A trusted advisor and leader committed to transforming the startup and venture capital landscape in Canada and beyond, Lauren leverages her extensive operating and investing experience to drive forward the next generation of leaders, innovative fund models and world class founders as Managing Partner of The51 Funds. The51 is a venture firm and financial platform that unlocks the economic power of women, through capital, expertise and influential networks to accelerate the success of women-led ventures. Lauren is also a Co-Founder & General Partner at Highline Beta, a pre-seed VC Fund & corporate venture studio that builds & funds new ventures from inception.
With two decades of experience in venture capital, operating roles & capital markets, Lauren has a proven track record of supporting both early stage ventures and corporations in their growth journeys via private and public markets. Recognized as a thought leader and active speaker in the Canadian tech, early stage investing, and innovation ecosystems, Lauren has been named among Canada’s Top 50 Women in FinTech and one of BC’s most influential business leaders in Private Equity & Venture Capital. Her leadership also extends to numerous Board and advisory roles to national and global initiatives, including the Canadian Venture Capital & Private Equity Association (CVCA), National Angel Capital Organization (NACO) and Vancouver Entrepreneurs Forum (VEF).
To get inspired, she is often found spending her time with co-creators brainstorming on new ventures, outside in the mountains or with her family and two dogs, Ollie & Cooper. Lauren holds a degree from McGill University in Finance and Entrepreneurship.