Sara Deshpande, an early-stage investor at Maven Ventures, plays a crucial role in shaping startups by providing tough love and constructive criticism. After initially rejecting Rene Caissie's pitch, she guided him to refine his concept, resulting in the successful launch of Medeloop, which has raised $23 million. Deshpande focuses on investing in consumer applications in digital health, climate, and AI, seeking founders with a shared vision for relentless pursuit of innovative, consumer-driven solutions.
With my founders, I'm really known for tough love. I never say anything I wouldn't say directly to them, and they know everything I'm saying comes from a place of wanting them to succeed.
At Maven, Deshpande invests in consumer applications across digital health, climate, and AI. She's backed companies including the fertility benefits startup Carrot Fertility and the sustainable seafood company Wildtype.
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