First Close Partners backs venture funds owned by underrepresented managers (“URMs”) -- especially to help them get to a “first close.” The company invests in venture capital firms owned and operated by URMs who are people of color, women, LGBTQIA+, Indigenous people, people with disabilities, and members of other groups that have been historicallyunderrepresented, especially (but not solely) in the venture capital industry. The venture capital funds into which they have invested are predominantly located in the US, Europe, and Africa.

Finance

Venture Capital

First Close Partners

Betsy Zimmerman

Shavar Jeffries

Rachael Foo

Ron W.

Oshiomah Richard Odior

Morgan Cheatham

Josh Kopelman

Jeffrey Cohen

Jacob Brody

Hayley Netherton

Enke Bashllari

Ed Zimmerman

Anthony Pergola

Aaron Edwards

The Leadership Team at First Close Partners, comprising the three Founding Partners, spearheads the company's mission to support venture funds owned by underrepresented managers (URMs). This team is responsible for setting strategic direction, fostering relationships with URM-owned venture capital firms, and guiding investment decisions to ensure these ventures achieve their initial fundraising milestones. Their focus areas include increasing diversity within the venture capital industry across the US, Europe, and Africa.

Leadership Team

Partnership Management Team

Leadership Team

About

Team members

Other teams at First Close Partners

Partnership Management Team