Anne Dwane, a Partner at Village Global, shares her commitment to supporting amazing entrepreneurs working on big ideas. Leveraging her background as an entrepreneur-turned-investor, Anne underscores the significance of establishing networks early and explores the feasibility of launching a company during economic downturns. Moreover, she sheds light on the dynamic role of venture capitalists, particularly within a VC industry confronted by distinctive challenges.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

[2:00] Invest in your networks early.

[5:54] Starting a company during an economic downturn: is it a good idea?

[9:43] The multifaceted role of VCs as super connectors and coaches.

[16:20] The best founders identify opportunities in the current world and articulate a clear vision of how to navigate toward a better future.

[25:34] Founders deserve investors who are wholeheartedly committed and thoroughly convinced of the startup's potential for success.

The non-profit organization that Anne is passionate about: UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital's Center for Child Protection

About Anne Dwane

Anne Dwane, Co-Founder & Partner at Village Global, has a wealth of experience with a background that includes tech company founding, venture-backed CEO positions, and executive roles in public companies. Over her 20-year career, she has successfully managed P & Ls and excelled in scaling operations from startup to IPO and building effective teams. Notable achievements include leading companies to successful acquisitions by Monster and Chegg, as well as managing P&L responsibilities for Chegg before and after its IPO (valued at $1 billion). Currently, she serves on the board of Harvard Business Publishing.

About Village Global

Village Global is a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm dedicated to supporting  amazing entrepreneurs working on big ideas. With a typical investment range of $250,000 to $1.5 million, the firm goes beyond funding, offering founders access to a vibrant community, expert guidance, and transformative introductions. Chaired by Reid Hoffman and backed by esteemed visionaries such as Jeff Bezos, Bill Gates, Mark Zuckerberg, Anne Wojcicki, and more, Village Global has an impressive portfolio that includes companies like Excarta, Simply Homes, Juno, Evisort, Siena AI, Canopy, Risk Ledger, OpenCover, Boost Capital, Atmosfy, among others.

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