Kara Nortman is more than just a venture capitalist; she’s a trailblazer who has dedicated her career to challenging norms, fostering diversity, and building brands that reflect the communities they serve. As the CEO of All Raise and a co-founder of Angel City FC, Kara has left an indelible mark on the worlds of sports and tech entrepreneurship. But what truly sets her apart is her unwavering commitment to creating opportunities for underrepresented groups in the tech industry.
From Hustling to Strategy: A Journey from the Basics to Purpose-Driven Investing
Kara’s journey into venture capital began at a very young age, driven by curiosity and a desire to give back. She recalls the days when she would spend hours hashing out business plans over coffee with her friends, trying to figure out how to make them viable. Fast forward to today, and Kara is no longer just investing but shaping the future of companies that truly reflect the communities they serve.
Building Brands: A Career Define by Purpose
One of Kara’s greatest achievements has been her ability to build brands from the ground up. As the first Black woman at a venture capital firm, she faced significant obstacles, but she also saw an opportunity for growth. “You have to be really disciplined about how you build brands,” she says with a laugh. Over the years, Kara has built companies that not only succeed financially but also make meaningful impacts in their communities.
The Importance of Board Representation
Beyond her work at All Raise and Angel City FC, Kara has been an active board member for countless startups. She understands firsthand how crucial it is to have diverse perspectives on leadership teams. “I may be on the board for ten to 15 years,” she says with conviction. “These days you need to be faster to make decisions and build brand but the commitment level is much much longer.”
A Path Less Traveled: Balancing Passion and Strategy
Kara’s promotion to co-founder of Upfront Ventures comes as no surprise, given her track record of balancing passion and strategy. She started her first venture capital firm with the goal of making it “strategic” in a meaningful way—one that prioritizes more than just returns on investment. “The markets companies are tackling are exponentially larger than 20 years ago,” she says.
The Future of Diversity in Tech
As Kara continues to shape the future of tech entrepreneurship, her focus remains on fostering inclusion and representation. She is one of a very few Black women who have built businesses from the ground up, challenging stereotypes and setting an example for others. “We need more people like me,” she says.
The Power of Compounding Change
Kara’s contributions to venture capital are just part of the story. What sets her apart is her ability to create change in ways that matter—whether it’s through founding companies that reflect the communities they serve or advocating for policies that promote diversity and inclusion.
Conclusion: A Vision for a Better Future
As Kara looks toward the future, she remains committed to challenging the status quo. “I’m not going to stop until I’ve made sure these opportunities are available for everyone,” she says with fire. Whether it’s through her work at All Raise or Angel City FC, Kara is redefining what it means to be a leader in tech.
In short, Kara Nortman is more than just an entrepreneur; she’s a catalyst for change—a voice for equality that will continue to inspire and transform the world for years to come.
