Capital Zeal Promotes Stefanie Thomas-Martin to Partner Role Following Her Successful Leadership in a $50M Fund
Venture capital firm Zeal Capital Partners announces the promotion of Stefanie Thomas-Martin to Partner. In her new role, Thomas-Martin will play a crucial part in executing the firm's investment strategy across all mandates. She will also join the Investment Committee, working alongside Managing Partner Nasir Qadree.
Thomas-Martin arrived at Zeal Capital in 2023, tasked with leading the Barclays Black Formation Investment (BBFI) vehicle, a $50 million pre-seed pool of capital supporting the firm's Inclusive InvestingTM strategy. Under her leadership, the team has screened over 1,000 companies and deployed capital, providing the first institutional allocation to pre-seed companies. Thomas-Martin also established the firm's inaugural scout program to cultivate the next generation of diverse venture capitalists.
Nasir Qadree, Zeal Capital's founder and Managing Partner, praised Thomas-Martin's performance, recognizing her commitment to the firm's mission and values and her impressive investment track record consistent with the mandate. Thomas-Martin expressed her gratitude for the opportunity and her excitement to work alongside a talented team advancing a vision she deeply believes in. She will continue to lead the BBFI strategy in her new role as Partner.
Before joining Zeal Capital, Thomas-Martin began her venture capital career as an early-stage investor at Impact America Fund (IAF), an institutional venture capital firm with a mission to drive economic power to communities of color. As IAF's first employee, Thomas-Martin played a crucial role in early Series-A investments and led sourcing, ecosystem building, and deal leadership on 25 financings, spanning from pre-seed to Series B. Prior to her venture capital career, Thomas-Martin held a position as a Vice President in Citigroup's global banking division, managing a $2 billion portfolio of short-term financings for the firm's export finance and trade businesses.
Thomas-Martin holds an MBA from the Ross School at the University of Michigan and a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
- Stefanie Thomas-Martin, having demonstrated a commendable investment track record, will utilize her financial acumen to execute Zeal Capital Partners' venture capital strategy while participating in lists of potential investments.
- Upon joining Zeal Capital Partners, Thomas-Martin effected transformative changes in the firm, leading the Barclays Black Formation Investment vehicle and establishing an inaugural scout program, marking her as a leading figure in the technology and business sectors.
- In her tenure at Zeal Capital, Thomas-Martin collaborates with Managing Partner Nasir Qadree and other colleagues to foster diversity within the venture capital industry and invest in innovative pre-seed companies, aligning with the firm's strategic interests in technology, business, and diverse leadership.
