Activity
5K followers
-
Katie Russel reposted thisKatie Russel reposted thisI am THRILLED to share that Katie Russel of the Central Texas Angel Network and I have appointed to the board of the Angel Capital Association! 🎉🚀 What an incredible honor!! The ACA sets a high bar for angel investing and has a long history of being at the forefront due to the insights of brilliant leaders that have come before us. We supercharge early-stage investing, champion founders, and drive more accessible, impactful capital into the ecosystem. I can’t wait to roll up my sleeves, share ideas, learn from this talented community, and help spark more bold innovation. If you’re building something exciting or passionate about angel investing, let’s connect — I’m pumped to collaborate! PS Thank you Brianna McDonald for bringing the motion to the floor and Kevin Kudra for your guidance.
-
Katie Russel reposted thisKatie Russel reposted thisWe flew 700 times in 54 days. 40 diagnostic samples. 20 flights a day, every day, between Narayana Health's facilities in Bengaluru. No roads. No traffic. No waiting. Roads are incredible. They connected the world for centuries. We are building to make them optional. The TRT launches vertically, flies efficiently, and needs nothing on the ground to do it. We started this company with a prototype held together by toothpicks. Literally. The first version was made from 2D slices, sanded by hand, submitted to a hackathon for a $500 grant. Today that same obsession with the physics, every gram, every watt, every line of code, is moving a hospital's diagnostic samples across the city faster than a courier ever could. 700 flights. 54 days. Built by a team in Bengaluru that decided logistics is a physics problem and worked backwards from there.. None of this gets off the ground without the Narayana Health & Narayana One Health teams. To Dr. Devi Shetty and his office, thank you for trusting a young team before we had a track record worth trusting. To the ops and lab teams who worked with us flight by flight, day by day, you made 700 possible. And to the Brand and PR team who helped tell this story, thank you for caring about it as much as we did. This is Chapter 1. There are a lot more to write
-
Katie Russel reposted thisKatie Russel reposted thisSXSW was the perfect blend of education, networking and entertainment. I left with a sharper vision for my business, some valuable connections and more confidence in my founder identity. One of the most insightful sessions I attended was How to Raise Money From Angel Groups: What We Really Look For. Katie Russel and John Lilly walked us through just how unique each angel fund is and how doing your homework is super important for finding a good mutual fit. I also learned about building a healthy data room that provides transparency and builds investor confidence. One important rule is to not raise money unless you actually need it. However, if I find myself at that stage in the future I feel infinitely more prepared!
-
Katie Russel posted thisSXSW week is officially here, and I’m thrilled to be speaking in two sessions this year! 🤠 The first is an interactive workshop I'll be leading with Gary Forni on behalf of Central Texas Angel Network. Founders will step into the investor’s seat, evaluating real startup pitches using CTAN’s process and comparing their decisions to CTAN's actual investment outcomes. 🎤 Pitching to Angels 101: Think Like an Investor 🗓 Friday | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM 📍 Courtyard Marriott – Rio Grande Ballroom 2 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gkt7KbxW The second session I’ll be joining John Lilly of Lateral Capital Management. We’ll break down how angel groups across the U.S. actually make investment decisions and how founders can better navigate the fundraising process. 🎤 How to Raise $$$ From Angel Groups: What We Really Look For 🗓 Saturday | 11:30 AM – 12:30 PM 📍 JW Marriott – Salon C 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gXshpCiq If you're in Austin for SXSW, come join us!
-
Katie Russel reposted thisKatie Russel reposted thisSXSW is just two weeks away and for the second year in a row, CTAN has been invited back to lead the same workshop that packed the room last year! Pitching to Angels 101: Think Like an Investor, co-led by CTAN Executive Director Katie Russel and Board Chair Gary Forni is a hands-on, interactive session where founders will reverse roles, evaluating pitches from companies CTAN has funded—as well as those we’ve passed on, using CTAN’s processes. Add this session to your list to attend at SXSW 2026! https://lnkd.in/gNAW5d49 🗓 March 13, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 📍 Courtyard Marriott Downtown Austin/Convention Center If you are raising capital or planning to, this is two hours well spent. Save the spot and share it with someone who should attend this session. #sxsw #sxsw2026 #startups #austintx #founders #entrepreneurs #startupfunding #angelinvesting
-
Katie Russel reposted thisKatie Russel reposted this2025 marked a year of intentional growth for the Central Texas Angel Network. By the numbers: • $8M invested • 25 early-stage companies funded by CTAN members • $1.2M in syndicated capital into CTAN-led deals • Capped post-money SAFE notes were added to our approved investment vehicles This progress reflects the commitment of our members as well as the people helping move it forward every day. Thank you to the CTAN team Katie Russel and Katelyn Bentley, CTAN’s Board Chair Gary Forni, and our Board of Directors John Lindgren, Jake Hampton, Lance Adams, Steve Pollinger, David Gino, and Alison Dixon. And most importantly, thank you to CTAN members whose capital, due diligence, and engagement are what make this growth possible. CTAN is growing. Come be part of it. Learn more about becoming a CTAN member at www.ctan.com.
-
Katie Russel reposted thisKatie Russel reposted thisFor the second year in a row, CTAN has been invited back to SXSW to lead the same workshop that packed the room last year. Pitching to Angels 101: Think Like an Investor, co-led by CTAN Executive Director Katie Russel and Board Chair Gary Forni, is a hands-on, interactive session where founders will reverse roles, evaluating pitches from companies CTAN has funded—as well as those we’ve passed on, using CTAN’s processes. Add this session to your list to attend at SXSW 2026! https://lnkd.in/gNAW5d49 🗓 March 13, 2026 | 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM 📍 Courtyard Marriott Downtown Austin/Convention Center If you are raising capital or planning to, this is two hours well spent. Save your spot and share it with someone who should attend this session. Opportunity Austin, Capital Factory, Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, Perkins Coie, Sputnik ATX VC #sxsw #sxsw2026 #startups #austintx #founders #entrepreneurs #startupfunding #angelinvesting
-
Katie Russel reposted thisKatie Russel reposted thisCTAN Ranked #1 Most Active Angel Network in the U.S. by Angel Capital Association and The Diligent Observer! The Diligent Observer’s new Angel Network Pulse: The First 101 report—presented with the Angel Capital Association—ranks Central Texas Angel Network as the most active angel network in the country. Over the past nine months, CTAN investors have participated in five of the 101 angel-backed deals highlighted nationwide. “It’s an honor to be ranked #1 in the initial report. That said, our ranking is at best transitory, ephemeral even, and that’s a good thing. The power of ACA is there are many excellent investment organizations sharing deals, sharing information and exchanging hard-won lessons,” said Gary Forni, Chairman of CTAN. “Here at CTAN, we’re happy to lead, and equally happy to follow, whichever role is required to grow the next generation of amazing companies.“ The report analyzed 101 deals across 72 angel networks, representing $288M in funding raised. Read the full report from The Diligent Observer and Angel Capital Association: https://lnkd.in/gdTE5pv7 Learn more about CTAN: www.ctan.com
-
Katie Russel reposted thisKatie Russel reposted thisCTAN has been recognized among the top five most active angel networks in the country in The Diligent Observer’s “Angel Network Pulse: The First 101,” presented with the Angel Capital Association. Over the past nine months, CTAN investors have been behind five of the 101 angel-backed deals highlighted in the report — SpayVac for Wildlife, Imperium Technologies, Inc, Swirltex Inc., Rebel Medicine, and Delta Development Team, Inc. The report celebrates the work angel groups are doing across the country and spotlights those most active in driving early-stage innovation — a recognition that reflects the strength and engagement of our members. “CTAN stands out for its hands-on, data-driven approach to investing. Our members don’t just write checks, but they mentor founders, open doors, and continuously learn through education and shared insights to make smarter investment decisions,” said Katie Russel, Executive Director of CTAN. See where angel capital is flowing: https://lnkd.in/g3SJEBvg #AngelInvesting #CTAN #StartupFunding #AngelCapitalAssociation #TheDiligentObserver
-
Katie Russel liked thisKatie Russel liked thisThanks to Becca Brown for inviting me to speak at the spARK Labs by ARK Invest Big Ideas Summit. We heard from founders, investors, policy makers such as Chase Prather ❄️ Tom Staudt Brett Winton Cathie Wood Anand Subramanian Dillon Auxier Matthew Devost Sarah Martello David Crabb Brad Chedister Michael Anderson. Ideas ranged from AI, Space, AgTech, bio, transportation... it was truly a vibrant and diverse community of founders and supportive network. The vibe was optimistic and collaborative with an "abundance mindset." Three takeaways: 1. Ark team is leading the finance transformation from the public market all the way down to venture and incubation. Not too many have such bold vision, and certainly none has their access, resources, and conviction to take this on. 2. spARK Labs by ARK Invest and their new seed fund will provide true alpha to the ARK platform. I love it, and I will support it. We started a similar but reverse journey at Draper University 12 years ago, and vertically integrated towards the public market. Coincidentally, ARK started its public platform 12 years ago, and they are vertically integrating towards the private market! Draper Associates and ARK Investment Management LLC have been singing the same innovation tune for over a decade now, finally we meet in the middle. How refreshing it is to collaborate, serve our founders, innovate, and make our world ABUNDANT for everyone! 3. You heard it here first - St. Pete is a dark horse. It has all the interesting ingredients - talent, policy, climate, capital. Team Ark is putting them all together. Fun fact: ARK and Draper share these portfolio companies: Tesla SpaceX Robinhood Coinbase Oklo Inc Radiant - and all of them are still founder-run... including ARK and Draper! For the founders, by the founders. On that note, it was refreshing to meet all the startup and founders - Dr. Wes Naylor Adam G.Kyle Evans Chris Witowski, PhD Mark C. Until next time. Thank you for your hospitality Lisa Dodd Cassidy Cook!
-
Katie Russel liked thisKatie Russel liked this52 pitches in 52 minutes. All below 40 degrees. I've sat through thousands of pitches over 40 years inside conference rooms, coffee shops, Zoom calls, and pretty much any venue you could think of. The ones that stick out are the ones where a founder is so convicted they'll pitch through anything. So... I took 52 pitches in 52 minutes sitting in an ice bath at below 40 degrees. What I was watching for was the founder. How do they carry themselves when conditions are uncomfortable? When the circumstances aren't ideal and the room (or in this case, the water) is working against them? Pitching through stress is practice for everything that comes after. For the moments, where inevitably, everything is harder than they thought it would be. Great founders push through it all to find success, and that's why founders are heroes. I'm not a frequent cold plunger, but it was a fun experience! Next time, we need the Guinness Book of World Records there. Have an idea you want me to hear? Meet me in the ice bath. 🧊 Thanks to Business Insider for covering: https://lnkd.in/gKyugBUWPitching billionaire VC Tim Draper can feel cold as icePitching billionaire VC Tim Draper can feel cold as ice
-
Katie Russel liked thisKatie Russel liked thisLast week in NYC, we kicked things off with TikTok World, followed by our first-ever Global Partner Summit, bringing together 300+ leaders across agencies, creative, measurement, and marketing technology from around the world. The energy across both moments was clear: the future of advertising is increasingly AI-powered, performance-driven, creator-led, and deeply connected to commerce. From launches across Smart+, Symphony, GMV Max, Search, measurement, and AI-powered workflows, to conversations with partners helping shape what comes next, it was one of those weeks that makes the pace of change in this industry feel very real. One personal highlight for me was hosting a panel with Qing Lan and Diego Reche Souza on the future of AI infrastructure for advertising and what it really means to build with an ecosystem of partners, not just for them. We spoke about the launch of TikTok Ads MCP Server, a new interface that allows developers to build AI agents and tools directly on top of the TikTok Ads ecosystem, alongside TikTok Ads Skills, modular building blocks that enable partners and developers to create AI-powered workflows across campaign creation, creative analysis, audience discovery, performance insights, etc. To our partners and everyone who helped make the week possible: thank you! The TikTok for Business we’re building together is incredibly exciting. #TikTokWorld #TikTokPartnerSummit #TikTokForBusiness
-
Katie Russel reacted on thisKatie Russel reacted on thisToday, we had the opportunity to present “Getting Started in Angel Investing” to the team at HiBob. Using HiBob’s own fundraising journey as a backdrop, we discussed: • How to get started building a thoughtful angel investment strategy • Why accredited investor rules exist and the realities of early-stage investing • The risks, timelines, and return dynamics behind venture investing • What types of companies angels typically back — and how startup exits work One of the biggest takeaways: successful angel investing is rarely about chasing one company. It’s about education, diversification, disciplined due diligence, and consistent exposure to quality deal flow. Thank you to Emily T. Davila for organizing the session and to the HiBob team for the thoughtful discussion and engagement. Gary Forni and Katie Russel presented, representing CTAN. If your company or executive team is interested in learning more about angel investing, startup ecosystems, or how to get started as an investor, reach out to us at director@ctan.com.
-
Katie Russel liked thisThank you Central Texas Angel Network's Katie Russel & Gary Forni for an informative session on Angel Investing! 🦄Katie Russel liked thisToday, we had the opportunity to present “Getting Started in Angel Investing” to the team at HiBob. Using HiBob’s own fundraising journey as a backdrop, we discussed: • How to get started building a thoughtful angel investment strategy • Why accredited investor rules exist and the realities of early-stage investing • The risks, timelines, and return dynamics behind venture investing • What types of companies angels typically back — and how startup exits work One of the biggest takeaways: successful angel investing is rarely about chasing one company. It’s about education, diversification, disciplined due diligence, and consistent exposure to quality deal flow. Thank you to Emily T. Davila for organizing the session and to the HiBob team for the thoughtful discussion and engagement. Gary Forni and Katie Russel presented, representing CTAN. If your company or executive team is interested in learning more about angel investing, startup ecosystems, or how to get started as an investor, reach out to us at director@ctan.com.
-
Katie Russel liked thisKatie Russel liked thisWith a portfolio valued at over $604M, $142M invested into 233 early-stage companies, 150+ active angel investors, and an IRR of 28%, CTAN is a great resource for startups looking for funding as well as angel investors wanting to plug into a network! Learn more about how to get involved at www.ctan.com. #austintx #investing #business #startups #startupecosystem #startupfunding #angelinvesting
-
Katie Russel liked thisKatie Russel liked thisSomewhere in India right now, a package is stuck in traffic. We're fixing that. From the air. Airbound is hiring UAV Pilots in Andhra Pradesh. Link in comments. #hiring #UAVPilot #Drones #DroneDelivery #Aerospace #Airbound #Bengaluru
-
Katie Russel liked thisBuilding Ad Maiora alongside Francesco Cassinerio has been one of the more energizing things I’ve worked on in a long time. A big part of that has been the work happening behind the scenes — sourcing, diligence, founder conversations, and building a community of people we genuinely want to invest alongside for the long term. We’re still early, but the quality of founders, investors, and opportunities coming our way continues to reinforce what we’re building. Special thanks to Nick Tippmann for joining us last week. If you’re a founder raising from pre-seed through Series A, or an investor interested in a focused, high-conviction community, would love to connect. Feel free to reach out directly or here: https://lnkd.in/g4PhHM3DKatie Russel liked thisOver the last few months, we’ve been heads down building. Since launch earlier this year in March, Ad Maiora Ventures has reviewed 200+ opportunities across pre-seed through Series A - sourced via our network of founders, operators, solo GPs, and trusted partners, alongside strong inbound and our proprietary deal flow. We’ve been spending time where the best early-stage ecosystems are - from emerging manager circles and small founder gatherings in Austin to upcoming events across NYC and Boston through June, and recent participation in top-tier accelerator demo days. Last week marked our second Ad Maiora-hosted event, bringing together a focused group of builders and early backers. Appreciate Nick Tippmann (TipTop VC), a core part of our network, for joining us for a discussion on vertical AI, defensibility, and what durable software businesses look like as the SaaS model evolves. Looking ahead, we remain intentional about keeping Ad Maiora small, concentrated, and high-conviction. The quality of people and opportunities we’re seeing continues to reinforce that approach. If you're a founder building from pre-seed to Series A and looking for capital - or an investor interested in joining a high-quality community - feel free to reach out via our website: https://lnkd.in/g4PhHM3D More soon. Ad Maiora!
Experience & Education
-
Central Texas Angel Network
View Katie’s full experience
See their title, tenure and more.
or
Other similar profiles
-
Jonathan De La Torre "Transforming HOA's into Smart Communities"
Jonathan De La Torre "Transforming HOA's into Smart Communities"
Nexus Smart Communities
Explore more posts
Explore top content on LinkedIn
Find curated posts and insights for relevant topics all in one place.
View top contentOthers named Katie Russel
10 others named Katie Russel are on LinkedIn
See others named Katie Russel