Diane Henry

Head Of Impact Investment Funds

2022 - Current

Sr. Venture Capital Investor and Impact Strategist

2021 - 2022

Senior Venture Capital Investor and Impact Strategist on the leadership team of a nine-figure impact fund within an F100 financial services firm. Played a key role in developing the fund from ground-up and transforming it into a scalable and streamlined operation. Heavily involved in shaping fund strategy, workflows, benchmarks, and rubric for deal selection, with a focus on equitable distribution to diverse and undercapitalized social entrepreneurs. Lead investment strategy for LP allocation into funds, contribute to emerging fund evaluation and lead due diligence on direct startup investments. Leverage expansive personal network to generate co-investment opportunities for portfolio companies, leading capital deployment on multimillion-dollar deals and follow on financing. Work side by side with corporate Head of Impact Investing within Mass Mutual in shaping executive strategy and direction for the fund, and guiding the broader organization in bringing innovation and social consciousness to traditional investment and capital markets.

Technology Seed Investor

2014

Founding partner of a angel investment vehicle for pre-seed and seed stage startups with high potential for financial returns and social impact. Source and screen a diverse portfolio of early stage companies that represent strong market opportunity and product viability, leading all facets of deal structuring, due diligence, fundraising, and negotiation. Continually contribute to the startup ecosystem by sharing expertise and diligence with fellow investors and judging startup pitch competitions. Maintain a robust network of relationships to gain access to strategic investment opportunities and exclusive industry events. Work closely with venture capital firms and angel investor partners on co-investments. Additionally represent the firm as a thought leader and speaker at the Hatchery, Kaufman Center, Valley Ventures Accelerator, Puerto Rico Pro Tech Start-Up Showcase, .25 Initiative, and Monarq.

TED Resident

2018 - 2019

Selected for an exclusive residency culminating in a TED Talk exploring societal impact of startup investing through an ethical lens - “Making Tech Serve Human Values” (2019). Championed ethical intention in early stage entrepreneurial finance while highlighting potential outcomes within a social impact context. Built a broader, interdisciplinary platform while establishing personal reputation as a thought leader in the space.

Institutional Seed Venture Investment Advisor & Collaboration Lead

2015 - 2016

Senior member of the Investment Committee and strategic advisor to leaders of a collaboration between a venture capital firm and social impact non-profit powered by the Aspen Institute. Led the screening committee in evaluating hundreds of social entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds for potential investment, driving deals that received subsequent funding from prominent investors and tech leaders (such as Google). Heavily involved in due diligence, interviews, and ranking process, as well as the final selection and ongoing relationship management with startup CEOs.

Owner

2009 - 2016

Bootstrapped the niche real estate company from ground-up to multimillion-dollar annual contract value, achieving profitability in first 6 months. Successfully re-positioned the brand during economic downturn while expanding and retaining team members and stepping up as company owner. Developed a green sales team into high-performers that helped elevate the company to recognition among Forbes’ “Companies to Watch” list.