HAYLEY BARNA

Hayley Barna stands out as a prominent Partner at First Round Capital, one of the most respected early-stage venture capital firms in the industry. Her journey into venture capital is particularly compelling, rooted in her firsthand experience as a successful entrepreneur. Barna joined First Round Capital in 2015, bringing a unique founder-first perspective to her investment strategy.

Before transitioning to the investment world, Hayley Barna co-founded Birchbox in 2010. Birchbox revolutionized the beauty industry with its innovative subscription box model, delivering personalized product samples directly to consumers. As co-CEO, Barna played a pivotal role in scaling the company, navigating the complexities of product development, marketing, and operations. This deep operational background provides her with invaluable empathy and strategic insight when evaluating and advising early-stage companies. Her time at Birchbox equipped her with a profound understanding of consumer behavior, brand building, and the challenges inherent in scaling a startup from conception to market leader.

At First Round Capital, Hayley Barna's investment focus is broad yet strategic, primarily targeting seed and Series A rounds. She is particularly passionate about companies disrupting consumer technology, building vibrant marketplaces, and developing innovative SaaS solutions. Her portfolio often includes startups in areas such as fintech, healthcare technology, the future of work, and e-commerce, especially those with strong community elements or compelling brand narratives. Barna is known for her keen eye for product-market fit and her ability to identify founders with exceptional vision and execution capabilities.

Throughout her tenure at First Round, Hayley Barna has backed numerous successful ventures. Notable investments include Mirror, the interactive home gym company acquired by Lululemon, and Kin Insurance, a modern insurance carrier leveraging technology to simplify home insurance. She also supported Modern Fertility, a women's health company acquired by Ro, and Frame.io, a video collaboration platform acquired by Adobe. These investments underscore her ability to spot transformative businesses and contribute significantly to their growth. Hayley Barna is not just a capital provider; she is a hands-on advisor, deeply committed to helping founders navigate the challenges of building enduring companies. Her strategic guidance and extensive network make her a highly sought-after partner for ambitious entrepreneurs.