LAELA STURDY

Laela Sturdy is a distinguished Partner at CapitalG, Alphabet's independent growth equity fund, known for her keen eye in identifying and nurturing transformative technology companies. At CapitalG, she plays a pivotal role in leading investments across various high-growth sectors, bringing her deep operational and product experience to the firm's portfolio. CapitalG's mission is to invest in leading technology companies as they scale, providing them with strategic support and access to Alphabet's vast resources and expertise. Laela embodies this mission by actively engaging with founders and management teams.

Her investment focus areas are broad yet strategic, primarily centering on enterprise software, artificial intelligence, and cutting-edge consumer technology. Laela is particularly interested in companies that are leveraging AI to redefine industries, developing robust SaaS solutions for businesses, and creating compelling consumer experiences through innovative platforms. Her portfolio involvement often includes companies poised for significant market disruption and rapid scaling, reflecting her belief in technology's power to drive fundamental change. She seeks out businesses with strong product-market fit, defensible technology, and ambitious leadership.

Before joining CapitalG, Laela Sturdy built an impressive career spanning over a decade at Google. During her tenure, she held significant leadership positions, notably heading product teams for some of Google's most iconic products, including YouTube, Google Maps, and Google+. This extensive background in product development and management at a global technology giant provides her with invaluable insights into building and scaling successful tech products and platforms. Her early career also included a stint at McKinsey & Company, where she honed her strategic consulting skills, laying a strong foundation for her analytical and strategic approach to investments.

Laela's unique blend of product leadership and strategic investment acumen makes her a highly sought-after partner for founders. She is known for her hands-on approach, working closely with management teams to navigate growth challenges, refine product strategies, and expand market reach. Her contributions have been instrumental in the success of several CapitalG portfolio companies. While CapitalG's investments are a team effort, Laela has been closely involved with companies like UiPath, a leader in robotic process automation, and Duolingo, the popular language-learning platform. Her involvement underscores her commitment to supporting companies that are not only financially promising but also have a profound impact on their respective markets. Through her work at CapitalG, Laela Sturdy continues to shape the future of technology by backing the next generation of industry leaders, helping them achieve their full potential and drive innovation forward.