This article delves into the life, career, and achievements of Brigette Lau, shedding light on her professional journey and the impact she has made in venture capital and beyond.
Early Life and Educational Background
Brigette Lau was born in Menlo Park, California in 1981, growing up in an environment that fostered her curiosity and ambition. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Computer Engineering from the University of Waterloo in Canada, where she graduated with First Class Honors. Afterward, she pursued further education, obtaining her MBA from Georgetown University’s McDonough School of Business in 2007.
Her strong technical background and business acumen laid the foundation for her success in the technology and venture capital industries. Lau’s early exposure to engineering and her formal training in business allowed her to understand both the technical and strategic aspects of building companies from the ground up.
Co-Founding Social Capital: A Visionary Venture
Brigette Lau’s most notable professional accomplishment came when she co-founded Social Capital, a venture capital firm, alongside her then-husband Chamath Palihapitiya. Social Capital was established with a mission to use technology and entrepreneurship to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, including education, healthcare, and financial inclusion.
As the Founding COO of Social Capital, Lau was responsible for overseeing all non-investing operations within the firm, helping to create a structure that allowed the company to thrive. Under her leadership, Social Capital grew into one of Silicon Valley’s most influential firms, backing companies that were driven by innovation and a desire to make the world a better place.
Social Capital’s investment portfolio under Lau’s stewardship includes Descomplica, BetterUp, Swing Education, and Brilliant, among others. Her focus on education and human capital demonstrates her commitment to supporting businesses that can create lasting, positive societal impacts.
The Role of Education in Brigette Lau’s Investments
One of Brigette Lau’s primary areas of focus as an investor is education. Through Social Capital, she has backed several education-related startups that aim to democratize learning and provide opportunities to underserved populations.
For example, Lau led the Series A investment round in Descomplica, a rapidly growing education platform in Brazil. Descomplica offers online courses and exam preparation services, helping students in Brazil access quality education regardless of their socioeconomic background. In addition, her involvement in companies like Treehouse and CodeNow reflects her broader commitment to expanding educational opportunities through technology.
Her investment philosophy is centered on the belief that education is a key driver of societal progress, and she has worked tirelessly to support companies that share this vision. By investing in businesses that focus on improving access to education, Lau has made a significant impact in shaping the future of learning on a global scale.
Entrepreneurial Ventures: Tin Pot Creamery and Bird Dog
Beyond her role as an investor, Brigette Lau is also an entrepreneur with a passion for the food industry. She co-founded Tin Pot Creamery, an artisan ice cream business, and Bird Dog, a fine dining restaurant in Palo Alto, California. These ventures highlight her ability to branch out from the tech and venture capital space to explore other areas of business.
Tin Pot Creamery, known for its high-quality, handcrafted ice cream, quickly became a favorite among locals in the Bay Area. Lau’s involvement in the food business showcases her versatility as an entrepreneur and her ability to apply her business expertise across different sectors. Despite the challenges of the restaurant industry, Lau’s ventures in this space have been successful, demonstrating her knack for identifying market opportunities and delivering exceptional products.
Philanthropy and Community Engagement
In addition to her business endeavors, Brigette Lau is deeply involved in philanthropy and community service. She is an active board member of CodeNow, a nonprofit organization that provides coding education to underrepresented youth. Through her work with CodeNow, Lau has helped empower young people from diverse backgrounds to develop critical skills in technology, opening doors to new opportunities in the tech industry.
Lau is also a strong advocate for women in the arts and regularly supports various initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and diversity in creative industries. Her dedication to giving back to her community is a testament to her belief in the power of education and inclusion as tools for social change.
Personal Life: Family and Low-Key Lifestyle
Brigette Lau gained media attention through her marriage to Chamath Palihapitiya, a billionaire venture capitalist and CEO of Social Capital. The couple, who were married for several years, divorced in 2018. During their marriage, they had three children, though Lau has kept the identities of her children private, maintaining a low profile about her personal life.
Following her divorce, Lau has continued to focus on her professional and philanthropic activities, keeping much of her private life away from the spotlight. Her ability to balance a successful career, motherhood, and community involvement speaks to her resilience and dedication.
Brigette Lau’s Legacy in Venture Capital and Beyond
Brigette Lau’s journey as an investor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist has left an indelible mark on the industries she has touched. Her contributions to the venture capital world, particularly her focus on education and technology, have helped shape the future of startups that aim to create positive societal change.
Lau’s legacy is one of innovation, strategic thinking, and a deep commitment to improving lives through entrepreneurship. As she continues to invest in businesses that align with her values, Lau’s influence will undoubtedly continue to grow, inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs and investors to pursue ventures that not only succeed financially but also make a meaningful impact on the world.
Conclusion
Brigette Lau is a multifaceted businesswoman whose impact spans across venture capital, entrepreneurship, and philanthropy. From co-founding Social Capital to launching local food ventures like Tin Pot Creamery, Lau has demonstrated a unique ability to succeed in diverse industries. Her focus on education and social change, combined with her entrepreneurial spirit, make her a powerful force in both the business and philanthropic worlds.
As she continues to invest in and support companies that aim to make the world a better place, Brigette Lau’s influence will remain significant, shaping industries and lives for years to come.
