TLDR:
Michelle McBane, founder of StandUp Ventures, emphasizes the importance of patience in seed-stage investing and backing women-led companies. She launched StandUp Ventures in 2017 to address the underrepresentation of women in the startup ecosystem. McBane’s ability to spot potential has led to successful investments in companies like ODAIA and Arteria AI. She believes in supporting founders who can attract talent, customers, and investors, even in challenging market environments.
Summary:
Michelle McBane, known for her expertise in seed-stage investing and backing women-led companies, emphasizes the importance of patience in the venture capital space. Her journey began at Primaxis Technology Ventures, where she discovered her interest in early-stage investments that focus on potential rather than immediate returns.
In 2017, McBane launched StandUp Ventures with a focus on supporting women-founded and women-led companies. She aims to bring diversity to the table and address the lack of capital going to women-led ventures in the Canadian tech ecosystem. Despite challenges, McBane has raised two funds and invested in 26 women-led companies, including successful ventures like ODAIA and Arteria AI.
McBane believes in staying focused on a company’s potential and supporting founders through growth and innovation. She emphasizes the importance of patience in the venture capital world, especially during market contractions. By helping companies achieve their potential and not be deterred by challenges, McBane continues to make a positive impact on the startup ecosystem.
