LM

Laura Mcginnis

Principal at Balderton Capital

London, England

Overview 

Laura McGinnis is currently a Principal at Balderton Capital in London, with a background that includes roles such as Director of Product Marketing & Strategy at Away and Director of Retail & Ecommerce at The Wing. She holds an MBA from INSEAD and has expertise in areas such as market research, product development, and e-commerce, with a focus on investing in sectors like cybersecurity, retail, and Web3/Crypto. McGinnis has a track record of success in strategic roles at high-profile companies, including H&M and Abercrombie & Fitch Co., and has leveraged her skills in leadership, merchandising, and data analysis to drive growth and innovation in the fashion and retail industries.

Work Experience 

BC

Balderton Capital

  • Principal

    2022 - Current

    After 9 years in product marketing and strategy at corporations like H&M and scale-ups like Away, I transitioned into venture to partner with exceptional founders at the forefront of technology for good. - Investing in early-stage (Seed-Series B) tech companies across all sectors in the UK, Ireland, and Benelux. - I spend time on Consumer / e-Com Enablement, Energy, and Cyber Security. - My work encompasses participation in investments, including Sylvera (Series B), Tilt, and various unannounced Series A investments; serving as a board observer for Tilt (consumer), Coro (security), Request Finance (crypto), and Ramp (crypto); and angel investing in Tunic (fraud). - Additionally, I dedicate time to thesis work, delving into areas such as GenAI/LLM Security, Counter Deception, Board Governance, and more. If you're a founder building in these areas, I would love to chat!

I

INSEAD

  • Master of Business Administration

    2020 - 2021

    Ranked #1 MBA globally by the Financial Times 2021

BC

Balderton Capital

  • Venture Capital Summer Associate

    2021 - 2021

1P

15 Percent Pledge

  • Strategy Consultant

    2020 - 2021

    Deal sourcing, due diligence, investment research, pitch deck development, and mentorship for Black business owners

15 Percent Pledge is a non-profit advocacy group created to advocate for and support Black-owned businesses and Black entrepreneurs.

15percentpledge.org
A

Away

  • Director of Product Marketing & Strategy

    2020 - 2020

    Oversaw end-to-end product marketing strategy, GTM, and buying strategy for luggage and apparel businesses

  • Director of Apparel Strategy

    2019 - 2020

Away is a modern travel and lifestyle brand designed with thoughtful features that solve real travel problems

Raised $181,000,000.00 from Lone Pine Capital, Global Founders Capital, Wellington Management and Baillie Gifford.

awaytravel.com
TW

The Wing

  • Director of Retail & Ecommerce

    2018 - 2019

    The Wing is a series C startup that creates co-working spaces for young professionals.

The Wing is a network of work and community spaces designed for women.

Raised $117,500,000.00 from New Enterprise Associates, AlleyCorp, Kerry Washington, Katie McGrath, Alex Morgan, Airbnb, Roberta Kaplan, Meghan Klingenberg, Sequoia Capital and Hilary Rosen.

the-wing.com
H

H&M

  • Online Women's Merchandise Manager

    2017 - 2018

  • Online Kids' Merchandise Manager

    2015 - 2017

A&

Abercrombie & Fitch Co.

  • Global Merchandiser

    2014 - 2015

  • Assistant Global Merchandiser

    2013 - 2014

FA

Fulbright Association

  • Fulbright Scholar & Founder of Girls Score Goals

    2012 - 2012

    Launched Girls Score Goals, a girls' soccer program in underserved neighborhoods to teach English and leadership skills through sport; pitched and secured funding from Nike Uruguay

Fulbright Association is the alumni group of those who have received Fulbright scholarships.

fulbright.org

Education 

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