Ulili Onovakpuri, a central figure in the emergence of inclusive venture capital, is stepping down from his role as managing partner at Kapor Capital. It’s hard to believe that Onovakpuri joined the firm’s leadership as a principal over a decade ago. Since then, he has deeply influenced the company’s direction and success. His departure opens a new chapter for both him and the firm as they enter a new era of leadership.
Onovakpuri started his long road to Kapor Capital over a decade ago. Through hard work and intelligence, he climbed the corporate ladder until earning a promotion to managing partner. Together with former Civic Ventures COO Brian Dixon, Onovakpuri succeeded the firm’s co-founders, Mitch Kapor and Freada Kapor Klein. This leadership change represents a significant shift in the firm’s structure and strategy.
During Onovakpuri’s time at the firm, Kapor Capital celebrated some big milestones, including the closing of its largest fund to date. This achievement is a testament to the innovative capital raising while he led the firm and speaks to AdVanced’s pledge to fund and support diverse entrepreneurs.
Although specific details surrounding Onovakpuri’s promotion to partner are unavailable, it is clear that his leadership style and vision have left an indelible mark on the firm’s culture and operations. His partnership with Dixon has created a bedroom community-inspired culture that highlights a desire to be innovatively inclusive and structurally diverse in the venture capital industry.
Looking back on his time at Kapor Capital, Onovakpuri had a funny story to share illustrating the often whimsical nature of the job. He stated,
“But my inbox has definitely seen the last of ‘just wanted to follow up on the deck I sent you.” – Ulili Onovakpuri
This remark sums up the difficulty yet amusing nature of attempting to traverse the venture capital world.