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Madison Hawkinson
Investor at Costanoa Ventures - Data & AI - DS In Residence at Columbia Startup Lab - Ex-Meta
Madison Hawkinson is a prominent figure in the venture capital space, currently serving as the Vice President at Costanoa Ventures. Her career is marked by a strong foundation in data science and machine learning, which she has successfully transitioned into investment roles.
Educational Background and Early Career
Madison holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Stanford University, where she developed her analytical skills. Early in her career, she worked at Facebook, progressing from a Data Scientist to a Senior Data Scientist and eventually a Data Science Manager. Here, she focused on ad personalization and machine learning platforms, laying the groundwork for her expertise in data analytics.3
Professional Experience
Before joining Costanoa Ventures, Madison held significant positions:
- Head of Data Science and Machine Learning at Thrasio, where she led data-driven strategies.
- Head of Data Science at Greycroft, further enhancing her leadership in utilizing data for investment insights.
- She also gained experience as an Investment Banking Summer Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, showcasing her versatility across sectors.13
In addition to her professional endeavors, Madison is an entrepreneur; she owns Ranch Road Vineyards, reflecting her passion for the wine industry.1
Role at Costanoa Ventures
At Costanoa Ventures, Madison focuses on investments in AI-enabled startups and data infrastructure. The firm specializes in early-stage investments across various sectors including fintech, cybersecurity, and enterprise solutions. Madison's role involves leveraging her extensive background in data science to identify promising startups and support their growth through strategic investments.245
Contributions and Philosophy
Madison emphasizes a hands-on approach to venture capital, aiming to foster innovation by supporting founders with both financial resources and operational guidance. She believes in the importance of diversity in entrepreneurship and actively seeks to mentor underrepresented founders.56 Her commitment to experimentation and data-driven decision-making continues to shape her investment strategies at Costanoa Ventures.5
Overall, Madison Hawkinson's multifaceted career illustrates her adaptability and expertise in bridging technology with investment opportunities, making her a valuable asset in the venture capital landscape.
