During my internship at GreyMatter Capital, I led a deep-dive research project on neurodivergence to support the firm’s mission of investing in transformative health care solutions. The goal was to establish GreyMatter’s thought leadership in mental health by creating a comprehensive deck that mapped the neurodivergent market and identified key players. This project is directly aligned with GreyMatter’s mission to drive innovation in mental health, supporting more inclusive, accessible healthcare services. By gathering insights from over 40 startups, and analyzing business models, go-to-market strategies, and reimbursement frameworks, my work laid the groundwork for engaging fund advisors and industry stakeholders. My research helped spark conversations about addressing systemic gaps in neurodivergence support, from clinician shortages to evolving reimbursement models. Contributing to a project that so closely matched the organization’s vision of advancing mental health care felt deeply rewarding.

My internship at GreyMatter Capital allowed me to apply and expand on several critical skills from my finance background. Conducting competitive landscape analysis, financial modeling, and due diligence, I evaluated investment potential for neurodivergent-focused startups. My coursework provided a foundation in market analysis, but this experience added practical exposure to investment processes in digital health and health care. For example, I built a financial model and performed sensitivity analysis for a potential Series A investment into a healthtech company. These tasks honed my financial analysis skills and allowed me to translate theory into actionable insights. Collaborating with partners and engaging industry experts also strengthened my strategic communication skills, a valuable complement to my technical expertise. This internship was a pivotal step in applying my academic learning in a high-stakes investment environment, providing a strong foundation for future roles in impact investment.

One significant challenge I encountered was synthesizing data from various sources to create a cohesive, informative market overview. Assembling a comprehensive analysis of neurodivergent startups required diligent research, comparing business models, go-to-market strategies, and reimbursement methods to build an accurate picture of industry trends. Another hurdle involved transforming raw data into a compelling narrative that partners could present effectively to fund advisors. This required balancing granular data with broader strategic insights, all while adjusting the deck to meet stakeholder feedback. Fortunately, I had a collaborative team who guided me in framing my insights. This experience taught me the importance of persistence, adaptability, and clarity in conveying complex research, especially when dealing with a dynamic field like healthcare.

My internship at GreyMatter was an invaluable learning experience that expanded my technical and professional skills. I gained hands-on experience in venture capital, from conducting financial and competitive analyses to preparing investor materials that communicated complex information clearly and strategically. My summer project taught me how to align detailed research with high-level goals, a skill that will be essential in future roles. Beyond technical skills, I learned the importance of proactive communication and collaboration, especially in refining the deck through expert feedback and adapting insights to suit multiple stakeholders. Working closely with a supportive team helped me see the value of shared problem-solving, and I continue to appreciate how crucial teamwork is to success in impact investment. This experience deepened my interest in impact investment and strengthened my confidence in tackling complex projects.