Haley Bryant's journey from journalism student to venture capital partner is a testament to how curiosity and determination can transform an opaque industry into an accessible opportunity for all.

## A Family of Entrepreneurs Inspires a Bold Career Path

Growing up in a family of **entrepreneurs**, Haley Bryant was surrounded by business innovation from an early age. Her father's career at Bank of America and subsequent ventures in investment and consulting, combined with her mother's public policy consultancy and her sister's leadership in a 30,000-member chronic illness community, created a blueprint for betting on oneself.

## From Apple Stores to Startup Success

After earning a degree in media studies and communications from the University of Virginia, Bryant joined **Apple's retail division**, where she quickly rose from associate to senior manager, leading stores generating **millions in revenue**. "I was really drawn in by people, passion, and this idea that we wore on our credo cards every day in the stores at Apple, ['our soul is our people']," she recalls.

Her immersion in the startup world began when she launched Apple's small business program in the DMV region, supporting companies like **WeddingWire, Cava, and Sweetgreen**. This experience led her to roles at productivity and virtual event startups, both of which were eventually acquired, and later to scaling an agency from $2 million to $14 million in revenue.

## The Accidental Angel Investor

In summer 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic and social reckoning following George Floyd's murder, Bryant had what she calls a "come to Jesus moment." Inspired by an email from Animalz founder Walter Chen about building the world you want to see through startups, she made her **first accidental angel investment** in Sacra, a private market research company founded by a former coworker.

"It's almost like wanting to invest in AFROTECH™ and then getting to learn about so much in tech, business, [and] entrepreneurship," she explains. "It was a very similar sort of investment, which gave me access to a community of investors and founders and helped me at least get started with my angel investing journey."

Bryant has since invested in **50 companies** on her own, focusing on startups solving problems she experienced as a single mother, serving underserved markets, or overlooked by traditional venture capital. Her portfolio includes Scout, Rain, AngelList, and Dopl, which she describes as "democratizing access to health care by building for rural hospitals, specifically robotic ultrasound solutions."

## Democratizing Venture Capital at Hustle Fund

Today, Bryant describes her investment thesis as "investing in great founders from anywhere who look like anyone." She has scaled this vision through her work at **Hustle Fund**, a venture capital firm investing in "hilariously-early pre-seed founders" primarily in B2B, fintech, and health tech.

"I did not go to school for finance. I did not know what venture capital was," Bryant admits. "When I worked at a venture-backed startup, I just knew that these guys with gray hair and Patagonias with briefcases came into a glass boardroom once a quarter... It was totally just opaque to me."

## Building the Angel Squad Community

Bryant joined Hustle Fund's **Angel Squad** community in summer 2021 as a paying member, formalizing her angel investor education. By fall, she became a venture partner helping build what is now a community of **more than 2,500 members** investing in Hustle Fund's over 650 portfolio companies.

The Angel Squad has done **$25 million in deal volume** across 89 deals and aims to onboard 10,000 angel investors. "That's why this mission of bringing the next 10,000 angels into the startup ecosystem is so resonant with me," Bryant emphasizes.

## The Hustle Fund Venture Fellowship

Bryant ideated the **Hustle Fund Venture Fellowship**, a subset of the Angel Squad that brings together 50 global members who participate in Hustle Fund through the entire deal lifecycle. The fellowship, gearing up for its fifth cohort in January 2026, reviews over a thousand companies monthly.

"Our fellows are just members of our Angel community who want more experience, exposure, and are willing to do work, both to share their expertise with us and with founders and to help founders be more successful," she explains. "So that's probably the work I'm the most excited about getting to do at Hustle Fund."

## From Principal to Partner

Promoted to principal at Hustle Fund in 2022, Bryant has invested in **48 companies** during her time at the firm. Her investment lens has sharpened to focus on what truly differentiates an idea, customer acquisition economics, and a founder's ability to sustain long-term work in their market.

Now stepping into the role of **partner**, she will manage limited partner communications, drive the Venture Fellowship forward, and raise funding. She has also recently joined **BLCK VC** as co-chair of its DMV Chapter, bringing her learnings about mentorship and apprenticeship to unlock the next generation of venture capitalists.

"I'm really excited to see how I can take some of those learnings to now this role with BLCK VC as the co-chair of the DMV chapter around mentorship, learning, and this idea of apprenticeship to unlock the next generation of VCs," she expresses.

What began as unfamiliar territory for Haley Bryant has become her mission — to democratize access to venture capital through her work at Hustle Fund.

From Apple Store Manager to VC Partner: How Haley Bryant is Demystifying Venture Capital for the Next Generation of Angel Investors

## A Transformational Gift for Entrepreneurial Education

Each year, the **Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship** at Cal State Fullerton’s College of Business and Economics hosts the **Titan Fast Pitch** competition. In this high-energy event, student entrepreneurs have just **90 seconds** to present their business concepts to a panel of professional and academic judges.

This competition celebrates the creativity and entrepreneurial spirit that drives positive community impact—core values of the Conrey Center.

### Student Innovations Shine

Recent winners include:
- **Julie Yun and Dhara Panchal** (computer science and engineering students) who took second place for developing **Novvhex**, an **AI-powered home security platform** that detects suspicious behavior before theft occurs.
- **Daphnay Pino** (entrepreneurship student) who placed third for creating **Blink Clean**, an eco-friendly, refillable double-sided stain remover pen.

These students exemplify the ingenuity, purpose, and vision that define the Conrey Center’s mission.

### The $4.5 Million Legacy Gift

The exceptional work of these students inspired **Jerry Conrey** and his wife, **Dr. Victoria Shook Conrey**, to bequeath a **$4.5 million gift** to the College of Business & Economics. This generous contribution—one of the largest single donations for entrepreneurship education at Cal State Fullerton—along with the couple’s decades of service, led the college to rename the center in their honor.

In July, it officially became the **Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship**.

![Sri Sundaram, dean of the College of Business and Economics, left, thanks donor Jerry Conrey for supporting students and entrepreneurial education at CSUF. (Photo courtesy of Cal State Fullerton)](https://www.ocregister.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/CSF-L-CONREY-1130-2.jpg?fit=620%2C9999px&ssl=1)

### Jerry Conrey’s Vision

Jerry Conrey, founder and agency principal of **Conrey Insurance Brokers and Risk Managers**, attended Cal State Fullerton as a finance and political science major from 1981 to 1987. At the naming ceremony in October, he shared his vision:

> “Our hope with this gift—and with the naming of the Conrey Center for Entrepreneurship—is that it becomes a **launchpad for bold ideas**. We want this to be a place where students are encouraged to take risks, to learn from setbacks, and to create ventures that make a difference in our communities.”

Conrey credits Cal State Fullerton with shaping his career path and sees this donation as a way to **“pay it forward”** for future generations of entrepreneurs.

### Mentorship and Hands-On Engagement

Conrey emphasizes that **entrepreneurship** is about turning ideas into opportunities that generate profit while creating lasting impact. He views entrepreneurial education as essential for innovation and preparing students to thrive in competitive environments.

**Mentorship and hands-on engagement** are critical to student success, according to Conrey. “Our hope is that this gift will help future generations of entrepreneurs pursue bold ideas and create ventures that uplift our communities,” he said.

### Building a Lasting Relationship

The university’s gratitude for the gift opened a meaningful dialogue between Conrey and Cal State Fullerton. Conrey and his wife felt welcomed like family, gaining deeper insight into the university’s diverse programs—from its music department to holiday concerts.

> “They treated us really well and engaged with us and showed us all things that are going on that maybe the public doesn’t always see,” Conrey noted.

### A Transformational Moment

**Sri Sundaram**, dean of the College of Business and Economics, called the gift and renaming a **transformational moment** for the college.

> “Jerry and Victoria’s extraordinary generosity strengthens our mission to empower students and impact the Southern California community through **entrepreneurial innovation**. Their legacy will inspire future Titans to pursue bold ideas, build impactful ventures, and lead with purpose for years to come.”

CSUF alum Jerry Conrey said the gift is a way to "pay it forward" for generations of entrepreneurs.

How a $4.5M Gift is Fueling the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs at Cal State Fullerton

**Everything seemed to be going right for Dan Moyer.** During the pandemic, he decided to launch a business with a friend—creating frames for displaying comic collections. What began as a passion project turned into a thriving enterprise. His company, Crafti Comics, was shipping thousands of frames worldwide, and revenue was flowing.

## The Hidden Challenges of Entrepreneurship

Entrepreneurs face all sorts of minefields when they launch a business. They would do well to keep these in mind. While success stories like Dan's are inspiring, many new ventures struggle to survive. Understanding the common reasons for failure can help aspiring business owners navigate these obstacles more effectively.

### Key Factors Leading to Business Failure

1. **Lack of Market Research**: Many startups fail because they don't thoroughly understand their target audience or market demand.
2. **Insufficient Funding**: Running out of capital is a major issue, especially in the early stages when revenue might be inconsistent.
3. **Poor Management**: Inexperience in leadership and decision-making can derail even the most promising ideas.
4. **Ignoring Customer Feedback**: Failing to adapt based on user input can lead to products that don't meet real needs.
5. **Competition Overlooked**: Not accounting for existing or emerging competitors can leave a business vulnerable.
6. **Scaling Too Quickly**: Expanding operations before establishing a stable foundation often results in operational chaos.
7. **Legal and Regulatory Issues**: Neglecting compliance requirements can lead to costly penalties or shutdowns.
8. **Weak Marketing Strategies**: Without effective promotion, even great products may go unnoticed.
9. **Team Dysfunction**: Conflicts or lack of alignment among founders and employees can hinder progress.
10. **Resistance to Change**: Inability to pivot when necessary in response to market shifts.

## Lessons from Real-World Examples

Dan Moyer's journey with Crafti Comics highlights how passion and initial success don't guarantee long-term viability. Entrepreneurs must continuously assess and adjust their strategies to avoid these pitfalls. By learning from others' mistakes, you can increase your chances of building a sustainable and profitable business.

Entrepreneurs face all sorts of minefields when they launch a business. They would do well to keep these in mind.

Why Do So Many Startups Fail? The Top 10 Pitfalls Every Entrepreneur Must Avoid

Economic uncertainty often drives young professionals back to school to pivot careers or gain an edge. But with **AI reshaping industries**, even the value of graduate degrees is being questioned. However, **Harvard Business School’s** latest employment data for the class of 2025 shows that for its MBAs, the degree is still paying off handsomely.

### Record-High Salaries and Strong Job Placement

The **median base salary** for HBS 2025 graduates rose to **$184,500**, up from $175,000 the previous year. Among the 65% of the class seeking employment, **90% received at least one job offer** within three months of graduation, and 84% accepted—both improvements from prior years. Data analyzed by Poets & Quants estimates the median lifetime income of an HBS graduate at over **$8.5 million**.

### A Surge in Entrepreneurship

Despite these promising salaries, the class of 2025 set a record for graduates **not seeking traditional employment**: **35% chose to skip the postgrad job hunt**, largely driven by a surge in entrepreneurship. **Seventeen percent of graduates** plan to start their own business—the highest share on record, up from 8% in 2021 and 13% in 2023, according to Kristen Fitzpatrick, senior managing director for career and professional development at HBS.

### Why MBAs Are Turning to Entrepreneurship

This shift reflects broader trends. **AI tools have lowered barriers** to launching a business, streamlining tasks like market research and product testing. With many large companies shedding jobs as they adapt to AI, some graduates feel increased urgency to build something on their own. A survey from Intuit found that among young people ages 18 to 35, nearly two-thirds have started a side gig, with nearly half doing it due to a **desire to be their own boss**.

This break from tradition may also stem from lessons learned from the **burnout of millennial middle managers**, who found the corporate grind unsustainable. As Gen Z founder Steven Schwartz noted, many now prefer creating content online or finding customers digitally, seeking the most elite and enjoyable experiences.

### Tech Industry Tops Hiring for MBAs

Even with the entrepreneurship jump, most MBA graduates still enter the job market. This year, **tech became the top hiring industry** for HBS graduates for the first time in at least five years, accounting for **22% of hires**, edging out consulting (21%) and private equity (14%). Among those joining established organizations, about 17% went to a startup.

**Industry Breakdown for HBS Class of 2025:**
- **Technology**: 22%
- **Consulting**: 21%
- **Private Equity**: 14%
- **Investment Management/Hedge Fund**: 7%
- **Health Care**: 6%
- **Investment Banking**: 6%
- **Manufacturing**: 5%
- **Nonprofit/Government**: 4%
- **Venture Capital**: 4%
- **Entertainment/Media**: 3%
- **Other Financial Services**: 3%
- **Services**: 3%
- **Consumer Products**: 2%
- **Retail**: <1%

### Long-Term Value of an MBA

A 2024 Fortune analysis found that over **40% of Fortune 1000 CEOs have an MBA**, with about 6% being HBS graduates. MBA admissions consultant Scott Edinburgh advises viewing an MBA as a **20-year investment** rather than a three-year one, noting that strong salary numbers only rise as careers progress.

Harvard is part of the elite **“M7” business schools**, which compete for top placement rates and salaries. Fortune’s recent MBA ranking named HBS No. 1, though schools like Stanford reported slightly higher salaries—$185,000 for its class of 2024. Other top schools have yet to release their 2025 outcomes.

Harvard MBAs are cashing in with record-high salaries, but they’re also snubbing the corporate world at a record rate too. As AI reshapes the workforce, they’d rather bet on jobs in tech—or on themselves as founders.

Harvard MBAs Earn Record $184K Salaries—But a Record 35% Are Ditching Corporate Jobs for Entrepreneurship

With big bets in cutting-edge software, fintech, and AI, these young venture capitalists are transforming the world of investing, one check at a time.

By Bella Sayegh, Dean Sterling Jones, and Richard Nieva

---

**Devon Gethers, 29, and Karlton Haney, 28** launched their first investment fund before they’d even cracked an MBA textbook. They deferred their acceptance to Harvard Business School to build on an idea: that other young business school graduates might be the best entrepreneurs. This inspired them to create **Meridian Ventures**, an investment firm built on the belief that the most overlooked founder talent pool was coming from top MBA programs. It’s quite antithetical to thoughts from VC leaders like Peter Thiel, whose famous Thiel Fellowship awards founders who decide to drop out of college to build their startups.

“It’s kind of a contrarian take,” Haney says. “There are a lot of venture capitalists out there that think business school graduates don’t make for good founders.” So far, their MBA bet has paid off.

Today, Meridian Ventures invests solely in companies with at least one founder who has earned an MBA, or is currently pursuing one, from one of ten top programs in the U.S.—including Stanford, Harvard, and Wharton. The firm has a portfolio of over 45 investments, including healthtech company **Onelmaging**, legal startup **Hona**, and **Cast AI**, an AI agent platform. Meridian is now deploying its second $25 million fund, co-investing with top firms like **Bessemer**, **Khosla**, and **Bain Capital Ventures**.

While Haney and Gethers’ thesis is unique, their aptitude for finding founders in unexpected places is shared by a number of the stellar young investors on the **30 Under 30 list in Venture Capital for 2026**.

![Sebastian Nevols for Forbes](https://example.com/placeholder-image.jpg)

Take **CiCi Bellis, 26**, a former tennis pro-turned-founder and managing partner of **Cartan Capital**. Using her experience on the court, Bellis backs founders specializing in sports and health technology, deploying capital from an inaugural $10 million fund. She’s now raising a second $40 million fund. Meanwhile, **Katie Vasquez, 27**, an investor at **Calibrate Ventures** who studied astrophysics at Brown, is using her science and engineering knowledge to back deep tech startups.

Another big theme in 2026: backing startups riding the **AI boom**. **Manmeet Gujral, 29**, at **CapitalG** (Google parent Alphabet’s late-stage growth fund), has sourced deals at **Magic** and **Baseten**, and contributed to investments at other AI startups like **/dev/agents** and **Motif**. At **Bessemer Venture Partners**, **Grace Ma, 29**, has been critical to the firm’s AI investments, including **Anthropic**—which now boasts a $350 billion valuation, **Wrapbook**, and **Render**. Meanwhile, **Mantis VC’s Saveena Mandadi, 28**, is placing significant investments in AI companies like **Whop**, **Haus Analytics**, and **Incident.io** for Mantis VC.

Beyond traditional VC work, many members of the 2026 Under 30 cohort are working to make venture capital more accessible to both founders and investors. **Jonathan Chang, 27**, is the founder of **DayDream Ventures**, a pre-seed fund. In addition to backing 16 companies, Chang launched **DayDream Fellows**, a program that helps more than 250 students from schools often overlooked—Baruch College or University of Central Florida—who are looking to break into venture capital, as well as students from target schools like UCLA or Michigan.

To find the best of the best in Venture Capital, *Forbes* reporters Richard Nieva, Dean Sterling Jones, and Bella Sayegh combed through hundreds of nominations submitted online or generated by our own reporting. The 30 Under 30 list spotlights funders and founders aged 29 or younger as of December 31, 2025, and who have never previously been named to a U.S., Europe, or Asia 30 Under 30 list.

Each list is judged by a panel of industry leaders after an open submission process. In Venture Capital, the 2026 list was judged by **Wesley Chan**, a Midas List investor and cofounder and partner at **FPV**, Midas-lister **Mar Hershenson**, cofounder and partner at **Pear VC**, **Theresia Gouw**, founding partner at **Acrew Capital** and America’s first female billionaire venture capitalist, and **Susan Liu**, partner at **Uncork Capital** and alum of the 2018 Under 30 Venture Capital list. Of those named on the final VC list, 58% identify as people of color and 48% as women.

The idea is to stand out from the pack and find a different approach to investing, said Gethers, the Meridian Ventures cofounder. “We don't look like your normal venture capitalists. And we view that as an advantage, not a disadvantage,” he said.

This year’s list was edited by Richard Nieva, Dean Sterling Jones, and Bella Sayegh. For a link to our complete 2026 30 Under 30 Venture Capital, [click here](https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2026/venture-capital), and for full 2026 30 Under 30 coverage, [click here](https://www.forbes.com/30-under-30/2026/).

With big bets in cutting-edge software, fintech and AI, these young venture capitalists are transforming the world of investing, one check at a time.

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