Brianne Kimmel, a venture capitalist and angel investor, transformed her genuine enthusiasm for community building into a successful career in the business world.
Currently, Kimmel is the founder and managing partner of Worklife Ventures, a venture capital firm “crafted for the new era” focused on investing in tools that enable flexible, inspiring, and creative work experiences.
To date, Kimmel has supported nine unicorns (startups valued at over $1 billion), such as Deel, Webflow, and Hopin. In 2022, she established Worklife Studios in the Silver Lake area of Los Angeles, which is described on Worklife’s website as “a pioneering community space co-designed with artists, chefs, designers, and remote workers.”
“Being a woman in this field offers me a distinct perspective, and the expertise I bring is quite unique,” she remarks.
The current landscape of female venture capitalists
Examining the present state of venture capital reveals a notable lack of diversity, especially regarding gender. Women account for approximately 11% of investment partners at VC firms in the U.S., with just around 13% of VC funds directed towards startups that have a female co-founder, as reported by the Women and Public Policy Program at Harvard Kennedy School.
Kimmel has encountered her share of skepticism on her path to establishing Worklife. She often finds herself mistaken for an assistant or intern at events—some have even asked her to fetch coffee. Nevertheless, her results validate her efforts. As of this publication, Worklife Ventures’ $12 million fund is now valued at $54.9 million, achieving a remarkable return in under four years of operation.
How to become a female venture capitalist
Reflecting on her journey, Kimmel identifies five strategies for aspiring female VCs to navigate their own paths to success.
1. Lean into your super skills
As women reach adulthood, they often receive the advice to “trust their instincts,” yet many are brought up to be accommodating, go along to get along, and sociable. Kimmel highlights the significance of cultivating an authentic self and staying true to one’s vision.
Rather than conforming to the norms of her male counterparts, Kimmel forged her own way. “Being a woman in the industry just gives me a very different outlook, and the skills that I’m able to provide are different as well,” she states. Kimmel excels at community-building and fostering connections. Early in her career, she mastered the art of organizing dinners for founders, complementing her outreach methods by using traditional emails alongside newer social media messaging. “By hosting a dinner or making a vital introduction, you create impactful connections, which are invaluable when entrepreneurs are focused on growing their businesses,” she elaborates.
2. View venture capital through the lens of hospitality
Kimmel draws most of her professional inspiration not from Wall Street or investment literature but from the hospitality sector. “There’s a reason why companies want more women investors at the table,” she emphasizes. “We offer a unique viewpoint to the discussions, and I am passionately dedicated to hiring, mentoring, and supporting women in our organization.”
When interacting with founders, Kimmel consistently seeks ways to lend her support. “Launching a business can be overwhelmingly stressful, particularly for those handling primary caregiving duties,” she shares. “I make a concerted effort to include spouses in dinners and organize family-friendly events throughout the year.”
3. Talk openly (and often) about money
Discussing money can be a sensitive subject, and Kimmel observes that while many women excel at managing their finances, they tend to be less forthright about their incomes compared to men. “Engaging in conversations about finances is crucial,” she advocates. “I always urge women to share their earnings and inquire about their peers’ salaries in similar roles. We need to foster this collaborative environment.”
However, Kimmel notes a positive trend in financial literacy, particularly among younger generations. With platforms like TikTok featuring financial advice and new investment apps emerging, she believes we are moving toward a more equitable future. “But being proactive in shaping that cultural shift within companies is also vital,” she adds.
4. Empower other women to feel seen
Rather than competing for limited opportunities, Kimmel adopts a more cooperative mindset. She has observed many women exiting the industry because of unwelcoming workplace cultures, especially those contemplating family planning and needing to navigate maternity leave policies. “We’ve seen women choose alternate career paths where there’s a more balanced representation, so it’s paramount to ensure every woman feels acknowledged and incorporate that ethos into your company’s culture,” she states.
As part of her commitment to fostering a more inclusive tech environment, Kimmel focuses on helping the companies in her portfolio attract and retain talented female engineers. “Women entering tech often come from college environments brimming with female friendships, living in women’s dorms, and participating in group activities that foster community. Transitioning into a predominantly male industry can often be a jarring experience,” she explains.
5. Embrace AI to focus your efforts
To utilize your super skills effectively, it’s essential to set boundaries and leverage AI to automate routine tasks. “In the corporate realm, women frequently grapple with the need for visibility and recognition for their contributions,” Kimmel observes, adding that women often take on additional responsibilities such as organizing company outings or assuming administrative tasks. “Automation is emerging as a tool that can genuinely benefit women,” she states. “We shouldn’t be the ones expected to handle note-taking in meetings or any of the mundane responsibilities that often default to the woman in the room.”
