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Phoebe Harrop
Director, Growth Equity at Generation Investment Management
Phoebe Harrop is a prominent investment professional currently serving as a Partner at Blackbird Ventures, a venture capital firm based in New Zealand. Before her role at Blackbird, she was the Director of Growth Equity at Generation Investment Management, a sustainability-focused investment firm co-founded by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore.
Educational Background and Early Career
Harrop grew up in New Plymouth, New Zealand, and pursued her studies at the University of Otago, where she earned degrees in Law and Spanish. She began her professional career as a management consultant at Bain & Company, working in both Melbourne and London. During her tenure at Bain, she collaborated with major companies on strategic initiatives, which provided her with a solid foundation in business strategy and organizational dynamics.16
Experience at Generation Investment Management
At Generation Investment Management, Harrop focused on investing in mission-driven companies that contribute to a sustainable economy. Her investments typically ranged from $50 million to $150 million and included notable firms like Asana and Remitly. She spent three years with Generation, where she honed her skills in evaluating innovative business models aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.123
Transition to Blackbird Ventures
In 2021, Harrop transitioned to Blackbird Ventures, where she initially took on the role of Associate before quickly rising to Principal and then Partner. At Blackbird, she focuses on supporting ambitious Kiwi founders and investing in technology startups across various sectors.46 Recently, she was appointed to lead Blackbird's New Zealand operations as its founding head.6
Personal Insights and Future Aspirations
Harrop has expressed a strong commitment to fostering innovation within New Zealand's startup ecosystem. She aims to leverage her experience in growth equity to support early-stage companies that tackle significant challenges, particularly in climate technology. Her passion for sustainable investment continues to guide her career trajectory as she seeks to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs in New Zealand.35
In summary, Phoebe Harrop is recognized for her strategic insights and dedication to sustainable investing, making significant contributions to both Generation Investment Management and Blackbird Ventures throughout her career.


