Why us? Why now?
We’re managing partners: Jenny Kuan, PhD and Hillary Talbot at être Venture Capital. We combined research on what made Silicon Valley VC successful with startup growth experience and a philosophy that capital, support, and follow-on funding are needed to get a startup to a successful exit.
We help founders navigate business problems and exit — historically this partnership between VC and entrepreneurs built great companies.
We see great technologies and promising entrepreneurs all the time in sectors that are under-hyped and where valuations are fair.
We’re lead investors — this is core to traditional VC, but only about 25% actually take on that role. Many startups with a credible value proposition and investors ready to invest fail because they can’t find a lead to price the company.
Our portfolio companies sit at the fulcrum of large market problems and unlock transformative change for their customers.
Across six investments, être’s $2M Thesis Fund has achieved early validation by Year 4:
Hexas has exited and Obatala Sciences is cash-flow positive, confirming our ability to pick founders, lead rounds and generate returns through hands-on support.
Hexas was acquired by Bioleum and is now on an IPO track.
Obatala Sciences is cash flow positive and growing.
Why invest with être?
“être is bringing about actionable change by providing capital, mentorship and strategic thinking to teams like Obatala Sciences. Their knowledge of the venture capital landscape from both the existing and historical perspectives, and their willingness to step up to lead are invaluable to traditionally under-invested founders.”
— Trivia Frazier, PhD, MBA | Co-Founder & CEO | Obatala Sciences
The latest
Support in action
Venture capital has been a male-dominated field with only 2% of venture capital invested into female-founded companies. être is opening up this field. We're developing an inclusive ecosystem, education, and resources to supercharge the potential of talented founders, managers, and investors.
Venture Capital Ecosystem
We're building an ecosystem of diverse fund managers, limited partners, founders, talent, and service providers who will mutually gain from — and contribute back to — the community.
Open Access Venture Capital Education
We provide educational resources to increase the knowledge, imagination, and opportunity that was often stifled by the exclusivity that dominated VC.
Transparent Templates & Documents
We provide open access to the term sheets and closing documents être uses to close deals. Series A closing documents can cost $50,000+. We are demystifying the process to set up founders and fund managers for success.
Join our community as an investor, fund manager, founder, fractional talent or service provider.
Fund Managers
Limited Partners
Startups
Fractional Talent &
Service Providers
Upcoming events & classes
Breaking Into Venture Capital: A Starter Class for Women
12 - 1pm PST | First Wednesday of the Month | Zoom | Free
Students learn about the venture capital ecosystem and how women can participate.
Taught by Hillary Talbot | Managing Partner
Venture Capital 101 for Women
Next Class Starts: Oct. 2026 | Weekly | 4 Sessions |
12-1:30pm | Zoom | Free
This 4-week course covers Silicon Valley’s venture capital model and the role of collaboration in its success. 400+ graduates now invest, mentor + provide talent.
Taught by Jenny Kuan, Ph.D | Managing Partner & Tenured Professor
Learn How to Invest in Venture Capital for Women
12 - 1pm PST | Second Wednesday of the Month | Zoom | Free
This course covers how to invest in a venture capital fund.