. Barbara and Katelin also explore the role of AI as a fundamental platform shift affecting all businesses, likening its impact to that of the Internet revolution. Tune in to gain insights into investment philosophies, the changing world of venture capital, and the influential role of AI in the future of various industries. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Female VC Lab Podcast, Barbara Bickham hosts Marcia Dawood, a venture partner with Mindshift Capital. Marcia shares her journey into the world of venture capital, sparked by an unexpected introduction to angel investing. Realizing the gender disparity in funding, she teamed up with Heather Hennion to establish Mindshift Capital, focusing on investing in women-led companies globally. The conversation delves into their investment thesis, targeting innovation in tech, fintech, food tech, edtech, and health tech. Marcia highlights the complexities and rewards of global investing, learning to navigate different markets to support groundbreaking ideas.Marcia discusses her fascination with people's mindsets and relationships with money, emphasizing the importance of democratizing investing. She highlights her initiatives to educate and invite more people, especially women, into the investing realm through her podcast "The Angel Next Door" and her book "Do Good While Doing". Reflecting on the future, Marcia envisions a more accessible private investing landscape, akin to the evolution seen in public markets, and advocates for expanding the definition of an accredited investor. Tune in to explore how these changes could foster greater inclusivity and innovation in the venture capital world. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this riveting episode of Female VC Lab, we delve deep into the transformative potential of smart cities, particularly through the lens of AI and data-driven urban planning. Live from CES 2025, they unpack insights from a panel of experts in weather forecasting, urban design, and civic technology. Join us as we explore how AI can predict extreme weather events far beyond historical patterns, and how it can help cities prepare for unprecedented challenges. Learn about the revolutionary concept of probabilistic forecasting and its implications for emergency preparedness. We also discuss the idea of citizen-centric smart cities, where technology elevates the convenience and inclusivity of public services. However, it's not all about shiny new tech. Daniel and Barbara also tackle the pressing issues of data management, standardization, and the ethical use of AI. They highlight the importance of public-private partnerships and the need for robust data systems to build truly smart cities. From the Amazonification of government services to the ethical development and deployment of AI, this episode covers a spectrum of topics that are shaping the future of urban living. We wrap it up by discussing the broader implications of AI, including job displacement, privacy concerns, and the potential for misuse by authoritarian regimes. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the convergence of technology, urban planning, and ethical considerations in building the cities of tomorrow. Tune in and get inspired about the future of smart cities! ★ Support this podcast ★

E108 - Liz Kukka: Innovating Purpose and Impact through Tokenized Lending In this enlightening episode of the Female VC Lab podcast, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Liz Kukka, CEO of Purpose For Profit. Liz dives deep into her groundbreaking work with Purpose For Profit, a tokenized lending fund dedicated to building affordable, mixed-income housing.  Discover how they are leveraging blockchain technology to provide below-market-rate loans, offering a transparent and revolutionary way to fund and manage real estate projects. Liz also discusses the motivation behind their innovative funding structure, the challenges nonprofits face in raising capital, and the potential of crypto assets to make a real-world impact. Tune in to hear Liz share her insights on the future of venture capital and digital assets, the importance of affordable housing, and her personal journey towards creating a more equitable financial system. Whether you're an investor, a tech enthusiast, or someone interested in social impact, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how financial innovation can drive meaningful change. Key Takeaways: - Understanding Purpose For Profit's unique thesis and funding mechanism - The role of blockchain in real estate and philanthropic initiatives - The impact of affordable housing on education and health outcomes - Future trends in venture capital and the rise of digital assets - Liz's vision for a more transparent and equitable investment landscape Don't miss this episode packed with innovative ideas and practical insights. Listen now to learn from one of the leading voices at the intersection of finance, technology, and social impact! ★ Support this podcast ★

Episode E107: Julia Krieger - Pari Passu Venture Partners In this enlightening episode of the Female VC Lab Podcast, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Julia Krieger, the dynamic force behind Pari Passu Venture Partners. Julia shares her journey to becoming a venture capitalist, driven by her passion for building and creating. She reveals the innovative model of Pari Passu, which focuses on individual SPVs and robust support systems to ensure the success of their diverse portfolio. Barbara and Julia delve into the meaning and inspiration behind the name "Pari Passu," emphasizing equal footing and deep founder support. Julia also discusses the importance of having operatives on the cap table who bring invaluable experience and insights to the businesses they invest in. Listeners will gain insights into Julia’s current personal growth journey, highlighted by her reflections on The Surrender Experiment by Michael Singer. Julia shares her philosophy of "flow versus force," explaining how this mindset can influence leadership and operational success. Looking forward, Julia and Barbara explore future trends in venture capital, such as the increasing emphasis on value-add investors and the thoughtful selection of cap table participants. They also touch on emerging industries that promise interesting opportunities for investors. Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical wisdom, future forecasts, and the innovative approach of Pari Passu Venture Partners. Tune in to discover how this unique venture capital model fosters a supportive, dynamic community for founders and investors alike. Key topics discussed: Julia Krieger's journey to venture capitalism Unique SPV-focused model of Pari Passu Venture Partners The significance of the name "Pari Passu" Concept of "flow versus force" in leadership Emerging trends and industries in venture capital Pari Passu’s commitment to creating a supportive investment community Contact Information: Julia Krieger - julia@ppvp.com Pari Passu Venture Partners App [Available on app stores] Tune in and be inspired by Julia Krieger's innovative approach to venture capital! ★ Support this podcast ★

In this compelling episode of "Female VC Lab," host Barbara Bickham sits down with Keara Sauber, the dynamic CEO of Sauber Capital. With over 20 years of experience in the healthcare and technology sectors, Keara discusses her seminal journey from big pharma to venture capital. She shares her unique investment thesis, focusing on biotech diagnostics, women's health, and the importance of supporting female founders.Listen in as Keara delves into emerging sectors like longevity and distinguishes between health span and lifespan, emphasizing preventative biotech diagnostics. She also shares her current reading habits, blending a mix of professional venture documents with personal interests in longevity and biohacking.Barbara and Keara explore the future landscape of venture capital, highlighting the need for more specialization and collaboration among venture funds, private equity, and investment bankers. They also discuss how venture capital needs to adapt by offering diverse financial instruments.Looking ahead, both Barbara and Keara ponder how venture capital will evolve over the next two years, stressing the importance of inclusive thinking and collaborative efforts to bring in more female voices and varied funding strategies.Tune in for invaluable insights and forward-thinking discussions that are reshaping the world of venture capital, one investment at a time. ★ Support this podcast ★

In this episode of the Female VC Lab Podcast, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Kt McBratney from Renew Venture Capital and Purpose Rounds. They dive deep into the critical role of venture capital in addressing societal challenges and supporting historically overlooked founders, particularly women and underrepresented groups. Kt shares insights on the importance of intersectionality in funding, the need to challenge exclusionary systems, and how opening up investment opportunities can empower diverse communities. They also discuss the evolving landscape of venture capital, the impact of Gen Z's values, and the necessity for innovation within the industry. Tune in to learn how Kt is working to create a more inclusive and equitable future in venture capital and how you can get involved in this transformative movement. ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to Episode E104 of the Female VC Lab Podcast! In this engaging episode, host Barbara Bickham chats with Anne Gherini, the Chief Marketing Officer at Sierra Ventures, an early-stage venture capital firm focused on the future of enterprise. Anne shares her transition from being an operator to becoming a venture capitalist, highlighting her passion for early-stage investments and the dynamic nature of her role. She dives into Sierra Ventures' investment thesis centered on B2B software and discusses the exciting yet challenging landscape of venture capital, especially with the rapid advancements in AI. Anne also reveals her latest reads and offers insightful predictions about the evolving VC industry. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on the world of venture capital and the future of enterprise technology! ★ Support this podcast ★

Welcome to another episode of the Female VC Lab Podcast! In today's episode, we're thrilled to host Katie Quilligan, an investor at Bank Tech Ventures. Katie shares her inspiring journey from working on the operator side at companies like American Express to becoming a venture capitalist driven by the passion to support women entrepreneurs. She dives deep into the unique investment thesis of Bank Tech Ventures, a strategic fund backed by over 100 community banks, and their mission to bridge the gap between traditional banking and modern technology. Katie also discusses how AI and innovation are transforming the banking landscape, the importance of balancing innovation with regulatory compliance, and her insights on the future of venture capital. Tune in for an engaging conversation filled with valuable perspectives and actionable insights for aspiring investors and entrepreneurs alike. ★ Support this podcast ★

Keri Findley,  is the founder of Tacora Capital,  an Austin, Texas based firm which does asset-backed private credit to venture-owned companies. Providing loans to youngish companies is an important part of the VC ecosystem, and Keri takes pride in helping young entrepreneurs grow their startups. ★ Support this podcast ★

Corinne Bortniker is a Director at Cohen Circle where she supports SPAC deal execution and venture capital investments. Previously, Corinne was a Vice President at Wells Fargo Securities, focused on Technology, Media, and Telecom Equity Capital Markets. She has extensive experience executing equity capital markets transactions, raising proceeds for public and private companies. Prior to Wells Fargo Securities, she was an Equity Capital Markets analyst at Cowen Inc. Corinne holds a B.A. in Business and Psychology from Brandeis University. ★ Support this podcast ★

Mary Ellen Iskenderian is President and CEO of Women’s World Banking, the global nonprofit devoted to giving more low-income women access to the financial tools and resources they need to achieve security and prosperity. Ms. Iskenderian has led the Women’s World Banking global team, based in New York, since 2006 and also serves on the Investment Committees of its two impact investment funds. Previously, Ms. Iskenderian worked at the International Finance Corporation, the private sector arm of the World Bank, and the investment bank Lehman Brothers. Ms. Iskenderian is a permanent member of the Council on Foreign Relations, as well as a member of the Women’s Forum of New York and the UN’s Business and Sustainable Development Commission. She serves as a Director on the Board of the William and Flora Hewlett Foundation. Ms. Iskenderian holds an MBA from the Yale School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. Recently, she was recognized in the Forbes 50 over 50: Investment list, which highlights female investors and financial leaders. Her first book, There’s Nothing Micro About a Billion Women: Making Finance Work for Women, was published by MIT Press in April 2022. ★ Support this podcast ★

Madhu is a managing partner and co-founder of Rocketship.vc. Prior to Rocketship, she was Chief Data Officer for Gojek, contributing to its growth into a $10 billion unicorn. She served as an operating partner at a $150M PE fund building startups across Southeast Asia and was a member of Intuit’s Quickbooks Lending Platform founding team. ★ Support this podcast ★