Invite & Approval: Founders & VCs only
Join us for an inspiring masterclass on navigating product innovation and strategic growth. This session will delve into the journey of 0 to 1, discussing product-market-fit, how to get to your first $1M in revenue/ ARR, and how to secure funding from VCs in today's market.
Tess Michaels is the Founder and CEO of Clasp (formerly Stride Funding), a mission-driven, venture-backed company tackling critical talent shortages in healthcare by bridging the gap between education and employment. By enabling employers to invest in future talent where it matters most—easing overwhelming student debt—Clasp creates lasting bonds between employers and employees.
Sallie Jian is the Partner & Investment Director of Alumni Ventures, America's largest venture firm for individual investors. Founded in 2014, it has been named the #1 Most Active Venture Firm in the US (PitchBook '22 & '23) and Top 20 Venture Firm (CB Insights '24).
This event is part of our Female Founders & Funders series where we feature female founders & VCs as speakers. Attendees are founders and funders of all genders.
Speakers:Tess Michaels, Founder & CEO, Clasp ($50M raised): Tess Michaels is the Founder and CEO of Clasp (formerly Stride Funding), a mission-driven, venture-backed company tackling critical talent shortages in healthcare by bridging the gap between education and employment. By enabling employers to invest in future talent where it matters most—easing overwhelming student debt—Clasp creates lasting bonds between employers and employees. Tess founded Clasp from a student-first perspective during her MBA at Harvard Business School. A serial entrepreneur, Tess successfully exited her previous company while completing her BS & BA at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to founding Clasp, she worked in healthcare investment banking at Goldman Sachs and private equity at Vista Equity Partners. Tess has been recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in education for her innovative work in education and employment solutions.
Sallie Jian, Partner & Investment Director, Alumni Ventures ($1.50B AUM): Sallie Jian is a strategic operator, startup advisor, and investor with over a decade of experience across venture capital, startups, and finance. She has led $150M in investments, managed 500+ partnerships, launched SAP’s first New York startup accelerator supporting 50+ tech startups (25%+ acquired by Snap, Klarna, etc.), and led SeedInvest's VC team. She began my career at Morgan Stanley tech investment banking, advising companies like LinkedIn and Facebook.
Brought to you by:Perkins Coie NYC: Perkins Coie’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital lawyers are trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies and visionary investors. We support startup clients from formation to exit with comprehensive legal and business counseling.
December Founders & VCs Masterclass & Mixer feat. Founder & CEO at Clasp ($50M+ raised) and Partner at Alumni Ventures ($1.5B AUM)
Speakers
Tess M.
Founder & CEO
$50M raised
Clasp
Sallie J.
Partner & Investment Director
$1.5B AUM
Alumni Ventures
Mon, Dec 08, 06:30 PM - 08:30 PM (EST)
Cool Spot in NYC (New York)
75 attendees
FullInvite & Approval: Founders & VCs only
Join us for an inspiring masterclass on navigating product innovation and strategic growth. This session will delve into the journey of 0 to 1, discussing product-market-fit, how to get to your first $1M in revenue/ ARR, and how to secure funding from VCs in today's market.
Tess Michaels is the Founder and CEO of Clasp (formerly Stride Funding), a mission-driven, venture-backed company tackling critical talent shortages in healthcare by bridging the gap between education and employment. By enabling employers to invest in future talent where it matters most—easing overwhelming student debt—Clasp creates lasting bonds between employers and employees.
Sallie Jian is the Partner & Investment Director of Alumni Ventures, America's largest venture firm for individual investors. Founded in 2014, it has been named the #1 Most Active Venture Firm in the US (PitchBook '22 & '23) and Top 20 Venture Firm (CB Insights '24).
This event is part of our Female Founders & Funders series where we feature female founders & VCs as speakers. Attendees are founders and funders of all genders.
Tess Michaels, Founder & CEO, Clasp ($50M raised): Tess Michaels is the Founder and CEO of Clasp (formerly Stride Funding), a mission-driven, venture-backed company tackling critical talent shortages in healthcare by bridging the gap between education and employment. By enabling employers to invest in future talent where it matters most—easing overwhelming student debt—Clasp creates lasting bonds between employers and employees. Tess founded Clasp from a student-first perspective during her MBA at Harvard Business School. A serial entrepreneur, Tess successfully exited her previous company while completing her BS & BA at the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to founding Clasp, she worked in healthcare investment banking at Goldman Sachs and private equity at Vista Equity Partners. Tess has been recognized in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 in education for her innovative work in education and employment solutions.
Sallie Jian, Partner & Investment Director, Alumni Ventures ($1.50B AUM): Sallie Jian is a strategic operator, startup advisor, and investor with over a decade of experience across venture capital, startups, and finance. She has led $150M in investments, managed 500+ partnerships, launched SAP’s first New York startup accelerator supporting 50+ tech startups (25%+ acquired by Snap, Klarna, etc.), and led SeedInvest's VC team. She began my career at Morgan Stanley tech investment banking, advising companies like LinkedIn and Facebook.
Brought to you by:
Perkins Coie NYC: Perkins Coie’s Emerging Companies & Venture Capital lawyers are trusted advisors to the world’s most innovative companies and visionary investors. We support startup clients from formation to exit with comprehensive legal and business counseling.
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