Our first ‘Spotlight On,’ a new series highlighting VC ecosystems across the country, features Austin, TX. Dennis McWilliams, Partner at Austin-based VC firm Santé.

The main idea: Austin’s startup scene is evolving, making the city poised for growth in life science investing.

We spoke to Kathryn Weinmann, Senior Associate at Norwest Venture Partners and a recipient of the 2021 NVCA Rising Star award, about her VC career, work with the Emerging Venture Capital Association (EVCA), and more.

The big picture: Mentorships and resources are powerful tools to enhancing DEI.

In honor of Black History Month, we want to reflect on some of the positives and progress in the industry by highlighting a few leaders, organizations, and efforts that are driving meaningful change for more Black representation in VC.

Why it matters: DEI is critical to fostering a successful venture ecosystem.

We spoke with Steve Murray, Managing Partner at Revolution Growth, and Shivani Siroya, Founder and CEO of Tala, a Revolution Growth portfolio company, to discuss the dynamic relationship between our VC members and their innovative portfolio companies around the nation.

The big picture: Read how portfolio companies are providing opportunities and contributing to a broader perspective of VC.

We spoke with Molly Bonakdarpour, Partner at Drive Capital, and with Timothy Miller, CEO, President, and Co-Founder of Forge Biologics, a Drive Capital portfolio company, to discuss the dynamic relationship between our VC members and their innovative portfolio companies around the nation.

Why it matters: Hear directly from portfolio companies on how they make investment decisions.

Pfizer is a well-known U.S. drug company, but few Americans had heard of Moderna before the company made headlines for pursuing a COVID vaccine.

Why it matters: The company is a fascinating case study in American innovation and provides a roadmap for policymakers to support U.S. leadership in scientific and technological advancement.

American startups are the most innovative companies in the world, and many that are backed by VC are currently using their resources and human capital to combat COVID-19.

The big picture: These startup companies represent a wide range of industries during the ongoing fight against COVID.

We spoke with Bill Baumel, Managing Director at Ohio Innovation Fund (OIF), and Amanda Epp, CEO of ScriptDrop, an OIF portfolio company, to discuss the dynamic relationship between our VC members and their innovative portfolio companies around the nation.

A deeper look: Learn how entrepreneurs are advancing the VC industry.

We spoke to Mark Kvamme, Co-Founder & Partner at Drive Capital and former NVCA Board Member, about the effects of the Volcker Rule on the startup ecosystem in the Midwest.

Impact on VC: Recent reform to the rule will increase VC investment and startup activity in the middle of the country.

Corporate venture capital (CVC) investment was resilient in Q2 2020 even as venture activity overall fell. Through Q2, CVC invested nearly $33 billion, which means CVC is on pace to surpass 2019 investment and may even exceed 2018’s impressive figures.