Ulili Onovakpuri, a pivotal figure at Kapor Capital, has announced her departure from the firm after more than ten years of dedicated service. Beginning her journey as a principal, Onovakpuri’s exceptional leadership and commitment to social impact investing propelled her to the role of managing partner. Alongside Brian Dixon, she co-led the firm, succeeding founders Mitch Kapor and Freada Kapor Klein.
During her tenure, Onovakpuri co-raised a $126 million fund, the largest in Kapor Capital’s history, and played a crucial role in backing over 70 companies. Her investment focus spanned digital health and medical technology sectors, aiming to mitigate healthcare disparities and financial burdens for underserved communities. Notably, she led investments in companies like Cayaba Care, a maternity support service, and Daylight, a digital banking platform tailored for the LGBTQ+ community.
Beyond her investment acumen, Onovakpuri was instrumental in fostering diversity within the venture capital ecosystem. She founded the Kapor Capital Fellows Program in 2011, designed to provide career pathways for underrepresented individuals in tech and venture capital. This initiative has been pivotal in addressing structural barriers and promoting inclusivity within the industry.
In her farewell message, Onovakpuri expressed a desire for a purposeful pause, indicating no immediate plans but hinting at future endeavors within the investment landscape. She emphasized that this is not a farewell to investing or supporting founders building critical solutions but a momentary break.
Her departure comes amidst a broader trend of significant shifts within the venture capital sector, with numerous partners leaving established firms to explore new opportunities or establish their own ventures. This movement reflects the evolving dynamics and challenges within the industry.
As Onovakpuri steps away from Kapor Capital, her legacy of championing social impact investments and promoting diversity within the tech and venture capital sectors remains indelible. Her contributions have not only shaped the firm’s trajectory but have also left a lasting impact on the broader investment community.
