Leading with Impact: A Spotlight on the Women of Kapor Capital

As pioneers of impact investing, Kapor Capital has invested exclusively in early-stage startups that close gaps of access for low-income communities and communities of color since 2011. We believe that lived experiences provide a competitive edge in identifying problems to be solved and markets to be accessed and are proud that our team reflects our values.

In Venture Capital, women have historically been underrepresented. At Kapor Capital, we are changing that narrative. This Women’s History Month, we’re proud to highlight and celebrate the women making an impact in VC at Kapor Capital, where over half of our team are women. From leading investment deals to supporting our portfolio companies, the women at Kapor Capital have been instrumental in driving our mission forward. Read more below about the wonderful women driving positive change at our firm.

Uriridiakoghene “Ulili” Onovakpuri | Co-Managing Partner

Ulili co-managed the launch of Kapor Capital's Fund III, a $126 million investment vehicle, the firm’s largest to date. She has invested in numerous startups in the digital health, med devices and people operations tech space and provides entrepreneurs with the capital they need to develop innovative solutions to reach those in need. Most recently she invested in a women-led healthcare startup, whose mission is to provide care for low-income women in Kenya and Nigeria.??

Previously, Ulili served as Director of Global Programs at Village Capital and received her MBA with a concentration in Health Sector Management from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. She is a native San Franciscan and a proud UC Berkeley Alum.

Jolynn Vallejo | Chief of Staff

Powered by a strong cup of café and great music Jolynn reminds us that impact without measurement is meaningless. As Kapor Capital's amazing Chief of Staff, she is the bridge connecting Kapor Capital and our extensive network, which includes co-investors, LPs, ecosystem partners and potential founders.?

Jolynn’s passion is two-fold: building generational wealth within underserved communities and fostering a diverse ecosystem of investors, startup founders and fund managers.?

Her background is as impressive as her drive. In addition to being an amazing mom to her daughter, Rubi, Jolynn is a graduate of UC Berkeley, where she graduated with a BA in Development Studies and a minor in Education. A proud San Franciscan of Ecuadorian descent, Jolynn brings a unique perspective and a global mindset to her work.?

Batul Joffrey | Principal

Batul’s career at Kapor Capital is a testament to her multifaceted talents. She began as a Summer Associate and intern wrangler – helping to complete due diligence on potential investments while also managing a group of eager high school students from SMASH Rising. Her sharp eye for deals – even unearthing a deal via a dating app – and her hard work, propelled her to the role of Principal.?

This SoCal native and UCLA alum now focuses on startups working towards financial security and better workplaces for future generations, providing those who have been historically underserved with the tools needed to live “wealthy and well”. Beyond her amazing work ethic, Batul’s commitment to her community shines through. As the former Vice Curator for the LA Chapter of Global Shapers, she continues her commitment to making a positive impact outside of her 9-5.

Aya Spencer | Associate

Born in Germany and raised in Japan, Aya brings a valuable global perspective to the Kapor Capital team. Her experience working across sectors from the federal government to startups fuels her passion for identifying impactful trends in AgeTech, HealthTech and FoodTech.?

From meeting with founders at NYC Corner Starbucks, to deal sharing with VCs in Tokyo, Aya, an associate on the team, utilizes every travel stop as an opportunity to find the next great entrepreneur. Stay tuned to her Twitter (@ayacancode) to see where she will be hosting her next founder office hours.

Hilliary Turnipseed | Senior Director of Talent

Hilliary, our Senior Director of Talent, isn't just a talent acquisition specialist; she’s a bridge builder. She empowers our founders to assemble diverse high performing teams and connects job seekers who want to make an impact with exciting opportunities at our portfolio companies.?

Hilliary is a champion for DEI and seamlessly helps our companies integrate these practices into their recruiting processes. With a B.A. from American University, Hilliary brings both experience and passion to helping our founders build great lasting teams for today and tomorrow.

Looking for a job and want Hilliary to help you? Check out our Talent Network.

Tesheia van der Horst | Director of Portfolio Services

Tesheia plays a pivotal role in fostering the growth of our portfolio company founders. As Director of Portfolio Services, she’s a one stop shop for founders, providing critical resources and connections. Whether planning founder dinners, facilitating peer to peer networking within our portfolio, or securing discounts on cloud software, Tesheia’s dedication to helping our founders reach their goals means she will always seek out the tools they need to maximize their impact.?

Tesheia’s passion for innovation and positive social change is evident not only in her work at Kapor Capital,?but also in her academic background. She completed a degree in Economics and Social Theory at Weslayan, where her thesis focused on Postfeminist Discourse on Neoliberal Body Politics.

Sounita Hanthaley | Executive Assistant

Did you attend the incredible Kapor Capital Milk and Cookies Party at HLTH in Las Vegas? If so, then you have witnessed the magic that is Sounita firsthand! Our amazing Executive Assistant, Sounita, is a logistical genius and self-proclaimed “Calendar Tetris” master.?

Sounita juggles the schedules of our two Managing Partners with ease and her talents extend far beyond. She’s the mastermind behind many of our external facing events including our annual Founder Summit.?

A travel enthusiast, Sounita is always ready to explore new cultures and try out new foods. Her double major in French and Cultural Anthropology, combined with her experience in entertainment and marketing, gives her a unique and insightful perspective on the world of startups.?

Crystal Chan | Associate Digital Marketing Manager

As our Associate Digital Marketing Manager, Crystal drives the strategy and execution of our marketing goals to amplify the work of Kapor Capital and our portfolio companies to create a larger digital footprint in the tech, venture capital, DEIB, and social justice ecosystem. An alum of Yale University, she loves all things writing, design, and communications and is passionate about using storytelling to build community and connect with people across different backgrounds.

Crystal has roots in community organizing and started her career working for nonprofits and in local government. Before Kapor Capital, she worked at another venture capital firm and several early-stage startups.