Octopus Ventures, one of Europe’s leading venture capital investors, today announced that Priscila Bala, former Director of the Mentor Network at the Yale Entrepreneurial Institute, has joined its New York office. Priscila will work hand-in-hand with the firm’s London team and play a crucial role in supporting its existing portfolio scope, test and enter the US market as effectively as possible.
Priscila has a wide variety of experience working in investment banking, consulting, fundraising and business development. Prior to joining Octopus Ventures she served as Director of the Mentor Network at the Yale Entrepreneurial Institute where she was responsible for connecting ventures to experienced advisers as well as growing Yale University’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Priscila’s financial services career included working with European Equities at Credit Suisse in New York and Latin American Equities at Morgan Stanley São Paulo, Brazil. She also holds a BA and MBA from Yale University.
In her role in Octopus’ New York office, Priscila will support the growth strategies of Octopus Ventures’ portfolio businesses by identifying, researching and communicating best practices for successfully entering and succeeding in the US market. Priscila will be working with a variety of businesses within Octopus’ portfolio of unusually talented entrepreneurs, helping them meet the challenges of scaling their businesses in the US by supporting them in building a relevant network of executives, service providers, corporates and growth stage investors.
Alex Macpherson, Chief Executive of Octopus Ventures, said:
“We are delighted to welcome Priscila to the team. Her wealth of experience as an entrepreneur and business professional will further strengthen Octopus Ventures’ ability to help entrepreneurs scale their businesses to the US. We’re committed to providing our portfolio with the support they need to reach their potential and Priscila’s knowledge and connections will prove invaluable to the growth strategies of the businesses we back.”
Priscila Bala at Octopus Ventures commented:
“European entrepreneurs are increasingly building enduring, often global businesses. I’m excited to have the opportunity to work closely with many of these entrepreneurs in helping them shape and execute their US go-to market strategy.”
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For journalists in their professional capacity only. (Personal opinions may change and should not be seen as advice or a recommendation.) We do not offer investment or tax advice. Issued by Octopus Investments. Octopus Ventures is part of Octopus Investments Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered office: 33 Holborn, London, EC1N 2HT. Registered in England and Wales No. 03942880. Issued: July 2017.