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About Sierra Clouse
Sierra Clouse is the Founder of Barclo Ventures, a future-tech venture studio based in the Pacific Northwest. She operates at the intersection of quantum computing, AI, and systems innovation — backing founders who are building the infrastructure and intelligence of tomorrow.

Her career path is anything but traditional — spanning anti-trafficking advocacy, TEDx production, and now venture capital and ecosystem building. Known for her strategic mind and creative drive, Sierra represents the next generation of venture leaders who blend empathy, curiosity, and systems thinking to tackle humanity's biggest challenges.

🔗 LinkedIn – https://www.linkedin.com/in/sierra-clouse
🔗 Website – https://barclo.ventures

Topics We Cover in This Episode
• Sierra's passion for cooking, reading, and creative outlets
• Lessons from producing and speaking at TEDx Belltown Women
• Her journey into blockchain, AI, and quantum computing
• How she approaches grants and deep-tech fundraising
• Balancing significance and humility in leadership
• The future of AI, ethics, and responsible innovation
• Building a venture studio and supporting deep-tech founders
• Comparing VC culture between Seattle and the Bay Area
• Big Tech's impact on innovation and startup succession
• Parenting while leading in the venture ecosystem
• The "Dead Internet Theory" and multiverse thinking
• Procurement, cybersecurity, and complexity in innovation
• Energy demands of AI and how quantum could change that
• Challenges facing female founders in global innovation
• Personal productivity, boundary-setting, and emotional resilience

Sierra's Advice
"Fear is always an option, but it is never the answer. Uncertainty is scary… but don't spiral. Get back into curiosity, wonder, and research. Find your people, take local action, and create your own bright spots — no matter how big the challenges seem."

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