Female VC Lab

• E117: Kristina Chapple: 11 Tribes VC

  Discover the Human Side of Venture Capital: Why Founder Wellbeing is the Next Big Thing What if the real secret to startup success isn’t just the business model—but the wellbeing of the founders behind it? In this episode of the Female VC Lab podcast, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Kristina Chapple, General Partner at 11 Tribes Ventures, for a refreshingly honest look at what it really takes to build companies that thrive for the long haul. Kristina shares how 11 Tribes is shaking up the venture world by putting founder health, relationships, and resilience at the heart of their thesis—and even putting real dollars to work to support it. If you’re a founder, investor, or anyone passionate about building sustainable companies, this episode is packed with actionable insights: from why traditional VC approaches fall short, to how supporting the “whole person” leads to better exits, stronger teams, and generational wealth creation. Kristina’s candid stories and practical advice will leave you rethinking what venture capital can—and should—look like in the years ahead. Guest Information Guest Name: Kristina Chapple Bio: Kristina Chapple is General Partner at 11 Tribes Ventures, a venture fund championing a new approach to supporting founders. Her focus: investing in both the business and the personal resilience of early-stage entrepreneurs. Links: 11 Tribes Ventures Website Kristina Chapple on LinkedIn Episode Outline Redefining the “Exit Conversation” in VC Kristina unpacks the traditional focus on business outcomes—and how 11 Tribes is pioneering “founder outcome” metrics, measuring impact on relationships, families, and founder health. Putting Founder Resilience Front and Center Learn how 11 Tribes allocates 2% of every investment for coaching, therapy, health, and even marriage counseling—non-dilutive capital dedicated to founder wellbeing. A Fresh Approach to Underwriting and Exits Why chasing the $1B unicorn isn’t the only path: 11 Tribes targets $50M-$300M middle-market exits, supporting lean teams and quicker returns while still offering life-changing outcomes for founders. Related Episodes & Additional Resources Book: “Personal History” by Katharine Graham (recommended in this episode) Transcript For a full transcript of this episode, visit the podcast website: femalevclab.com Community & Calls to Action Primary CTA: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – Support the Female VC Lab by leaving your review! Leave a review here Follow us on social media: Female VC Lab Join the conversation: Share your thoughts and takeaways using #FemaleVCLab, and tag us on LinkedIn! Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, let us know your favorite takeaway and help spread the word about founder-first investing.

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• E116: Eva Yazhari: Beyond Capital Ventures

  Ready to discover how venture capital can drive real impact for emerging markets—and what true leadership looks like in the investment world? In this episode of Female VC Lab, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Eva Yazhari, Managing Partner at Beyond Capital Ventures, for an unfiltered conversation on building a mission-driven VC fund, why conscious leadership matters, and how investing in Africa and India’s rising middle classes creates incredible opportunities for transformation. Tune in to hear Eva share how she moved from finance into venture capital, her relational approach to due diligence, why formalizing informal markets like smallholder farming is a game-changing thesis, and how she’s fostering community and alignment by giving GP carry to all team members—and even founders. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a founder in emerging markets, or simply passionate about sustainable growth, you’ll walk away inspired and equipped with fresh insights into where VC is headed next. Guest Information Guest Name: Eva Yazhari Bio: Eva Yazhari is the Managing Partner of Beyond Capital Ventures, a purpose-driven venture capital firm investing in seed to Series A rounds across Africa and India. With roots in institutional finance, Eva brings a wealth of experience in fund management, deep due diligence, and impact investing, focusing on technologies and services that uplift the “need to haves” through conscious leadership and stakeholder alignment. Links: Beyond Capital Ventures LinkedIn – Eva Yazhari Instagram – @consciousinvestor The Good Your Money Can Do (Book) Episode Outline How Eva Yazhari Entered VC & Built Beyond Capital Ventures Hear Eva’s unconventional journey from math major to fund-of-funds to founding her own emerging markets VC, and the unique skill set she carried into her new role. Resource: Beyond Capital Ventures Team Formalizing Informal Markets in Emerging Economies Explore “formalizing the informal,” and learn how Beyond Capital Ventures invests in businesses that empower smallholder farmers and aggregate resources for scalable, sustainable impact, featuring a spotlight on agritech company Cinch. Resource: Portfolio Companies Conscious Leadership & Redefining VC Alignment Gain insight into Eva’s approach to authentic, stakeholder-centered leadership, including her innovative decision to share GP carry with both her team and portfolio founders—creating alignment and community while driving results. Resource: The Good Your Money Can Do Related Episodes & Additional Resources Book Recommendation: The Culture Code by Daniel Coyle – Eva’s pick for building strong, collaborative cultures Host & Show Info Host Name: Barbara Bickham About the Host: Barbara Bickham is the founder and Managing Partner of Trailyn Ventures, technology executive, and passionate advocate for diversity and innovation in venture capital. Podcast Website: femalevclab.com Community & Calls to Action Primary CTA: Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – This is the most impactful way to support the show. https://taplink.cc/femalevclab Follow us on social media: X (formerly Twitter): @FemaleVCLab Instagram: @femalevclab Comment on LinkedIn, send us a message at [email protected], or share your key takeaways using #FemaleVCLab. Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.

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• E115: Najada Kumbuli: Visa Foundation

  Step into the world of impact investing with this captivating episode of Female VC Lab! Host Barbara Bickham sits down with Najada Kumbuli, Vice President and Head of Investments at the Visa Foundation, for an illuminating conversation on reshaping capitalism for the greater good. Discover how Najada’s journey from communist Albania to leading global VC strategies at Visa Foundation fuels her passion for social responsibility, small business empowerment, and inclusive innovation. Find out what’s next in venture capital, why AI and emerging markets are top of mind, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Visa Foundation backs entrepreneurs while driving lasting social impact. Whether you’re an investor, founder, or changemaker, you’ll leave inspired and equipped with actionable insights on building a more equitable future. Guest Information Guest Name: Najada Kumbuli Bio: Najada Kumbuli is the Vice President and Head of Investments at the Visa Foundation, where she champions impact investing and ecosystem growth for small businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide. Leveraging her unique upbringing in Albania and global expertise, Najada leads a holistic investment strategy with a focus on inclusion, sustainable growth, and measurable social impact. Links: Visa Foundation Website: https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/visa-foundation.html LinkedIn: Najada Kumbuli LinkedIn Episode Outline Origins & Inspiration for Impact Investing Najada shares her powerful personal journey from communist Albania to global investing, revealing what motivated her to pursue impact investing and advocate for “conscious capitalism.” Learn more about impact investing from the Visa Foundation Visa Foundation’s Investment Thesis & Global Strategy A deep dive into how the Visa Foundation’s thesis centers on championing small businesses with access to capital, digital tools, and financial skills—spanning micro-entrepreneurs in Nigeria to high-growth startups in India. Visa Foundation Annual Report: See their latest impact and portfolio highlights Trends Shaping the Future of Venture Capital Najada gives her perspective on what’s ahead for VC: the expanding role of AI and deep tech, greater discipline in investing, increased attention to emerging markets like Africa and Latin America, and the rise of responsible, impact-driven investments. Acquired Podcast – a favorite resource mentioned by Najada Resources for Founders & Fund Managers Discover how to get connected with the Visa Foundation, access reports, and tap into support and tools for scaling your impact-driven business. Contact Visa Foundation or access their resources Further Reading & Resources: Visa Foundation Impact Report: Read here Book: “Conscious Capitalism” by John Mackey & Raj Sisodia Acquired Podcast Host & Show Info Host Name: Barbara Bickham About the Host: Barbara Bickham is a veteran technologist, investor, and founder committed to amplifying women’s voices in venture capital. She brings her expertise in innovation, investing, and entrepreneurship to every episode of Female VC Lab. Podcast Website: https://femalevclab.com Community & Calls to Action Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – Support the show by leaving a review! [Apple Podcasts Link] Contact the show: [email protected] Follow us on social media: X (formerly Twitter): @femalevclab Instagram: @femalevclab Join the conversation: Comment on LinkedIn, X, or share your key takeaways using #FemaleVCLab. Share this episode with a friend! If you enjoyed it, tag us on social media and let us know your favorite takeaway.

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• E114 Erika Aquino AQUINO GLOBAL VENTURES LLC

  What does it take to be a globally minded investor in today's ever-evolving landscape? In this unmissable episode, host Barbara Bickham sits down with Erika Aquino—angel investor, strategic advisor, and head of m Squad—to dive deep into investing with purpose and heart. Erika shares her dynamic journey from boardroom legacy in The Philippines to championing women and minority-led startups worldwide. You’ll hear her sharp insights on the explosive impact of AI, why founder EQ is a make-or-break factor, and how global crises (from disaster-prone regions to food supply) are reframing what impactful investing truly means. Whether you’re an aspiring investor, a founder, or a changemaker, this conversation offers real talk on values-driven investment and the future of angel funding. Guest Information Guest Name: Erika Aquino Bio: Erika Aquino is an angel investor, strategic adviser, and the head of m Squad, a Singapore-based investment group with a global focus. Raised and based in The Philippines, Erika is dedicated to supporting women and minority founders in fields like sustainability, wellness, future of work, and education. Her investment style centers on community impact, founder chemistry, and leveraging technology for good. Links: Website: https://erika-aquino.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erika-aquino Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamerikaaquino/ Episode Outline Erika Aquino’s Journey to Investing Discover Erika’s transition from supporting her father’s tech company in The Philippines to forging her own path as a global angel investor, with a focus on legacy, impact, and growth in community-driven ventures. Thesis-Driven Investing with Heart Erika lays out her investment criteria: backing women and minority founders in critical sectors (sustainability, wellness, the future of work, education, and adjacent areas). She shares how her upbringing in The Philippines shaped her commitment to impactful, values-driven investments. AI, Founder EQ, and the Future of Venture A fast-paced look at how AI is turbocharging diligence, research, and even daily routines—plus why human intelligence and emotional intelligence remain irreplaceable in venture. Erika and Barbara debate the evolving human/AI dynamic and discuss the critical importance of founder mindset and community engagement in tomorrow’s ecosystem. Transcript For a full transcript of this episode, visit: https://femalevclab.com Host & Show Info Host Name: Barbara Bickham About the Host: Barbara Bickham is an accomplished technologist, investor, and mentor dedicated to amplifying the voices and impact of female venture leaders around the globe. Podcast Website: https://femalevclab.com Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and keep bringing you the most inspiring stories. Follow us on social media: Instagram: @femalevclab LinkedIn: Female VC Lab X (formerly Twitter): @femalevclab Join the conversation: Comment on LinkedIn, DM us your thoughts on Instagram, or share your favorite moments using #FemaleVCLab. Share this episode with a friend—tag us on social and let us know your #1 takeaway!

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• E113: Cheryl L. Evans, JD: Lifetime Financial Security (LFS) Program of the Milken Institute’s Finance

  Unlocking Lifetime Financial Security & The Future of Wealth | E113 feat. Cheryl L. Evans, JD (Milken Institute) What does it really take to achieve lifelong financial security in a changing world? In this episode, Barbara Bickham sits down with Cheryl L. Evans, JD—Director of the Lifetime Financial Security (LFS) Program at the Milken Institute—to discuss the evolving landscape of retirement, the impact of generational wealth transfer, and why women need to be at the forefront of financial planning. Whether you’re navigating the start of your financial journey or contemplating legacy and longevity, this thought-provoking conversation is packed with actionable insights, future-forward trends, and inspiring perspectives for investors, innovators, and anyone interested in the intersection of finance and social impact. Key takeaways include: The realities behind “peak 65” and the massive shift as Boomers retire How Gen Z and Millennials can tackle the unique financial headwinds they face Why personalized retirement strategies matter more than ever The pivotal role of guaranteed income products and the reinvention of pensions The great wealth transfer—what it means for women, venture capital, and entrepreneurship Don’t miss this deep dive into how financial security impacts individuals, families, and the future of investment. Guest Information Guest Name: Cheryl L. Evans, JD Bio: Cheryl L. Evans is the Director of the Lifetime Financial Security Program at the Milken Institute. With a background as a securities lawyer (formerly at the SEC) and training in life coaching, Cheryl brings a unique perspective to wealth building, retirement planning, and financial empowerment across generations. Email: [email protected] LinkedIn: Cheryl Evans LinkedIn Episode Outline The Evolution of Retirement & Longevity Explore how demographic shifts (like “peak 65” as Boomers hit retirement age) are reshaping policies, products, and individual decisions around lifetime financial security. Link: Milken Institute LFS Program Meeting Millennial and Gen Z Financial Challenges Dive into current research and expert panel insights on wealth-building challenges faced by younger generations—from student debt to home-buying hurdles—and strategies for future financial success. Women, Wealth Transfer & Financial Confidence Learn about the upcoming great wealth transfer to women, the specific challenges and opportunities this presents, and why empowering women with financial literacy and leadership is more vital than ever. Resources: Lifetime Financial Security Report: https://milkeninstitute.org/report/shifting-retirement-paradigm-financial-security Enhancing Retirement: Advancing Lifetime Income for All https://milkeninstitute.org/content-hub/research-and-reports/reports/enhancing-retirement-advancing-lifetime-income-all Our Afternoon with Gloria Steinem https://milkeninstitute.org/article/our-afternoon-gloria-steinem Addressing the Financial Headwinds Faced by Gen Z and Millennials https://vimeo.com/1076695634 Ellevest (Women-focused wealth management) Gloria Steinem’s “Talking Circles” on women’s financial confidence Joia Louie Dreyfus’ “Wiser Than Me” podcast “Let Them” by Mel Robbins (book) Rate & Review on Apple Podcasts – Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and spotlight more incredible women in VC! Rate & Review here Contact the show: [email protected] Sign up for our newsletter: https://www.femalevclab.com/ Follow us on social: X (formerly Twitter): @femalevclab Instagram: @femalevclab Bluesky: @femalevclab

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