Kathryn Finney
InvestorManaging General Partner at Genius Guild
Chicago, Illinois
Writes $1M – $10M checks · typically $5M
Find your path to Kathryn
78 people in our graph share verified history with Kathryn — schools, employers, funds. One of them is your warm intro.
Liam DonohueunlockedKathryn: together at Backpack Healthcare (2022–2023)
Kathryn: together at Backpack Healthcare
×3Kathryn: together at Penguin Random House
×6Kathryn: together at Mount Holyoke College
About
Kathryn Finney is a founder and investor with over two decades of experience building companies and supporting entrepreneurs. She founded Digital Undivided, a social enterprise that produced the "#ProjectDiane" research on diversity in venture capital, and established Genius Guild, a multi-million dollar investment fund focused on underrepresented founders. Finney is also the author of two books published by Random House, including the Wall Street Journal bestseller "Build the Damn Thing," and currently leads BUILD, an AI-powered platform designed to help entrepreneurs launch businesses.
Invests in
Climate TechConsumerFintechHealthtechImpact & Social Good
Experience
- BUILD | Idea to Product You Can SellFounder & CEOcurrent2026 — presentChicago, Illinois, United States
- Genius GuildManaging General Partnercurrent2020 — presentChicago, Illinois, United States
- Backpack HealthcareBoard Director/Observercurrent2022 — present
- Health In Her HUEBoard Directorcurrent2021 — presentGlobal
- Kathryn Finney InvestmentsAngel Investorcurrent2006 — presentChicago, Illinois, United States
- Kathryn Finney IncGlobal Advisor to Governments, Universities, Major Brands and UHNWcurrent2005 — presentGlobal
- Penguin Random HouseWall Street Journal Bestselling Author: Portfolio Bookscurrent2020 — present
- digitalundividedCEO- Founder- Board Director2012 — 2020New York City Metropolitan Area
- Simply Good Media (EXIT 2013)CEO/Founder (EXIT 2013)2003 — 2013
Skills & more
Artificial Intelligence (AI)Creativity and InnovationBusiness Innovation1Venture Financing1Executive Management1Board Development1Growth Strategies1Strategic Planning1CEO Succession1Angel Investing1Writing1Board of Directors1
+12 more
Innovation ManagementManagementMergers & Acquisitions (M&A)Venture CapitalInvestmentsHealthcareSocial MediaE-commerceConsumer TrendsTelevisionEntertainmentSocial Media MarketingFrom Kathryn's professional profile.
Network4
Brian Aoaeh
Investor at KEC Ventures
Brian Laung Aoaeh
Founder & Managing General Partner at REFASHIOND Ventures
Bridgette Smith
Investor at Capitalize VC
Tessa Flippin
Managing Partner at Capitalize VC
Investors connected to Kathryn in public investor directories — a warm-intro map.
Frequently asked questions
- Who is Kathryn Finney?
- Kathryn Finney is a founder and investor with over two decades of experience building companies and supporting entrepreneurs. She founded Digital Undivided, a social enterprise that produced the "#ProjectDiane" research on diversity in venture capital, and established Genius Guild, a multi-million dollar investment fund focused on underrepresented founders. Finney is also the author of two books published by Random House, including the Wall Street Journal bestseller "Build the Damn Thing," and currently leads BUILD, an AI-powered platform designed to help entrepreneurs launch businesses.
- Where does Kathryn Finney work?
- Kathryn Finney is Managing General Partner at Genius Guild.
- What does Kathryn Finney invest in?
- Kathryn Finney invests in Climate Tech, Consumer, Fintech, Healthtech, Impact & Social Good.
- What check size does Kathryn Finney write?
- Kathryn Finney typically writes checks of $1M – $10M.
- Where did Kathryn Finney go to school?
- Kathryn Finney studied at Yale University (Masters, International Epidemiology (Hnrs)); Rutgers University (BA, Political Science/ Women's Studies (Hnrs)); Mount Holyoke College (Doctor of Humane Letters (Honorary)).
Same school
Also attended Yale University966
Ann Miura-KoCo-founding Partner at FloodgateDavid SzeAdvisory Partner at GreylockMichael SeibelPartner Emeritus at Y CombinatorBen SilbermannCo-founder of PinterestZheela QaiserInvestor at Index VenturesAnthony PhilippakisInvestor at GV (Google Ventures)
+ 960 more
Also attended Rutgers University217
Jigar RaythathaInvestor at Third Rock VenturesRobin LiInvestor at GGV CapitalDominique LittleGovernment Affairs Lead at ParadigmGanesh PersadVice President & Chief Information Officer at Flare Capital PartnersBill DeJianneSales Manager (Eastern U.S.) at Needham FundsMark FieldsInvestor at Alsop Louie Partners
+ 211 more
Also attended Mount Holyoke College34
Maria CirinoInvestor at .406 VenturesKelci HoranOffice Manager and Executive Assistant at .406 VenturesKleida MartiroManaging Director at Glasswing VenturesErin HalbrechtHead of Marketing, Platform, & Operations at Sorenson VenturesArielle JacksonHead, Corporate Communications & Industry Engagement at Longwood FundDeborah PalestrantPartner, Executive Chair, 4:59 Initiative at 5AM Ventures
+ 28 more
Shared employers
Also worked at Backpack Healthcare9
Liam DonohueInvestor at .406 VenturesJason RobartCo-founder and General Partner at Seae VenturesTuoyo LouisCo-founder and General Partner at Seae VenturesErica MurdockManaging Partner at Seae VenturesJillian ManusManaging Partner at Structure CapitalJulia Monfrini PeevFounder at PACE Healthcare Capital
+ 3 more
Also worked at Health In Her HUE2
Also worked at Penguin Random House30
Maya SmithExecutive Assistant and Office Manager at Shine CapitalKate MasonVenture Partner at AirTree VenturesRahul ChandraManaging Director at Arkam VenturesBrian WongFounder & CEO at Ascii VenturesKeith TitanPartner at BDMIDavid ArcaraPartner at Laconia
+ 24 more