Katie Vasquez embodies the dynamic nature of venture capital, having secured her first role in the industry at a mere 23 years old. Now a 26-year-old investor at Calibrate Ventures—an early-stage deep-tech firm based in Santa Monica—Vasquez’s journey unfolds as a testament to leveraging one’s network while maintaining an acute awareness of industry developments. Her intriguing ascent reflects a blend of academic passion and entrepreneurial spirit, revealing the unconventional paths that often lead to success in venture capital.
Initially drawn to the field of astrophysics, Vasquez’s academic pursuits began at Brown University. Her interests, however, took a transformative turn during her undergraduate journey, particularly after a summer spent in a theoretical research group. She discovered a preference for roles that involved direct interpersonal engagement and the realization of tangible results over the solitary nature of research. This epiphany prompted her exploration of entrepreneurship in her senior year, allowing her to channel her scientific interests into practical startup ventures.
During this entrepreneurial phase, Vasquez and her peers launched a mobile app, gaining experience by participating in an accelerator program and pitching to venture capitalists, including Y Combinator. Despite the venture not yielding significant success, the experience provided valuable insights into the venture capital landscape. Following her graduation, Vasquez secured a position as an associate consultant at EY-Parthenon, where her exposure to private equity investments laid a foundational understanding of technical due diligence and complex business strategies, ultimately bridging her path toward venture capital.
A pivotal moment in Vasquez’s career came through her engagement with recruiters while working at EY-Parthenon. Her unique blend of astrophysics and finance drew attention, leading to an opportunity at MTech Capital. Although she spent two years there, her yearning to engage more deeply with physics and aerospace prompted a shift to her current role at Calibrate Ventures, where she focuses explicitly on deep-tech investments. Emphasizing her commitment to learning, Vasquez describes her approach as that of a ‘sponge,’ consistently seeking knowledge from her colleagues and mentors.
Despite being one of the younger investors in the industry, Vasquez’s experience has been overwhelmingly positive, supported by a vibrant venture community in Los Angeles that champions inclusion and mentorship. She highlights the presence of numerous young investors, particularly women, and her active involvement in groups like the Synergist Network—aimed at fostering connection, support, and empowerment for women in investing. Such networks have provided her with valuable opportunities to engage, share experiences, and cultivate a sense of community.
Vasquez advocates for aspiring venture capitalists to stay informed about industry trends and leverage their networks effectively. She suggests continually engaging with new sources of knowledge, be it through reading, podcasts, or conversations with industry veterans to remain informed about emerging technologies. Moreover, she underscores the importance of making one’s career aspirations known within their network, encouraging aspiring VCs to seek mentorship and guidance, thereby opening doors to new opportunities. As she envisions a long-term commitment to venture capital, Vasquez expresses exhilaration at the fulfilling nature of her career thus far, indicative of a promising trajectory ahead in the venture landscape.