Angelina Hu knows her way around the world of venture capital as the global head of investor relations at SALT Venture Group, a growing community of the world’s foremost investors, creators, and thinkers.
The mission of SALT is to drive innovation and growth by connecting leading figures across various industries. SALT helps institutional investors — from sovereign wealth funds and government pensions to endowments and foundations to family offices and financial advisors — to identify and connect with differentiated asset managers. This includes hedge funds, venture capital, private equity and credit, and company founders, from fintech to deep tech and climate tech.
SALT was first founded in 2009 by SkyBridge Capital, a leading fund of funds, but now operates as a standalone entity. SALT is known for unlocking growth opportunities in the fields of finance, economics, entrepreneurship, public policy, technology, and philanthropy. Moreover, it has hosted global events in New York City, Singapore, and Abu Dhabi.
At her job, Hu is responsible for connecting institutional asset owners with innovative asset managers and technology entrepreneurs. She also leads fundraising efforts for Solari Capital, a VC fund focused on cutting-edge technologies in biotech, life sciences, and more.
Beyond her leadership roles, Hu actively supports emerging VC investors and startup founders through her advisory work with Sutton Capital, Coyote Ventures, and Coolwater Capital. Her commitment to fostering diversity is evident in her track record of working closely with emerging and diverse VC funds and her efforts to promote equal opportunities for entrepreneurs.
She is also paving the path for others, as well. Hu is making significant strides to foster diversity in the tech industry. She is a minority woman in a traditionally male-dominated field, so she has dedicated her career to breaking down barriers and creating opportunities for emerging and diverse investors and entrepreneurs.
Having grown up in Beijing and Madrid, Hu has extensive experience in finance, international relations, and venture capital. Her dedication to changing the dynamics of the current VC landscape is driven by her belief that investors can generate higher returns and are more likely to back diverse founders. By championing a more inclusive approach to venture capital, Hu is helping to create a more equitable and innovative tech ecosystem.
She speaks about diversity in tech, the future of VC funding, and how artificial intelligence is changing the game.
Why are women so scarce in VC, and how is this changing?
Angelina Hu: One of the most extensive studies done on this was by Third Way, a think tank in 2017, which claims that the VC industry is male-dominated and women make up only about 8% of partners and 7% of board seats. The VC industry relies heavily on established, male-centric networks, creating additional barriers for women seeking investment roles or women seeking VC funding. Women-led startups represent a small fraction of VC-backed firms, with less than 5% having female executives. Female founders and female VCs alike face challenges due to limited access to human, social, and financial capital, as well as a lack of senior female role models. Structural issues, including educational and hiring biases, further limit opportunities for women in VC and entrepreneurship.
Has there been a positive shift here?
The positive shift is that the industry is increasingly recognizing how the scarcity of female investors disadvantages women founders. In response, many outstanding female professionals are making the transition into venture capital. This includes experienced investors moving from later-stage roles in investment banking and private equity, as well as skilled domain experts stepping into early-stage VC roles, where they can leverage their deep knowledge and insights to add value to startups.
What do women need to do to step up and get involved in the world of venture capitalism?
For women to step up and engage meaningfully in venture capital, it’s crucial for established female VCs — especially those with extensive experience or those who have successfully raised their own funds — to actively share their insights and journey. Their leadership and perspectives can demystify the field, dispelling perceived barriers and encouraging more women to pursue VC roles. The impact of visible role models in breaking down these barriers is profound, fostering a culture of inclusivity that highlights both the possibilities and pathways for aspiring female investors.
How is AI changing venture capitalism?
I hope there is a short answer to this question. AI is reshaping venture capital in ways as quickly as it permeates nearly every industry. VCs invested $3.9 billion into 206 generative AI deals in Q3 2024, per the most recent Pitchbook report, indicating sustained momentum despite rising caution among investors wary of speculative hype. As AI continues to advance, it will undoubtedly influence deal flow, risk assessment, investment strategies and focuses, and challenging VCs to balance enthusiasm for this groundbreaking technology with a more grounded and balanced approach to its adoption.
What are your plans for 2025 and beyond?
Stepping into 2025, one of my biggest professional plans is to selectively work closely with 2-3 VC funds that align with my personal mission and values, help them with fundraising and sourcing deals leveraging my existing network and expertise.
