The Team

Hillary Talbot | Managing Partner

Hillary is the co-founder of être Venture Capital. être invests in US-based startups that bring technologies to market that solve global challenges led by diverse founders. She also consults with the California Manufacturing Technology Center (CMTC), a manufacturing accelerator, where she provides guidance to small and medium manufacturers in areas such as strategic planning, fundraising, marketing, and sales.

Her work impacts the California economy, including $12 million in new sales, $7 million in retained sales, $250,000 in cost savings, $600,000 in new equipment, 28 new jobs, and the retention of 52 jobs.

Previously Hillary worked as a consultant with more than 40 clients, focusing on venture capital fundraising, business development, marketing, and sales. She was also an adviser at the Sierra Small Business Development Center, with a regional economic benefit of more than 25+ startups launched, 50+ enduring businesses accelerated, 200 jobs created, $1 million in investments, and $5 million of loans secured.

When Hillary's phone goes straight to voicemail, she is chasing the next adventure, slaying powder at Alpine Meadows, or following more experienced surfers to waves unknown.

Jenny Kuan, Ph. D | Managing Partner

Jenny is a co-founder of être Venture Capital. être invests in US-based startups that bring technologies to market that solve global challenges led by diverse founders. She holds a Ph.D. in Economics and is a tenured professor specializing in entrepreneurship and nonprofit management at the College of Business at California State University Monterey Bay.

Her academic research is focused on venture capital, technology, and innovation in the software and semiconductor industries. She examined the role of nonprofit organizations (such as the New York Stock exchange) in creating industry scaffolding. In 2021 Jenny created "Venture Capital 101 for Women" to encourage women to enter the industry, establish their own investment funds, and make investments.

Jenny holds an MS in Industrial Engineering from Stanford University, has developed software and scaling manufacturing, and has prior work experience at Apple and Solectron. Jenny's education combined with her industry experience places her in an ideal position to lead a venture capital firm focused on hard tech that solves some of the major challenges of our times.