Biography of Shamin Walsh: Managing Director at BAM Ventures -Angel Investor
Biography of Shamin Walsh:
Shamin Walsh brings over 13 years of experience as an active
angel investor, specializing in the consumer space. Her early investments in
companies like Sweetgreen, Flexport, and Sir Kensington’s highlight her keen
eye for emerging trends and promising startups. Prior to her current role as a
managing director at BAM Ventures.
Shamin served as a
consumer-focused partner at a generalist firm. Her background includes
significant involvement in logistics, cold storage, co-packing, and
manufacturing sectors, providing her with a comprehensive viewpoint to assess
consumer businesses effectively. She has managed investment portfolios and held
board positions, including at Alchemy 43. Leveraging her background as a
transactional attorney, Shamin contributes to contract negotiations, fund
formation, and overall fund strategy.
Education and Early Career
Shamin Walsh is currently a managing director at BAM
Ventures, a venture capital firm in Los Angeles. She studied International
Politics at Georgetown University from 2003 to 2007, where she was involved in
the Iranian Students Alliance Association as Treasurer. Later, she pursued a
law degree (Juris Doctor) at Loyola Law School, Los Angeles, graduating in
2012. During her time there, she played key roles in legal publications and
graduated in the top 15% of her class. She also studied French at Cours de
Civilisation Française de la Sorbonne and spent time at Universidad de Sevilla
to further her studies in International Politics.
Professional Journey
Shamin has served on advisory boards for companies like
Alpha Network and Alchemy 43, and as a board member for VNTANA and TYLT
Ventures. Before joining BAM Ventures, she gained experience through
internships at NBCUniversal and legal roles at Keller Rackauckas LLP and the
U.S. District Court. She also worked as a Fellow at the Legal Aid Foundation of
Los Angeles, where she helped secure benefits for low-income tenants.
Biography of Shamin Walsh: Managing Director at BAM Ventures-Angel Investor/angel investor/entrepreneur/consumer brands, products and technologies
Current Role and Impact
As managing director at BAM Ventures, Shamin focuses on
early-stage investments in consumer and technology companies. Her diverse
background in law and international studies enables her to provide strategic
guidance and support to these ventures. She plays a crucial role in fostering
growth and innovation in the entrepreneurial landscape, particularly within the
tech and consumer sectors. Her career highlights her dedication to
entrepreneurship and making a significant impact in venture capital.
Investment Focus
Shamin's investment interests span across E-commerce, Food
and Beverage, and Software sectors, targeting startups at Seed, Pre-Seed, and
Series A stages. Her geographical focus includes the United States, Bangladesh,
and South Korea, reflecting her global outlook and strategic investment
approach.
Portfolio Highlights
Shamin Walsh's portfolio features notable companies such as:
Chaldal: An online platform for ordering groceries and food
with same-day home delivery, offering convenience and savings.
Flexport: A leader in logistics and supply chain management,
providing solutions to reduce costs, automate workflows, and achieve carbon
neutrality.
Branch Energy: A tech-powered provider of green energy
solutions focused on helping consumers lower their energy bills and
environmental impact.
Shamin Walsh continues to play a pivotal role in identifying
and nurturing innovative startups that align with her strategic vision and
contribute to sustainable growth in their respective industries. Her diverse
background and hands-on approach make her a respected figure in the venture
capital and startup ecosystem.
Advice for Entrepreneurs Seeking Investment
Shamin compares finding the right investor to dating,
advising entrepreneurs to learn from rejection and focus on aligning with
investors who share their vision. This approach fosters meaningful partnerships
and enhances the chances of success.
Exploring BAM Ventures Online
Visiting BAM Ventures' website provides insights into their
investment philosophy, team dynamics, and portfolio companies. Their BAM Voices
series amplifies founder stories, offering transparent insights into the highs
and lows of building successful businesses.
Highlighting BAM Ventures' Successes
Within BAM Ventures' portfolio, standout companies like
Honey, NerdWallet, and Away showcase their ability to identify and nurture
high-growth potential startups. These successes underscore BAM Ventures' impact
in the venture capital landscape.
Investment Focus
BAM Ventures specializes in early-stage investments
worldwide, focusing on consumer brands and technologies. They adopt a
founder-friendly approach, aiming to minimize risk and maximize returns by
investing early and providing hands-on support.
Experience and Perspective
With over 17 years as an angel investor, Shamin Rostami
Walsh brings a wealth of experience from her early investments in notable
companies like Sweetgreen and Sir Kensington’s. Her background in
consumer-focused roles and as a transactional attorney enriches her evaluation
of emerging businesses.
Criteria for Investment
Shamin looks for founders who deeply understand their
customers and market dynamics. She values authenticity and innovation over
mimicry of successful brands, emphasizing the importance of solving real
consumer problems and building trust through genuine engagement.
