Driving accelerated innovation & impact at the AWS Startups Investor Summit

The National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) is known as the largest network of diverse-owned alternative investment firms. In partnership with the NAIC, the Amazon Web Services (AWS) Startups and AWS Private Equity teams invited 64 underrepresented investor (URI)-led venture capital and private equity firms to the AWS Startups Investor Summit to explore how a diverse-led investor ecosystem unlocks new networks, ideas, innovation, and business opportunities—and how AWS Startups can help lead the conversation.

Kickoff to a day of innovation

At this exclusive summit, attendees had the opportunity to network and gain valuable insights on the latest trends shaping the investor landscape. As the event began on September 19, 2024, Nehemiah Green, Principal Business Development Manager at AWS Startups, welcomed investors and took the stage to kick off the sessions at the AWS offices.

At one point in his talk, Nehemiah shared a poignant quote: "The rapid growth of women and minority-owned firms, nearly doubling every 3-4 years, is uncovering exciting new pipelines of startups. Our AWS Startups and PE teams are committed to supporting this momentum by offering resources, creating communities, and fostering spaces where investors and their portfolio companies can learn from each other and grow."

A subsequent panel covered the unique role of the AWS Startup organization in facilitating connections between startups, customers, and investors—and featured lively discussion from Jasmine Moore (AWS Private Equity Senior Leader), Nicole Cardosa (AWS Private Equity Healthcare & Life Sciences Business Development Manager), Brooks Powlen (Managing Director at JLL Partners), Noy Levinson (AWS Startups and Venture Capital Leader, East Coast), and Amanda Herson (General Partner at Founder Collective).

Reducing the cost of innovation with AWS Cloud

AWS General Manager of North America Startups, Sherry Karamdashti, detailed how AWS tools and resources create value and catalyze business growth for firms and their portfolio companies.

Additionally, at the AWS Keynote, Sherry further highlighted how the AWS Cloud is reducing the cost of innovation for startups and enterprises. She revealed how this lower cost of entry, combined with increased representation in the venture capital space, is enabling more seed investors and private equity firms to invest in startups as they strive to achieve product-market fit and growth.

Assessing diverse-led funds and market dynamics

In a lively and informative panel, attendees heard exclusive insights from our influential limited partners (LPs) on their approach to evaluating and investing in diverse-led funds. Facilitated by AWS Startups, and co-sponsored by AWS Private Equity, this ‘More than a Vendor’ session delved into the specific criteria and considerations LPs use when assessing diverse-led investment opportunities. It provided valuable perspectives for fund managers seeking to position themselves for success.

The panelists also shared their views on the current market dynamics and trends shaping the investment landscape, and how they navigate and respond to evolving market conditions.

Sharing strategies at interactive roundtables

Attendees also joined an engaging and interactive roundtable facilitated by AWS Private Equity Business Development Manager, Camille McGirt providing the opportunity to engage in an interactive conversation tailored for investors seeking to deepen connections with private equity, venture capital, and AWS leaders.

This unique session allowed for attendees to connect with industry peers, share insights, and discuss strategic direction for firms—by delving into the key challenges and pain points facing their businesses, and discussing how the AWS Cloud can better support the growth and performance of their investments.

A fireside chat finale

To round off this captivating day, attendees heard from Vista founder, Chairman and CEO Robert F. Smith, during a fireside chat moderated by NAIC President Bob Greene. During their conversation, Robert discussed Vista’s journey, the future of software and artificial intelligence, and how PE and VC firms can accelerate digital transformation for their portfolio companies. 

After the day wrapped, an excited attendee commented, "It was a great event—the ideas shared from multiple perspectives throughout the ecosystem and networking opportunities were fruitful. I would love to attend again in the future!”

The AWS Startups and Private Equity teams host events like the Investor Summit with the same idea in mind: where there are diverse people, ideas, and mindsets—businesses flourish, and new ideas become a more unified reality. Let’s keep the conversation going.

Achieve more with AWS

The AWS Startups and PE Team Partnership Investor Summit is among a number of Amazon initiatives to boost and support underrepresented founders and investors:

• The Amazon Catalytic Capital investment fund has an initial commitment to invest US$150 million in venture capital (VC) funds, accelerators, incubators and venture studios with a track record of, and commitment to, investing in startups with underrepresented founders.
• Amazon Web Services runs the AWS Impact Accelerator, investing US$30 million in a series of programs designed to help high-potential, pre-seed startups, led by underrepresented founders succeed.
• Amazon has also committed US$150 million to its Black Business Accelerator, an initiative to help Black business owners succeed as sellers in Amazon's store.
• Additionally, Amazon's Climate Pledge Fund has committed US$53 million to invest in innovations by female climate tech entrepreneurs.

Follow @AWSStartups on Twitter and LinkedIn to find more opportunities to connect at future AWS Startups events!