Connecting People,
Creating Possibilities.
I connect entrepreneurs with real opportunities, share deals with fellow investors, and bring valuable expertise to boards.
Looking for someone who speaks straight, thinks strategically, and makes valuable introductions?
I’m glad you found me. I'm here to help.
Ways to Work With Me
As a former banker turned angel investor (about 30 and counting), I now advise founders on their fundraising strategy or directly as a board member.
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I invest primarily in underrepresented founders in consumer packaged goods (CPG) and technology (with both the company and the founder(s) based in the US). My investment approach is both strategic and purposeful—putting more capital into the hands of those historically overlooked, while targeting higher returns. I leverage my experience in due diligence, analysis, and trusting my gut from my commercial real estate finance days to evaluate investment opportunities.
Women-led companies consistently demonstrate superior performance, yet receive less than 2% of venture funding. Through my investments, I'm working to change that statistic one opportunity at a time.
I believe you learn more from losses than from wins, so I'm transparent about both successes and failures. While I thought every investment would be a win, it doesn’t turn out that way, and I won’t pretend it has.
For accredited investors interested in my deal flow, please register here.
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As a trusted advisor, I help founders transform fear and overwhelm into confidence and action. I’ve heard and seen thousands of pitches, I know what investors look for, and how founders need to present themselves.
My approach starts with communication strategy first, visual materials second. Unlike advisors who offer generic advice or focus solely on creating pretty decks, I provide actionable guidance addressing the entire fundraising journey.
For fundraising strategy support—group and individual coaching, downloadable fundraising guides, and custom GPTs—please visit my startup advising business, The Masthead Strategy.
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I bring 25+ years of commercial real estate finance, banking, and consulting experience plus my startup ecosystem knowledge to the boardroom. My talent for distilling complex information into actionable insights helps organizations navigate growth challenges with confidence.
I serve on the boards of Outcast Brands (an Irish spirits company and parent to Blood Monkey Gin and Two Shores Rum), Fierce Foundry, a femtech studio, and the Enthuse Foundation, a non-profit for female founders in CPG. My value comes from real-world experience, direct communication, and strategic connections.
Please get in touch if you have a board opportunity that you think would be a good fit.
Worked With
Investment Thesis
I invest primarily in underrepresented founders—LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and women—in technology and consumer packaged goods based in the US.
My approach is purpose-driven & strategic.
I put more capital into the hands of those who have historically received less funding.
Because investing in underrepresented founders isn't just the right thing to do—it's smart business.*
Companies led by women consistently outperform on investment returns. According to TechCrunch, female founders received just 1.8% of venture funding in 2023 despite this proven performance. Another study by Potential Project confirms that women leaders rank substantially higher than their male counterparts in crucial leadership qualities such as wisdom and compassion, which translates to business and financial results.
Many Black-founded companies demonstrate impressive revenue growth while maintaining low burn rates—exactly what investors prioritize in today's market—but according to Crunchbase, Black-founded startups received only 0.5% of 2023 venture funding.
I maintain transparency about both successes and setbacks in my portfolio. I have learned many more valuable insights from those that didn’t go well than those that did.
For qualified investors interested in my deal flow, contact me to learn about current opportunities.
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“Katie brought a thoughtful, grounded perspective to our conversation and helped me think strategically about how to approach angel investors, communicate my growth potential, and build momentum without overextending myself. Katie asked smart questions, offered actionable ideas, and shared resources that were immediately useful. I walked away feeling more focused, encouraged, and confident about what to do next.”
– AN ADVISING CLIENT FROM THE NORTH
My Portfolio
I believe in complete and radical transparency about everything I do, especially my investment history. Unlike many angel investors who only showcase successes, I share my entire portfolio, including companies no longer in business (marked “Inactive”). This reflects the reality of early-stage investing, and demonstrates the lessons learned, which shape my future investment decisions. Below are the companies I've invested in, organized by industry.
Beverage & Hospitality
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US-based shelf-stable juices and syrups to make the world's most popular cocktails.
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Cheersy connects the 80% of couples planning their own weddings with vetted, trained day-of coordinators.
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Inspired by the French ethos of pleasure and restraint, De Soi is a range of non-alcoholic apéritifs made with natural adaptogens.
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Ireland-based creator of premium spirits; brands include Blood Monkey Gin and Two Shores Rum.
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Vin Social began as a wine events and gifting company. Vin Social also produced in-person events and “travel through the glass” excursions for members.
Technology
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A femtech startup studio that builds female-founded startups from idea to exit.
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Forecastr is a financial forecasting software that provides businesses with the tools to predict revenue, manage cash flow, and make informed financial decisions.
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Powered by AI-driven insights combined with deep psychological expertise, Goodword enables professionals to leverage their networks more effectively than ever before.
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Fundraising strategy platform including guides, videos, and AI-tools for early-stage founders.
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US-based white label NFT solution.
Entertainment
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US-based streaming platform and non-profit serving conscious media creators and leaders.
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A 2016 American comedy film written, directed, and produced by Jeff Grace, in his directorial debut.
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Broadway musical starring Idina Menzel. New York Times Critic’s Pick.
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Clothing & Fashion
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US-based premium fashion brand focusing on transparency and ethically sourced and manufactured materials.
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A stylist in your phone—A subscription-based personalized shopping and styling platform.
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US-based intimates brand.
Pets
Health & Wellness
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US-based plant-powered, functional wellness beverages and supplements.
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US-based, 100% organic, GOTS-certified, and toxin-free period products company.
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Real Estate
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Apartment Redevelopment in Atlanta
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Condo Development in New York City
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Retail Shopping Center in Palm Springs
Speaking
I love transforming complex concepts into clear, practical guidance. My talks blend real examples from my experience as both an investor and advisor, delivered with honesty, relatability, and directness. I ensure audiences leave with concrete and simple steps they can put into action immediately.
Speaking topics I’m passionate about:
My Network = My Net Worth
The Myths of Angel Investing
Top 10 Dos and Don'ts of Pitching
Impact Investing: Balancing Altruism and ROI
"Katie has exceptional business acumen and a talent for rapidly understanding startup models. When reviewing my VC pitch, she instantly spotted the weak link in our narrative. She helped me workshop it in real time and clarify exactly how I can improve my storytelling. Working with someone who can diagnose and strengthen your pitch so quickly with little background on your company is incredibly valuable. We also talked through VCs whose thesis likely aligns with what we're building, shortcutting my research process for warm intros."
– PITCH DECK REVIEW CLIENT FROM HUBBLE
Meet Katie
I financed more than $10 billion in commercial real estate in my 25+ years working for banks and financial institutions. But now, I'm investing in and advising startups full-time to help early-stage founders navigate raising capital.
I originated, underwrote, closed, and asset-managed commercial real estate loans of all types and sizes in every major market in the US. This honed my expertise in strategy, due diligence, finance, and my gut instinct for identifying people and businesses worth investing in.
I've invested in nearly 30 companies led mainly by women, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ founders, sit on two for profit and one non-profit board, and speak to numerous accelerators, entrepreneurship groups, foundations, and organizations every year. I’ve been featured on 20+ podcasts speaking on my angel investment thesis, my path from the banking industry to the startup world, and the daily stories of grit and resilience from the founders I back.
When I'm not reviewing pitch decks, writing LinkedIn posts, or making introductions, you'll find me mixing the perfect cocktail with Blood Monkey Gin (proof I invest with both head and taste buds) or chasing after Amber, my beloved "Chicken Dog."
