Episode Summary:
With a background in management consulting and corporate finance, Rachel Yang is a partner at Giant Leap, Australia’s first venture capital fund which exclusively backs founders using business as a force for good in the areas of health and wellbeing, sustainable living and empowering people. Rachel is also the Co-Chair of Startup Victoria, a non-profit, grassroots organisation supporting startup founders. In her conversation with Adam, Rachel discusses how startup businesses don’t have to sacrifice growth to make a positive impact in the world, the importance of diversity within the startup ecosystem and potential strategies to encourage further diversity.
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Day One Podcast
00:31 Meet Rachel Yang
00:38 Overview of Giant Leap
01:04 Rachel's Involvement in the Startup Ecosystem
02:46 Notable Players in the Startup Community
03:28 Relationship with Launch Victoria
04:12 Nascent State of Impact Investment
05:49 Catalysts for Growth in the Investment Sector
07:11 Gaps in the Ecosystem: Talent and Diversity
08:41 Strategies for Improving Diversity
10:55 Collaboration in the Startup Community
12:26 Support for Women-Led Businesses
13:06 Unpopular Opinions on Impact Startups
15:20 Attracting Talent and Customers
16:29 Advice for New Founders
18:07 Message to the Australian Startup Community
19:35 Closing Remarks