Hi, I'm Shannon and I’m excited to announce I’ve joined Matchstick Ventures and this group of amazing humans as the first Head of Network, and I thought as one of my first acts on the job I would tell you why.
My first job out of college was as a professional ballerina. After dancing for a series of prestigious ballet companies around the country, I retired from the stage and went back to school to earn a Masters degree in Art Business, specializing in the contemporary art market. That was oddly enough what led me first to startups, working in New York City for an art storage and logistics company that I helped grow from very early stages as one of its first employees.
A few years ago, my husband and I moved to Minnesota from Brooklyn and I joined Techstars. I worked as the Senior Director for Americans West and APAC regions, where I managed the accelerator program managers and operations.
It was during that time that I met Ryan and Natty, the amazing humans I referenced above. I instantly admired them both, and how they showed up authentically with honesty and empathy for everyone they met. More than just them as people, Matchstick’s mission is also something I admire.
With their last fund, Matchstick showed their values are more than just a statement, but truly what guides them. Both Ryan and Natty walked the walk, with over 30 percent of the portfolio companies in Fund II defined as “impact companies” that will generate a measurable benefit to our society or environment, alongside financial returns. More than half of Fund II companies are led by at least one underrepresented founder. And, as members of Pledge 1%, we are continuing to give back with Fund III and donating one percent of our returns to local nonprofits.
Who wouldn’t want to work here, right? I’m excited to be a part of something where we are making a difference and changing the world.
Beyond that, I’m a people person who loves opportunities to meet people I might not otherwise have a chance to learn about, and I’m curious about what drives people and makes them tick. As the Head of Network, I’ll be doing a lot of that with our founders. The main goal of my role is to add value at the seed stage for our founders through curated resources and an organized network of the leaders in our community. I’m a natural connector, and I love putting all the dots together to help someone achieve their goals and solve problems.
You can find me running around South Minneapolis with a latte in one hand and my new baby in the other or at shannon@matchstickventures.com.
I’m so excited to get to know you!