Hannah Leach: An unconventional route into VC & driving ESG across portfolios

Hannah Leach: An unconventional route into VC & driving ESG across portfolios

Author: JBM, James Mitra January 31, 2024 Duration: 42:49
“The whole industry is full of very successful people who have had this very standard path. It’s hard to look at your own [different] background and put yourself on an even level with them.”  This week’s 40 Minute Mentor is the brilliant Hannah Leach, Partner at Houghton Street Ventures and Co-Founder of VentureESG.  Hannah moved into the venture space after a squiggly career in and around the venture and entrepreneurship ecosystems, including building accelerator programs, teams within Scaleups and starting her own company or two…  In this episode we explore Hannah’s route into VC, the partnership between Houghton Street Ventures and the London School of Economics, why VC funding isn’t always the best route to scaling a business, and how VentureESG is supporting the ecosystem with meaningful ESG integration.  Episode Chapters: ➡️ Redefining the ‘traditional’ path into VC [04:47] ➡️ Her squiggly route into VC [06:52] ➡️ A love for building communities [09:34] ➡️ Biggest lessons from Founder life [12:19] ➡️ The power of vulnerability and authenticity [13:47] ➡️ The challenges of transitioning into VC [17:54] ➡️ Understanding where you are adding value [19:52] ➡️ Advice for pivoting into VC [21:00] ➡️ Life at Houghton Street Ventures [23:10] ➡️ The do’s and don’t of VC pitching [26:50] ➡️ The power of a unique thesis [29:43] ➡️ Raising a first-time fund [30:55]  ➡️ The drive behind building VentureESG [33:40] ➡️ Collaboration over competition [36:40] ➡️ The future of ESG [38:04] ⛳ Helpful links: ➡️ Connect with Hannah: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahleach/  ➡️ Find out more about Houghton Street Ventures: https://houghtonstreet.com/ ➡️ Discover VentureESG: https://www.ventureesg.com/ ⭐Enjoyed this episode?⭐️ Keep up to date with all our latest episodes, by hitting the subscribe button on your favourite podcast platform. And for any feedback on what you enjoy the most and ideas on what we can do to make 40 Minute Mentor even better, please leave us a review on https://ratethispodcast.com/40mm  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered what a conversation with a truly groundbreaking founder or an elite performer actually sounds like? 40 Minute Mentor captures exactly that, offering intimate, structured dialogues designed to unpack the real journeys behind extraordinary success. Hosted by James Mitra, this podcast operates on a simple but powerful premise: profound insight doesn't require hours of your time. Each episode is a focused, forty-minute session with a different leader, from purpose-driven entrepreneurs building unique companies to Olympic athletes who have mastered their craft. The conversations move beyond theory, delving into the pivotal decisions, personal challenges, and practical lessons that have shaped their paths. You'll hear not just about their triumphs, but the resilience required during setbacks, providing a honest look at what building a brilliant career or venture genuinely entails. As one of the UK's prominent business podcasts, it serves as a direct source of mentorship, aiming to elevate ambitions by sharing these powerful career narratives. Tune in for a regular dose of inspiration and actionable wisdom, all within the span of a single commute or workout.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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