The Next Wave: Emerging VC Fund Managers in Focus
Note: You must have a DC Startup and Tech Week ticket to attend this event. Register for DCSTW HERE using code VCDC20 for 20% off.
Registering on Luma does not grant access to this session — a DC Startup and Tech Week ticket is required.
Join us for a focused discussion on building and scaling a venture fund, featuring insights from emerging fund managers, legal experts, and platform partners supporting the next generation of VCs. Learn the key considerations for fund formation, fundraising, and operations from multiple perspectives — the investor, the venture lawyer, and the fund administration platform.
Moderated by Carta.
Featured Speakers
Andy Will — Managing Partner, Willpower VC
Andy invests in and supports early-stage vertical market B2B software businesses across the U.S. and Canada. Before founding Willpower VC, Andy helped start Zeal Capital Partners, leading investments in fintech and workforce software across two funds. His background includes roles at Listen Ventures, TOMS Capital, and JP Morgan.
Andy holds a BS in Finance from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and is a Kauffman Fellow (Class 28).
Rachel Mayes — Senior Director, Carta
Rachel leads three sales teams at Carta, focused on helping venture capital funds of all sizes modernize fund administration and operations. She brings over 12 years of experience in B2B SaaS and financial services, spanning San Francisco and New York.
Outside of Carta, Rachel serves as an Executive Member of Pavilion, is active in Global Women in VC, and sits on the All Raise Steering Committee.
Sam Lipson — Partner, Pillsbury
Sam advises high-growth technology and life sciences companies from formation through exit, with expertise in venture financings, M&A, securities, and strategic corporate matters. Before joining Pillsbury, Sam was Managing Director and General Counsel at a family office investing in early-stage tech companies and emerging fund managers. He previously practiced at a top law firm for startups and venture capital.