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Discovering the Heart Behind Venture Capital: Betsy Fore
Betsy Fore is redefining the venture capital landscape as the founding partner of Velveteen Ventures. Not only is she one of the first Native American women to successfully raise an all-institutional fund, but she also harnesses empathy and ancestral wisdom to enhance her investment strategies. Betsy’s journey is marked by a profound understanding of purpose—guiding her to invest in founders whose missions align with creating meaningful impacts on families, health, and the environment.
A Journey Rooted in Family and Purpose
Fore’s narrative began long before her investment career. A life-altering car accident at 15 taught her the value of each moment. After becoming a mother, the urgency to contribute to society crystallized for her. “Every company I built was for one of my babies,” she reflects, naming her startups not just with intention, but also with love. This perspective is carried into her current role at Velveteen Ventures where she believes in investing for the next seven generations—an Indigenous philosophy that prioritizes the well-being of future descendants.
The Intersection of Emotion and Strategy
In a world often driven by harsh metrics and analytics, Fore emphasizes the importance of combining instinct with discipline. “Investing with heart involves believing in the founder and their vision,” she shares. Her recently published book, Built on Purpose, highlights methods to weave personal values into business endeavors. By guiding entrepreneurs in harnessing their 'Deep Inner Why', Fore helps them align their goals with emotional and tangible outcomes.
Inclusivity in Investing
Betsy’s leadership also echoes the need for a diversified approach to capital investment. With her and her partner Karla Brollier at the helm, Velveteen Ventures champions a new era for women and Native American investors, tackling the significant underrepresentation of these groups in venture capital. By including underrepresented founders in the dialogue, they ensure perspectives that broaden the typical business narrative.
The Path Toward Sustainable Impact
Through her work at Velveteen, Betsy Fore embodies a shift in how success in venture capital is defined. It’s not merely about financial returns but about creating a legacy of positive change. This holistic approach not only nurtures startups but reinvigorates communities, showing that profit and purpose can indeed coexist. As the venture capital landscape evolves, Betsy stands as a beacon for future entrepreneurs looking to build meaningful businesses grounded in values.
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