STRAY DOG CAPITAL’S NEW STUDENT VENTURE PROGRAM, LATINX IN VC OFFERS A PATHWAY FOR LATINX STUDENTS INTERESTED IN VC AND ANNOUNCES THEIR INAUGURAL GRADUATES.
KANSAS CITY, June 2021 – Stray Dog Capital, a venture capital fund specializing in alternative protein investments, proudly announces the graduating members of their inaugural student venture program, Latinx in VC. Supported by Stray Dog Capital, the student-led venture program gives University of Puerto Rico students access to education in venture capital.
Lisa Feria, General Partner and CEO of Stray Dog Capital and University of Puerto Rico graduate, said, “Stray Dog Capital is dedicated to building a future pipeline of diverse venture capitalists. To truly widen the funnel to more diverse venture capitalists, it’s imperative to create access for people from under-represented backgrounds. Less than 1% of venture capital funds are led by Latinx women in the US. Latinx in VC provides students with the tools, connections, and practice to gain education and essential skills in venture capital that will enable them to be better positioned to enter the field.”
Co-founded by two former Stray Dog Capital interns, Aleyssa De Jesus and Estefania Vincente Gonzalez, Latinx in VC launched at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus in October 2020. “The idea of creating Latinx in VC developed during the summer of 2020 when the Black Lives Matter Movement took place more firmly than ever. I was proud to be an intern at SDC because all the employees cared deeply about this movement, and not only did they care, but they were looking for ways to be agents of change. We were looking to create opportunities to increase diversity and inclusion that could provide opportunities for students,” said Aleyssa, President of Latinx in VC.
Latinx in VC Vice President, Estefania, said, “Stray Dog Capital put a plan in motion to provide opportunities to students in Puerto Rico, and that was when Aleyssa and I started brainstorming into what Latinx in VC has come to be. Even though I am a Chemical Engineering major, I decided to become a part of this initiative that gives Puerto Rican students the opportunity to learn more about the industry and potentially become a part of it. Diversity is greatly valued at SDC. That along with a vision for sustainability is what makes up Latinx in VC and what will be the future of this industry.”
Latinx in VC welcomes students from all concentrations, including business, engineering, and agriculture who share their goals of sustainability and creating opportunities for the Latinx community. Features of the program include an online education platform, webinar series, networking opportunities, and an investment memo (IM) competition. The IM competition is the culmination of the program and gives students practical experience in due diligence, business analysis, and investment decision making.
Stay Dog Capital is proud to congratulate the IM competition winners, Nicole Avilés Echevarría and Gabriela Avilés and commend the other students who have completed the inaugural program: Neyshka Sánchez Pérez, Diego Colón Guzman, Felix Agosto Sanchez, Sofía Pérez López, and Francisco E. García Rodríguez.
“Being part of Latinx In VC was an enriching experience both professionally and personally. I am thankful and proud of all our colleagues’ hard work during the semester to bring to life this new 100% student-led startup group. For sure, we all gained new skills and expanded our knowledge about the venture capital industry, and gained new professional networks and friendships to last,” said IM competition winner, Gabriela Avilés.
Latinx in VC will offer summer networking opportunities and invites students to join them for 2021-2022 academic year.
“I am delighted to say that, with the help of SDC, this association is creating opportunities for Latinx students full of professional enrichment and networking while always maintaining a vision of a more sustainable future. I feel very emotional after the completion of the first year of the program. I can say that all of our members have been enriched from their experience, and not only that, but I know that all of them will be positive agents of change in this world,” said Latinx in VC President, Aleyssa De Jesus.
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About Stray Dog Capital
Stray Dog Capital is a venture capital fund investing in innovative, early-stage companies across the food, beverage, and biotechnology sectors that are driving a healthier, humane, and more sustainable future. Stray Dog Capital supports its portfolio of investments with broad experience from its team as entrepreneurs, operators, advisors, and investors. www.straydogcapital.com
About Latinx in VC
Latinx in VC was founded on October 8th, 2020, at the University of Puerto Rico, Mayagüez Campus, and is the first student organization focused on venture capital education. Latinx in VC is rooted in self-development, sustainability, and service. Latinx in VC supports charity and non-profit organizations that care about the food ecosystem, the environment, and sustainability. Latinx in VC offers career focused training in the financial sector as well as hands-on learning opportunities, professional mentorship, and connections with industry experts. https://www.linkedin.com/company/latinx-in-vc/
For media inquiries, contact Erin Bolton via email erin@straydogcapital.com
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