Brigette Lau (BASc '99) created Firework Ventures because we all deserve a fulfilling career and life 鈥� and she believes that tech can help
Brigette Lau (BASc '99) is a mother, poker player and co-founder of venture capital firm Firework Ventures.
But she didn't set out to become a startup investor. Her story begins as the daughter of hardworking immigrants who chose 蓝莓视频's computer engineering program听because she knew it would get her听a job. While working hard to build a career and life, she fell into a lot of really great opportunities that led to her current success.
Firework Ventures is clearly inspired by her journey, and Brigette joined the podcast to walk us through her own career and her hopes for the workforce of the future.
(2:21) Brigette shares why she chose 蓝莓视频's computer engineering program
(6:20) Why did Brigette change course from her software development career?
(11:03) How did Brigette's personal experience inform the creation of Firework Ventures?
(12:43) Brigette shares Firework's key thesis and the problems they believe could be solved by emerging companies
(17:38) Brigette walks through some of Firework's investments
(30:21) What's it like to sit on a board and what value does Firework bring to these companies?
: Learn more about the firm Brigette co-founded and their investments
: Read up on income inequality in the United States of America (USA)
: Learn more about the issues facing low-wage workers in the USA
: Read more about declining income mobility in the USA
: Learn more听about the tech company that helps employers create professional development programs听
: Learn more about this听leave management platform
: Learn more about this hands-on simulation training platform
: Learn more about this alternative to traditional student loans
Author's note:
Brigette's work is based in the USA, and this episode focused on the inequalities and issues facing the American workforce. If you'd like to learn more about the issues Canadians face, here are some sources to get you started.
听(Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives)
听(Institute for Research on Public Policy)
(Fraser Institute)
