Jill Earthy, MBA ’98, has fearlessly created her own path from the word “go.” In the last six months, she has been recognized twice for this trailblazing attitude: she was one of two Gustavson grads to receive the WXN Top 100 Influential Women Award in 2018, and is one of the Business in Vancouver 2019 Influential Women in Business.
Jill, who combines a long-standing interest in entrepreneurship with a career studded by leadership roles at investment organizations, recently became Head at Female Funders. Gustavson caught up with this powerhouse alumna to get her take on entrepreneurship, equalizing the world of funding and what’s on the horizon for her in the new role.
Q: What first attracted you to the entrepreneurship world? What keeps you engaged in the industry?
A: I always knew that I did not like the status quo and that I likely would not thrive in a large corporate environment. When I finished my MBA at UVic, I was recruited by the big banks to the management program. Although the focus was on the small business market (a market they were just beginning to recognize at that time), I realized that I did not want to be a part of a large organization. I wanted a role with a lot of variety and where I could have more immediate impact. Entrepreneurship fits this. I have been fortunate to have had a career as an entrepreneur, supporting entrepreneurs and now increasing diversity in the investment sector to unlock new capital and expertise to support a broader group of founders. There is definitely a consistent theme! I am constantly inspired by the vision and determination exhibited by entrepreneurs and I find that energy addictive.
Q: Where is your focus now in your roles at FrontFundr and Female Funders?
A: For the past three years, I was chief growth officer at FrontFundr, an online investment platform with a new model to increase access to capital for entrepreneurs across Canada, and to give all Canadians (versus just one percent of high-net-worth individuals) the opportunity to invest. I love this model of transparency and efficiency, and continue to serve as an adviser of the company. However, I left this full-time role last summer to build out a new program focused on increasing the number of female investors in early-stage start-ups across North America through a program called Female Funders. This program is designed for female corporate executives and technology leaders who have deep expertise and access to some capital, who are curious about angel investing and ready to take the next step in their investment journey by exploring opportunities in early-stage companies. We released the Women in Venture Report last year, which outlined that only 14 percent of angel investors in Canada are women. We are changing this through our education platform and community of aspiring and experienced investors who want to invest in companies they believe in for both impact, and return.
Q: What are your reflections on receiving the WXN Top 100 Influential Women and Business in Vancouver Influential Women in Business awards?
A: I have had an unconventional career and was honoured to be included on these esteemed lists. As someone mentioned to me, I have done many things (that I consider small) but that add up significantly over time. It was fun to reflect on that, and how we are redefining what success looks like.
Q: How did UVic and the MBA program contribute to your career path?
A: The UVic MBA program provided me with a strong foundation of knowledge, and the confidence to dive into the entrepreneurial world. The experience opened up possibilities for me. One highlight of the program was the five months I spent in Malaysia. Plus I met my husband in the program.
Q: Any comments on what’s next for you? New goals or things you aspire to in 2019?
A: 2018 was a transition year and 2019 will be focused on building out the Female Funders program and community to inspire more women to invest in early-stage companies. It is more than a movement, it is a mission that can be measured with tangible results and benefits for all.
To read more about Jill, see Business in Vancouver’s article about the Influential Women in Business award.
