Victress Capital, an early-stage VC firm which invests in high-growth companies designed to meet the needs of the evolving consumer, has appointed Taryn Jones Laeben as an Operating Partner.
Laeben brings 20 years experience in developing hyper-growth strategy and scaling revenue for today’s top consumer brands. Laeben is the former Chief Operating Officer (COO) of SoulCycle, Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) of Casper and executive at leading fashion and retail companies including Kate Spade. Laeben is currently President & Founder of IRL Partners, where she advises venture-backed consumer startups on brand and growth strategy.
Since 2016, Victress Managing Partners Lori Cashman and Suzanne Norris have backed early-stage companies that challenge the norms and fulfil unmet needs. Victress was one of the first funds led by women to invest in gender diverse teams and continues to invest in teams that are focused on systemically underserved, overlooked audiences, accelerating startup success. Victress has funded some of today’s most prominent tech-enabled brands and services including Daily Harvest, Summersalt and Alyce.
“Suzanne and I have had the pleasure of collaborating with Taryn for years and have seen first hand the unique value she brings to early stage companies and founders. Given the stage at which we invest, Taryn’s unique expertise and track record really add gasoline to the fire,” says Cashman. “Bringing on Taryn furthers our mission of empowering passionate entrepreneurs through seasoned operating expertise.”
“I’m thrilled to be joining Suzanne and Lori and the team at Victress Capital,” says Laeben. “Victress has been at the forefront of investing in the shifting landscape of the consumer, and builds deep relationships with the founders they back — both of which have also been paramount focuses for me throughout my career.”
As mission-driven investors, Victress aligns with founders who are building more than a brand or a company. “We take our inspiration from the community-builders, the status-quo crushers, the big, bold trailblazers who double down on their values and win because of what they stand for, not in spite of it, and Taryn fits perfectly with these values,” adds Norris.
