During my summer internship with PollyLabs, I was actively involved in three key workstreams that significantly aligned with the organization's mission of repurposing technology to address global challenges.

Firstly, in the \"FoodCo\" project, I collaborated closely with an agtech company founder during the incubation phase of the company to determine exploration priorities. Our goal was to create innovative solutions that could optimize the regenerative agriculture food supply chain, thereby contributing to sustainability. By conducting extensive market research and identifying gaps in the current supply chain infrastructure, we aimed to enhance the efficiency and resilience of the agricultural sector.

Secondly, in the screening and due diligence workstream, I applied my skills in data analysis, strategy, and market research to assess potential founders and companies. This process aims to ensure that we will fund and co-build ventures with founders who share our commitment to making a positive impact. By thoroughly evaluating aspects such as team dynamics, market potential, and business models, we will ensure that our investments are aligned with PollyLabs'mission to create technology-driven solutions for global challenges.

Lastly, in the fundraising strategy initiative, I played a vital role in crafting a compelling narrative for fundraising efforts. Drawing on my business school education, I helped develop investor materials and a unique investment summary template. These materials highlighted our fund's distinct strengths and its potential to drive meaningful change through technology-driven ventures.

My experience at Columbia Business School provided me with a strong foundation in data analysis, strategic thinking, and communication, all of which I applied extensively during my fellowship at PollyLabs.

In the FoodCo project, my ability to size the total addressable market and conduct comprehensive market research was enabled by learnings of courses such as Foundations of VC. These skills allowed me to identify opportunities and gaps in the agribusiness sector, facilitating the incubation of innovative agtech solutions.

During the screening and due diligence process, I leveraged the learnings from my Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition course to evaluate the financial viability and potential scalability of ventures. The critical thinking and analytical skills I developed in class were invaluable when assessing factors such as competitive landscapes and business models.

Additionally, my coursework in communication in classes like LEAD or Behavioral Economics and Decision Making played a crucial role in crafting a compelling fundraising narrative for PollyLabs. I applied my knowledge to create investor materials and articulate the fund's unique value proposition effectively.

One significant challenge I encountered during my fellowship was the need for adaptability. The startup and venture capital landscape is dynamic and fast-paced. As such, I had to quickly pivot and adjust my strategies and priorities as new information and opportunities arose. It was essential to remain open to change, as not only we were making many decisions, but also it was the first time I handled more than one workstream by myself. Due to the fact that I was managing multiple workstreams, another challenge was managing time and resources efficiently across them. Balancing the demands of the FoodCo project, due diligence processes, and fundraising strategy required meticulous organization and prioritization. Learning to manage these competing demands effectively was a valuable skill acquired during my summer at PollyLabs.

Additionally, the due diligence process occasionally presented complex scenarios, where I had to make decisions about what to look after in different investment opportunities. Making informed recommendations was a challenge that pushed me to grow as a professional.

My summer fellowship at PollyLabs was an enriching experience that showed me a preview of what the investing world can be after almost seven years of having been a consultant and an operator at a startup. I tried something new, gained invaluable hands-on experience in incubating a company that aspires to raise venture capital, and learned about subjects that were unknown to me such, as impact investing and aligning my career goals more closely with the organization's mission.

This experience enhanced my ability to analyze complex business landscapes, make decisions (sometimes data-driven, sometimes not), and communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders. Looking ahead, I am committed to pursuing a career that allows me to continue making a positive impact through venture building and investment. My time at PollyLabs planted in me the belief that technology can be repurposed to create positive change in the world, and I am excited to have been part of this mission.