Post by Brandon Parkes

The last five and a half years at Gaingels has felt like a professional fever dream...Meeting David Beatty and Paul Grossinger in 2016 while fundraising for SocialGive (RIP) sparked a journey I never imagined...From Barcelona to London, Miami to Aspen, and even a space launch in Nasa, it’s been a gorgeous whirlwind. Watching Gaingels become one of the most active early-stage investors, with over 2,800 portfolio companies and 4,500 investors, has been surreal. Collaborating with icons like Serena Williams Ventures was a highlight. Building transformative partnerships with organizations like the Black Corporate Board Readiness Program, illumyn Impact, and the Latino Corporate Directors Association (LCDA) —alongside partners like Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan, was incredibly rewarding. Being able to advise over 200 founders leading the world’s most innovative companies, leading Board Access where I placed 70 diverse and transformative board members, and having the opportunity to build Bridge, a program to demystify venture capital for Black investors and LPs, was empowering and an honor; But despite all the numbers, what made the experience richest were the friendships—with Brian Lucksinger, Todd Havill—and the mentorship of Steve Rabin. Driving impact isn’t about doing good; it’s about good business. Pumped to share what's next soon!!