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Cecilia Ziniti

General Counsel - Startup Operator - Investor - Advisor - Board Member

Professional Background

Cecilia Ziniti is an accomplished technology and legal executive, known for her dedication to accelerating the success of companies and products across various innovative sectors. A former attorney at Amazon – where she was the first full-time lawyer for Alexa – Cecilia brings a unique blend of legal expertise and technological insight to her work, which encompasses high-performing teams and cross-functional collaboration at multiple venture-backed enterprises.

Her seasoned career includes significant roles such as General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Lambda School, Digital Products Counsel at Amazon, and Lead Counsel at Cruise Automation, Inc. With a profound understanding of complex industries like artificial intelligence, data, software, and financial technology, Cecilia has built a reputation as a versatile generalist capable of addressing a full spectrum of stakeholder needs. Her skills have led her to play fundamental roles in closing over $195 million in venture capital funding across four rounds while serving as corporate secretary to boards of directors for 18 quarters.

Cecilia is particularly noted for her exceptional negotiation skills, having successfully forged hundreds of commercial transactions spanning diverse fields, from SaaS and global retail distribution to marketing licenses and venture debt. Her impressive track record underscores her adaptability and strategic thinking in high-stakes environments.

Beyond her corporate accomplishments, Cecilia is passionate about leadership, mentorship, and community involvement within legal and tech circles. She has taken on roles as an angel investor and advisor while actively speaking on topics such as women in technology, leadership, and innovation. Her influence extends beyond corporate boardrooms, making her a sought-after speaker and advocate for progress and inclusivity in the industry.

Education and Achievements

Cecilia Ziniti's education reflects her thorough grounding in both legal principles and international economics. She earned her Doctor of Jurisprudence from the esteemed University of California, Berkeley – School of Law, equipping herself with a deep understanding of legal systems and frameworks fundamental for her roles in technology and corporate governance. Her academic journey continued at the prestigious London School of Economics, where she studied sociology, further enriching her perspective on societal impacts and business. Cecilia also holds a Bachelor of Science in International Economics from Georgetown University, providing her with robust analytical skills and a global viewpoint critical for navigating international business environments.

Throughout her career, Cecilia has been involved with various organizations, demonstrating her commitment to leadership and innovation in both legal and technology arenas. As General Counsel and Corporate Secretary at Lambda School, she played a vital role in guiding the institution through periods of rapid change and growth, foundational for its current standing in the tech education sector.

Her previous experience as Counsel for Digital Products at Amazon paved the way for her extensive experience in developing legal solutions tailored to the unique challenges faced by tech companies. Moreover, her role as Lead Counsel at Cruise Automation, Inc. highlights her capacity to negotiate and manage legal and regulatory issues in cutting-edge technological domains.

Her earlier tenure at Morrison & Foerster LLP as an Associate provided a critical foundation in corporate law, preparing Cecilia for her dynamic career in technology and venture capital. Meanwhile, her position in product management and legal at Yahoo underscores her early engagement with the convergence of law and technology.

Cecilia’s role as an angel investor with Portfolia further shows her commitment to empowering startups and fostering innovation, particularly emphasizing her interest in advancing women-led ventures within the tech industry.

Achievements

Over her remarkable career, Cecilia Ziniti has amassed a plethora of achievements that underscore her strategic acumen and legal proficiency. The $195 million in venture capital funding she secured across multiple rounds not only speaks to her negotiation capabilities but also to her ability to align stakeholders’ visions with financial realities.

Her roles as a board corporate secretary for an extensive 18 quarters exemplify her deep engagement with governance and compliance issues that are crucial for companies navigating the complex waters of venture funding and strategic growth. Cecilia has developed a reputation for being a trusted advisor and leader, adept at steering discussions on corporate strategy as well as maintaining seamless communication amongst various stakeholder groups, thus ensuring shared understanding and alignment with overall business objectives.

Cecilia's passion for mentorship and development of high-performing teams speaks to her leadership ethos. Her frequent speaking engagements allow her to share insights on crucial topics such as women and technology, leadership, and innovation, thus contributing to broader discussions about inclusivity and advancement in the tech sector.

With her extensive knowledge and commitment to cross-functional collaboration, Cecilia has not only set a benchmark in her professional roles but also emerged as a mentor for many aspiring leaders in technology and law. Her work as both an angel investor and an advisor also highlights her enthusiasm for cultivating emerging talent, fostering groundbreaking innovations, and supporting initiatives that align with her values of diversity and inclusion in tech.

In sum, Cecilia Ziniti is a dynamic force in the intersection of technology, legal practice, and venture funding. Through her extensive background as a lawyer and executive, coupled with her commitment to mentorship and community engagement, she exemplifies the impactful leadership needed in today’s complex and ever-evolving business landscape. As she continues to speak on critical industry topics and invest in the store of future talent, it's clear that Cecilia is not just a leader but a trailblazer shaping the future of technology and law.

Highlights

Sep 19 · Law.com
Former Amazon Attorney Named First General Counsel of Lambda School | Corporate Counsel - Law.com

Related Questions

How did Cecilia Ziniti shape her expertise in technology and law while working at Amazon?
What are the key factors behind Cecilia Ziniti's success in securing over $195 million in venture capital funding?
In what ways has Cecilia Ziniti contributed to mentorship within the tech community?
How does Cecilia Ziniti leverage her background in international economics in her current roles?
What insights has Cecilia Ziniti shared during her speaking engagements on women in technology and innovation?
Cecilia Ziniti
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Location

San Francisco Bay Area