Lifetime Investor On The State of the Market and Being a Woman VC in the 90s

Bias Navigation

Annie Lamont shares her experiences navigating gender biases in the venture capital industry. She recalls how she chose not to focus on biases, instead proving herself through knowledge and professionalism. This approach helped her overcome assumptions, such as being mistaken for an assistant early in her career.

I just chose not to see them. Or I would, let's say the first year that I was in the industry, and I would go around a male partner, sometimes people would think that I was the assistant.

--- Annie Lamont

Annie also notes that being based on the East Coast provided a different cultural environment, which she found less biased compared to the West Coast 1 2.

   

Leadership

Annie Lamont's leadership in venture capital is marked by strong relationships with entrepreneurs and a focus on ethics. She emphasizes the importance of repeat relationships with entrepreneurs, highlighting the satisfaction of seeing them return for funding. This approach has been a cornerstone of her success.

The most satisfying thing about being a venture capitalist is the relationships you develop with your entrepreneurs.

--- Annie Lamont

Mentorship has also played a crucial role in her career, with figures like Jerry Gallagher influencing her focus on ethics and values, especially in healthcare investments 3 4.