Magic Makers
Our remarkable group of members are highly skilled and experienced professionals who share the common goal of increasing our investing knowledge and skills, and expanding our networks, through hands on learning and engagement. In addition to being Angels and supporting our portfolio companies, many of our investors are also excited to provide support through Board and advisory opportunities.
Leadership
WeCAN is led by two Managing Partners, Katrina Paddon and Katharine Earhart, who met while participating in a prior Angel fund and had so much fun, they decided to do it again!
Katrina Paddon (she/her)
Founder & Managing Partner
My superpower is connecting the dots and as a strategic advisor, I've influenced over $3B in technology expenditure spanning all project lifecycle stages. I've expanded my professional services portfolio to include startup advisory through Gemini Strategy & Governance, as well Angel investing, including to act as an LP and Due Diligence Committee Lead on my previous fund.
I love working within the tech industry and the start up community as the constant evolution means each initiative is different to the next, providing a uniquely exciting opportunity to think creatively and ambitiously. I'm incredibly excited to have a leadership role in this fund and very much look forward to meeting new connections and working with our LPs and Investees.
Contact me for: questions about the fund, Board roles, advisory roles.
Katharine Earhart (she/her)
Founder & Managing Partner
I learn best by actively engaging in my new skill, which includes Angel and venturing investing. My superpower is absorbing information about people, businesses and the world around me and then connecting disparate groups together.
My day job and passion is as the co-founder of Fairlight Advisors, an independent, women-owned and operated investment company serving nonprofits, foundations & endowments.
I live in Northern California with my family and in my "spare time", I am actively engaged in helping to shape my community through volunteer board leadership, community initiatives and volunteer work.
Contact me for: questions about the fund, Board roles, advisory roles.
Team
We're so grateful for the generous and expert support of our highly talented team, making our lives so much easier along this journey!
Hina Malik (she/her)
Director of Community Development
With over 10 years experience working in startup and Fortune 500 companies, I have worked across most organizational functions in a business strategic/ advisory capacity. I am adept at unifying objectives and priorities to drive clarity in chaos. My experience includes ARR growth, team expansion, delivering on KPIs, and leading and supporting acquisition and due diligence activities for transactions in the US and Europe.
Personally, I'm inspired by mission-driven companies that support equity and inclusion, and enhance the voice of female leaders. It is this alignment of values that drives me to work with WeCAN as their Director of Community Development.
Contact me for: questions about the fund, advisory roles, in-house startup roles.
Farzin Mou (she/her)
Expert Advisor - Investor Development
I am a startup operator turned Program Manager and have always worked at the crossroads of technology and finance. My experience spans nearly 10 years across product management, strategy consulting and advisory, and data-driven investment research for energy and more recently, cleantech. I currently work at MaRS Discovery District helping startups raise their Seed and Series A rounds through hands-on investor readiness advisory and services. Prior to this, I was an early member of an energy analytics SaaS company that was acquired for $1B. I love all things big data, sustainable technology, and AI-driven healthcare.
Contact me for: questions about the fund, advisory roles, in-house startup roles.
Meet the LPs
Now accepting applications from May 2024 through our closing in October 2024! Please refer to FAQ for more information.
Mary Juetten (she/her)
Known as a triple threat – a professional accountant, lawyer & mediator, and qualified in sustainability - I draw on my diverse background to connect people. projects, and make partnerships and mentor businesses and leaders to excel. I am a creator, having built and sold several companies, including Traklight, my software company.
After 35+ years as executive and entrepreneur in technology, education, engineering & construction, and natural resources, I am now an international consultant specializing in governance, transformation, and recovery assignments, mainly in natural resources. I am passionate about the energy transition and interested in companies focused on solving our climate crisis.
A proud Canadian and American, I live on an Island in Washington state and serve on local community boards.
Contact me for: Board and Consulting roles.
Apoorva Cutting (she/her)
I am a product and development focused professional with a proven track record in big data and technology. I am passionate about angel investing in clean energy, technology and women’s health. I am driven, ambitious, always curious about innovation, and a lifelong learner. My best skill is applying what I know to what I don’t know, and creating innovative solutions through bridging that gap! I enjoy all things outdoors, and I try to bring my love for outdoor sports into my daily life!
Contact me for: Advisory roles, Product Management services.
Darlene Harper (she/her)
Leveraging a rare combination of HR acumen and financial expertise to drive organizational success and foster inclusive growth in the venture capital ecosystem. Current board member with a passion for expanding access to venture capital for underrepresented entrepreneurs, particularly women and people of color. Global Chief Human Resources Officer (CHRO) with a proven track record spanning over 25 years in HR leadership. Specializing in guiding organizations from high-growth startups to established billion-dollar enterprises through critical phases of development and expansion. Extensive background in finance, including a decade at Merrill Lynch, allows me to provide a unique perspective on business operations and strategy. I currently serve as a fractional CHRO and senior consultant, offering tailored solutions to diverse organizations.
Contact me for: Board Roles, Advisory Boards, and Consulting.
Molly Yuska (she/her)
I am a nonprofit professional new to the angel investing world with unique business development experience having founded and run a nonprofit, my own consultancy practice, and a mission-focused small business. My favorite thing, however, is connecting people for the sake of something bigger and looking for ways to leverage the good that lies within each of us.
Beyond my professional passions, I am the mother of four incredibly active and high-energy humans. They remind me every day of the need for flexibility, the power of personal growth, and the necessity of taking it one day at a time.
While an east coaster (currently living in Orlando), I am excited to be a part of this angel network and eager to explore new ways of bringing my experience and background to new organizations. I have no doubt I will learn a lot along the way!
Contact me for: Board Roles, Advisory Boards, and Consulting.
Future LP (she/he/they)
[Insert description]
Contact me for: [TBC]
Karen Traversi (she/her)
I am an experienced executive providing Fractional COO and Advisory services to companies going through disruptive stages including startup, M&A activity, growth, and internal misalignment. In my 30+ years’ experience, I have helped businesses uncover the core causes of obstacles & opportunities, set strategies, and execute them to maximize outcomes and profits. Work ranges from start-up to >$100 million as well as those looking to monetize assets such as TMP/Monster.com, Ticketmaster, and Revolution Health Group.
I am passionate about supporting women in all aspects of their personal and professional life. That is, to be seen, to be heard and to thrive. I am eager to be a part of this Fund as we support entrepreneurs to have a positive impact on our lives and those around us.
Contact me for: Board Roles, Advisory and Consulting opportunities.
Grégoire Galpérine (he/him)
As a business leader with over 20 years of experience, I specialize in digital transformation, innovation, and entrepreneurship. My focus has been on driving strategy, product development, and scaling businesses across multiple sectors. I've held leadership roles where I’ve successfully led digital initiatives and helped organizations adapt and grow. I’m passionate about mentoring startups and supporting the entrepreneurial ecosystem through my work in venture capital and technology.
Contact me for: Technologies, IT, Product development
Future LP (she/he/they)
[Insert description]
Contact me for: [TBC]
Join us
If you are aligned with our culture, values and investment thesis, and would like to discuss if we're a mutually good fit, we would love to hear from you.