Women Funding Women: Sherry Shannon-Vanstone is Closing the Venture Capital Gender Gap

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In this episode of Figure Eight, Julie welcomes Sherry Shannon-Vanstone, US government mathematician turned award-winning Silicon Valley startup leader turned venture capital collective co-founder. Julie and Sherry discuss building inclusive work cultures, the complexities of launching a new data analytics venture, and Sherry's efforts to reduce the gender disparity in venture capital.

Sherry Shannon-Vanstone is a purpose-driven, successful serial tech entrepreneur known for building high-performing teams. As a trailblazing woman in information security, she’s a strategic risk-taker who led start-ups to successful exits in Silicon Valley and the Toronto-Waterloo Tech corridor with two IPOs and two acquisitions.

Currently, Sherry serves as a board or advisory member for CANARIE, Protexxa, AI Partnerships and APMA Project Arrow among others. She’s also a highly sought-after speaker on topics such leadership, entrepreneurism and how to create a collaborative corporate culture. Additionally, Sherry is the co-founder of Women Funding Women, a collective with a mission to bridge the gap in funding for women led ventures.

Learn more about Sherry's story and achievements here.

Julie and Sherry discuss...

Early Career and Experience in Information Security (00:02:31)
Sherry discusses her transition from a mathematician in the US government to becoming an entrepreneur in the tech industry. Sherry shares her experience working in information security, joining a startup in Silicon Valley.

Perseverance in Entrepreneurship (00:08:55)
Sherry emphasizes the importance of persistence and perseverance in entrepreneurship, sharing her experiences and setbacks in building successful businesses.

Founding a Company and Building a Culture (00:17:50)
Sherry's efforts to build a culture of inclusivity and respect, forging strong company core values, and her experiences with nepotism. Sherry discusses hiring a high-caliber team.

Acquisition and Transition (00:26:59)
The decision to sell the company, alignment with the acquirer's values, and missed opportunities in the acquisition process.

Women Funding Women Collective (00:38:11)
Sherry discusses amplifying female angel investors and her role in co-founding a venture capital collective that bridges the funding gap for women-led ventures.

You can connect with Profound Impact through their website,  LinkedIn,  Facebook, Instagram, Twitter,  and Youtube. You can also connect with Sherry via her LinkedIn.

You can connect with Julie on LinkedIn or Instagram.

Find Julie's writing at her blog or by ordering her book Big Gorgeous Goals.

Watch for the Big Gorgeous Goals: Official Workbook coming March 2025.

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