Tracy Gray

Founder and Managing Partner

2013 - Current

The 22 is an early growth venture capital and advisory firm focused on increasing the export capacity of U.S. manufacturing companies, positioning these companies to accelerate growth and scale via international sales. Our mission is to create the clean, quality jobs of the future in underserved communities and build generational wealth for women and BIPOC. The 22 targets small and medium sized companies with attractive financial performance and potential for new or increased international revenues. The 22’s investment strategy mitigates risk while realizing above market returns -- both monetary and social -- by diversifying markets, targeting women and BIPOC-owned companies and creating jobs.

Lead Partner at Green & Sustainability Fund

2021

Backing innovations that reduce our daily environmental impact on our planet, including how we create, use and store energy, the way we construct our buildings, how we create, use and re-use consumer goods, mobility and transportation around the globe, as well as commercial and consumer finance tools that incorporate ESG criteria.

Founder

2016

Our mission is to educate women globally at every socioeconomic level and age on WHY and HOW to invest in women owned businesses and/or with a “gender lens”. We do not replicate current initiatives and we do not provide investment advice or direct investments to individual companies. We do curate all the best options and make it easy for women to decide what’s right for them, based on their risk tolerance, level of participation, economic reality, investment amount, etc. Whether it’s $25, $25K or $25M, we believe there are ways to harness women’s investing power and align their investments with personal values, generate wealth… AND change the world!

Executive in Residence

2016 - 2021

Senior Advisor - International Business and Marketing

2011 - 2013

Managing Director of Business Strategy, Marketing and Communications

2010 - 2011

Special Advisor for Capital Formation

2009 - 2009

Consultant charged with crafting capital strategy to attract funding for affordable housing in the City of Los Angeles. Responsible for: - Identifying and meeting with potential investors - Structuring investment vehicles - Identifying strategies to increase the funding level and effectiveness of existing financial products

Managing Director

2007 - 2009

Raising funds for an early stage venture capital targeting entrepreneurs in the Emerging Domestic Market - women and minorities - in technology. Led road show to raise over $30 million in investment capital. Developed investment strategy, financial models and operating budget. Co-wrote Private Placement Memorandum.

Co-founder/VP of Business Development

2007 - 2009

Stealth music industry internet start-up. Responsible for guiding company strategy from concept to prototype to launch. Created business plan, fundraising presentation and financial models. Developing strategic partnerships, fundraising, marketing and sales strategies.

Director of Policy

2002 - 2006

Economic development non-profit. Directed/contributed to national/local strategies and campaigns to change economic development/environmental policies in urban cities. Analyzed economic development plans in the City of Los Angeles and other municipalities, conducted corporate research (business strategies and models) and analyzed real estate pro-formas . National spokesperson advocating for community benefits, contributing to the creation of 17 additional organizations based on the LAANE model. Staffed redevelopment agency Commissioner. - Co-led a campaign against a ballot measure reversing voters support from 62% in favor to 61% against. - Drove 200% increase in project funding - Advocated to Mayoral staff/City Council members supporting policies that saved >70,000 high paying jobs. - Developed media strategies and story ideas that led to >5000 articles published around the world. - Guest speaker at over 30 conferences, panels and graduate school classes.