Venture capital still has a long way to go in terms of diversity and equal representation. In this article, we delve into the stories of two founders who are trailblazing the reality for future women investors and founders. Meet Tara Bishop and Eileen Tanghal, the general partners of Black Opal Ventures, a venture capital firm that is making waves in the industry. Join us as we explore their journey, their investments, and their commitment to fostering diversity and innovation in the world of venture capital.
Breaking Barriers in Venture Capital
Meet Tara Bishop and Eileen Tanghal, the trailblazing founders of Black Opal Ventures.
In the male-dominated world of venture capital, Tara Bishop and Eileen Tanghal are making waves with their firm, Black Opal Ventures. As two MIT graduates, they have broken into the traditionally male-dominated industry and are actively fostering diversity within their firm and portfolio.
Tara and Eileen's journey into venture capital was unconventional, with Tara's medical background and Eileen's experience in investing. Together, they bring decades of healthcare tech experience and investing expertise to Black Opal Ventures.
Through their firm, Tara and Eileen are not only investing in companies at the intersection of healthcare and technology but also actively promoting inclusivity and diversity. They believe that a diverse team is essential for innovation and are committed to sourcing diverse talent for executive positions and boards.
Investing in Health-Tech Innovation
Discover Black Opal Ventures' inaugural fund and their focus on health-tech investments.
Black Opal Ventures recently announced their inaugural fund, with a focus on investing in health-tech companies. Tara and Eileen chose this sector because of the persistent problems with accessibility and affordability in healthcare.
One exemplary investment from Black Opal Ventures' first fund is Empatica, a company that develops AI-enabled wearables. Their wearable device, validated by the FDA for seizure detection, not only aids in clinical trials but also empowers patients by offering remote monitoring for multiple conditions.
Black Opal Ventures' investments in health-tech highlight their commitment to disruptive and life-altering innovations that have a positive impact on healthcare.
Fostering Diversity in Venture Capital
Learn how Black Opal Ventures is actively promoting diversity within their firm and portfolio companies.
Tara and Eileen are dedicated to fostering diversity within Black Opal Ventures. They have implemented the Black Opal Fellows Program, which nurtures aspiring investor talent and invites more women to participate as limited partners.
In their portfolio companies, Black Opal Ventures ensures inclusivity by requiring the implementation of anti-harassment policies, diversity metric tracking, and actively sourcing diverse talent for executive positions and boards.
They believe that a diverse team leads to a more robust and innovative approach, resulting in products that cater to a wider demographic and serve diverse populations.
Empowering the Future of Healthcare
Discover Black Opal Ventures' vision for the future of healthcare and the role of technology.
Tara and Eileen envision a future where technology, health, and innovation seamlessly intertwine to transform the healthcare landscape. They emphasize the importance of Edge computing, improved connectivity, and advancements in artificial intelligence as catalysts for the next wave of healthcare evolution.
They are also keen on the appropriate development and application of AI in healthcare, understanding the ethical considerations and potential biases. Their approach goes beyond just investments; they believe in revolutionizing healthcare practices to create unbiased products that serve diverse populations.
By investing in the intersection of healthcare and technology, Black Opal Ventures aims to enhance patient care, improve accessibility, and create a more inclusive healthcare system.
