Maryam Haque, Founding Executive Director of Venture Forward, discusses how she is helping to open doors to venture capital for people from all backgrounds. She traces her journey from Mississippi to Silicon Valley and highlights the structural barriers that kept venture capital concentrated for decades. Maryam offers a grounded view of the current market dynamics, the growing importance of education and mentorship for emerging managers, and how programs like VC University and the GP Masterclass help build a stronger, more inclusive industry.

In this episode, you’ll learn:
[01:55] From Mississippi to Silicon Valley: Maryam’s unexpected path into venture capital

[04:18] The origins of Venture Forward and its mission to democratize access to VC

[07:13] Why venture capital lacked diversity for so long

[09:17] The champions who sparked change and why progress takes time

[12:46] How Venture Forward educates and supports emerging managers

[15:16] The scale of Venture Forward’s programs and the launch of the GP Masterclass

[18:00] The story of Chingona Ventures and how early support creates lasting impact

[20:54] What successful emerging managers do differently

[24:43] Why starting a fund is harder than it looks—and what most underestimate

[25:47] The future of venture: specialization, innovation, and realistic optimism

The nonprofit organization Maryam is passionate about: PBS

About Maryam Haque

Maryam Haque is the Founding Executive Director of Venture Forward, a nonprofit organization dedicated to democratizing access to venture capital. She has over 15 years of experience in the venture ecosystem, including leadership roles at the National Venture Capital Association (NVCA) and Dow Jones VentureSource. Maryam is passionate about broadening participation in venture capital, supporting emerging fund managers, and advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the industry.

About Venture Forward

Venture Forward is a Silicon Valley-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit launched under the NVCA to foster a more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable venture capital ecosystem. The organization supports individuals from all backgrounds through education, mentorship, and community programs such as VC University, Emerging Manager Office Hours, and the GP Masterclass. Its mission is to empower the next generation of investors, strengthen venture firms, and drive lasting change in the innovation economy.

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