Brigette Lau stands out as a remarkable figure in the world of venture capital. Did you know that she is not only a successful entrepreneur but also a dedicated advocate for education? With her impressive background and numerous achievements, Brigette Lau is known for making significant contributions to the startup ecosystem. As a co-founder of the venture capital firm Firework Ventures and a partner at Social Capital, she focuses on investing in entrepreneurs who aim to create positive change in education worldwide.
This article dives deep into Brigette Lau’s biography, exploring her early life, education, career path, and much more.
Who is Brigette Lau?
So, who is Brigette Lau and what does she do? She is a prominent entrepreneur and venture capitalist known for her work in the tech and education sectors. With a passion for helping startups succeed, she has made a name for herself as a leader in the investment community. Brigette Lau’s influence extends beyond just investing; she actively supports and mentors young entrepreneurs. People often wonder, “What is Brigette Lau known for?” Her commitment to improving education and her strategic investments position her as a key player in the industry.
Category | Details |
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Personal Information | |
Full Name | Brigette Lau |
Born | 1981 in Menlo Park, California, United States |
Nationality | American |
Religion | Christianity |
Ethnicity | Mixed |
Education | |
Undergraduate | First Class Honors in Computer Engineering, University of Waterloo |
Graduate | MBA, Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business (2007) |
Career | |
Early Career | Sales executive at IBM, engineering positions at Silicon Valley startups |
Current Roles | Co-founder and General Partner at Firework Ventures |
Previous Roles | Co-founder and COO of Social Capital |
Ventures | |
Firework Ventures | – Co-founder and General Partner – Focus on future of work, HR tech, fintech, well-being tech, and edtech – Investment range: $25K to $10M (sweet spot around $5M) |
Social Capital | – Co-founder and former COO – Focus on healthcare, education, and financial services |
Notable Investments | |
Companies | Stride Funding, TiLT, Clasp, Maker Wine, Guild Education, BetterUp, Newsela, Vena Medical |
Investment Philosophy | Emphasis on creating opportunities for economic and social mobility |
Personal Life | |
Family | Previously married to Chamath Palihapitiya (divorced in 2018) Three children from the marriage |
Interests | – Poker player – Community involvement – Culinary ventures (co-founded Tin Pot Creamery and Bird Dog) – Supporter of the arts |
Board Positions | |
Current | – Board Partner at Social Capital – Board Member at CodeNow – Board Member at Descomplica – Board Member of Golden State Warriors |
Philanthropy | |
Focus Areas | – Coding education for underrepresented youth (through CodeNow) – Community engagement and fundraising for the arts |
Social Media | |
Presence | Limited public presence on major platforms |
Recent News | |
Achievements | Celebrated a Quality Award win with her team at DPLH from customer DSV |
Media Features | Featured in articles highlighting her role in transforming the future of work |
Early Life and Education
Brigette Lau was born and raised in a supportive environment that encouraged learning and ambition. She pursued her education with a keen interest in technology. After completing high school, she attended the University of Waterloo, where she graduated with First Class Honors in computer engineering. This educational background laid the foundation for her future endeavors. Later, she earned her MBA from Georgetown’s McDonough School of Business, solidifying her expertise in business and finance.
Understanding Brigette Lau’s education helps us appreciate her journey. Her academic achievements played a crucial role in shaping her career. With her engineering skills and business acumen, she was well-equipped to enter the fast-paced world of technology and finance.
Career Overview
Brigette Lau’s career began in the tech industry, where she worked as a sales executive at IBM. This experience gave her valuable insights into the corporate world and helped her understand the needs of startups. However, her true passion lay in venture capital. She co-founded Social Capital, where she served as the Chief Operating Officer. This role allowed her to connect with entrepreneurs and support innovative ideas.
In 2020, Brigette Lau took a significant step by co-founding Firework Ventures, an early-stage fund focused on the future of work. Her efforts here are about more than just making investments; they aim to empower entrepreneurs and help them succeed. Brigette Lau’s career highlights and achievements reflect her dedication to fostering innovation and driving change.
Major Achievements
Throughout her career, Brigette Lau has garnered numerous accolades. One of her notable achievements is her role in securing funding for groundbreaking startups. By investing in companies that prioritize education and technology, she has made a lasting impact on the industry. Brigette Lau’s achievements speak to her ability to identify promising ventures and nurture them to success.
Additionally, she holds several board and advisory positions, including being a Board Partner at Social Capital, a Board Member at CodeNow, and at Descomplica. These roles demonstrate her commitment to shaping the future of education through strategic guidance and support.
Personal Life
When it comes to Brigette Lau’s personal life, she tends to keep things private. However, it’s known that she was previously married to Chamath Palihapitiya, a well-known entrepreneur and investor. Their relationship brought her into the public eye, but she has always focused on her career and the impact she can make. Insights into Brigette Lau’s personal life and values reveal a person who prioritizes integrity and hard work.
Current Projects
Currently, Brigette Lau is heavily involved in various projects that aim to disrupt traditional education models. As a co-founder of Firework Ventures, she actively seeks out startups that focus on innovative solutions for learning. This includes investments in technology that enhances online education and tools that make learning more accessible. Her commitment to these projects illustrates her belief that education is a powerful tool for change.
Brigette Lau’s projects often revolve around finding new ways to engage students and educators alike. By leveraging technology, she helps create platforms that foster collaboration and creativity.
Public Speaking and Influence
As a recognized Brigette Lau speaker, she frequently shares her insights at conferences and events. Her public speaking engagements allow her to inspire others and promote the importance of education in today’s world. She often discusses the challenges and opportunities that come with investing in startups, particularly those focused on education.
Moreover, her influence extends to the next generation of entrepreneurs. Many young individuals look up to her as a role model in the venture capital space. They admire her ability to balance personal and professional commitments while making a difference in the industry.
Social Media Presence
In today’s digital age, having a strong social media presence is crucial for public figures. Brigette Lau’s social media profiles reflect her professional journey and personal interests. She uses platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to share her thoughts on entrepreneurship, education, and investment trends.
Through her posts, she connects with a broad audience, offering valuable advice and insights. This engagement helps her maintain a positive image as a leading Brigette Lau influencer in her field.
Future Goals and Aspirations
Looking ahead, Brigette Lau has ambitious plans for her career. She aims to continue supporting innovative startups and expanding her impact in the education sector. By investing in companies that align with her values, she hopes to contribute to a more equitable and effective education system.
Understanding Brigette Lau’s career path and future goals reveals a person who is dedicated to making a difference. She believes that by empowering entrepreneurs, she can help shape the future of education for the better.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Brigette Lau embodies the spirit of innovation and dedication in the venture capital world. Her journey from a computer engineering graduate to a successful entrepreneur and investor showcases her commitment to education and technology. Through her work at Social Capital and Firework Ventures, she continues to make significant contributions to the industry.
By learning about Brigette Lau’s background, achievements, and future aspirations, we gain insight into a remarkable individual who is dedicated to creating positive change. As she continues her journey, many will be inspired by her story and the impact she has on the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Brigette Lau’s influence is sure to grow, and her legacy will likely inspire future leaders in the venture capital space for years to come.