While women are still under-represented in leadership positions at venture capital firms, there are signs of progress. Last December, Analysis Dragic became a partner at Sapphire Ventures at 29. Making her the most youthful female VC partner in Europe.
Sapphire has more than $8.8 billion in assets under management also has offices in London, Austin, Palo Alto, also San Francisco. In early 2020, Dragic was hired to help establish the company’s presence in Europe. Based out of London, the company made Series B investments through B2B companies. Before its IPO, focusing on fintech and B2B SaaS.
Dragic has been a passionate advocate for attracting more women to venture capital and encouraging investment in more women also diverse founders throughout her career. Here he proclaims the secret of his success.
Alison Coleman: What was your first professional aspiration?
Drastic analysis: “My first ambition was to become a diplomat! From an early age, I was draw to a career that would allow me to be part of the international community. Also work to improve the lives of others. Born in London, I have lived in four other countries on three continents. Sparking my interest in different cultures and international relations. I majored in Science, Technology, also International Relations at Georgetown University. Career opportunities in finance attracted me because they allowed me to combine my analytical. And critical thinking skills with studying the technologies that impact lives around the world that can change the world.
Coleman: What attracted you to the world of VC?
Dragic: I started my career with a function in investment banking. Which was an excellent opportunity to learn something quickly, especially for someone who didn’t study finance. I later joined LinkedIn in a strategic and analytical role, working in San Francisco, London, and Dublin offices. This early-career opportunity sparked my interest in how technology companies are value and what conditions create success for scaling. After LinkedIn, I completed my MBA at Stanford University also decided to pursue a career in venture capital.
Coleman: You started implanting in the European ecosystem with Atomico in 2017.