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Donna Harris

VC, angel investor, entrepreneur. CEO Builders + Backers; Cofounder 1776 / GP 1776 Ventures. Seed 25: best female early-stage investors

Donna Harris is a prominent figure in the entrepreneurship and venture capital world. She is the founder and CEO of Builders + Backers, a venture capital firm and philanthropic initiative focused on igniting entrepreneurial action worldwide.12 Harris is also a General Partner at 1776 Ventures, a Washington, DC-based venture capital fund that invests in enterprises tackling critical global challenges.12

As a Venture Partner at Praxis, Harris advises the faith community on the power of redemptive entrepreneurship and investing to generate thriving.13 She brings extensive experience to this role, having previously served as the Managing Director of the Startup America Partnership during the Obama administration.12

Harris is recognized for her influence in the intersection of entrepreneurship, investing, and economic thriving. She has been named one of Washington DC's Power 100 by Washington Business Journal and Washington Life, and as a Tech Titan by Washingtonian Magazine.12 In 2021, she was recognized as one of the top 25 female early-stage investors in the United States.2

Her educational background includes a bachelor's degree from Central Michigan University, an MBA with distinction from The University of Michigan Ross School of Business, and an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from American University.12

Harris is actively involved in various organizations, serving on the board of directors of the Global Entrepreneurship Network and as a member of the Policy Council of the Economic Innovation Group.12 She is also an active angel investor and co-founder of K Street Capital.1

Highlights

Aug 20 · twitter

10 obsessed users > 1,000 casual ones.

Early traction isn’t about vanity metrics. It’s about proving urgency, getting rich feedback, & sparking virality.

If your startup/product disappeared tomorrow, who would scream?

Today's Builders Field Guide: https://t.co/1p1xdkg9ks https://t.co/WfMDybufD9

10 obsessed users > 1,000 casual ones.

Early traction isn’t about vanity metrics.
It’s about pro
Jul 23 · twitter

Dream big, build smart.

@kathleenhale_ almost built the "world's smartest treadmill desk" — heart rate tracking, app sync, the works. She's glad she didn't.

Getting Consumer goods features wrong = expensive do-overs. Her playbook for getting it right: https://t.co/IX6nXMtTF6

Oct 7 · mercury.com
Donna Harris | Investor Database - Mercury Bank
Oct 1 · onse.dc.gov
Donna L. Harris - Office of Neighborhood Safety and Engagement
Aug 3 · thenetwork.com
Donna Harris - The Network
Feb 1 · mentalhealth.com
La Donna Harris - Therapist - MentalHealth.com
Jan 1 · entrepreneur.com
Donna Harris - Author Biography - Entrepreneur
Donna Harris - Author Biography - Entrepreneur
Jan 1 · praxislabs.org
Donna Harris | Builders Backers - Praxis Labs
Donna Harris | Builders Backers - Praxis Labs
Oct 16 · Entrepreneur
I Saw Up-Close 3 Ways the Wealthiest People Live Differently - Entrepreneur
I Saw Up-Close 3 Ways the Wealthiest People Live Differently - Entrepreneur
Jun 20 · Benzinga
Builders + Backers and Heartland Forward Equip and Fund Nearly 100 New Entrepreneurs - Benzinga
Builders + Backers and Heartland Forward Equip and Fund Nearly 100 New Entrepreneurs - Benzinga

Related Questions

What is the main focus of Builders + Backers?
How did Donna Harris's role at Startup America Partnership influence her career?
What are some notable investments made by 1776 Ventures?
How does Donna Harris's work at Praxis Labs integrate with her other ventures?
What are the key challenges Donna Harris has faced in her entrepreneurial journey?
Donna Harris
Donna Harris, photo 1
Donna Harris, photo 2
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Location

Washington DC-Baltimore Area