Narie Foster

Founder

2021

Creating experiences at the intersections of entertainment, personal development, hospitality, and/or human connection. Writer, producer, and performer of solo show '1 in a Chameleon' premiered to sold-out audiences at Edinburgh Fringe 2024 (Summerhall) following previews at Adelaide Fringe 2024 (Holden Street Theatres). '1 in a Chameleon' is a life-affirming, thought-provoking comedy investigating the natural tension between wanting to fit in and wanting to be authentically ourselves. "Crisp comic timing. A refreshing and affirmative show about finding your place in the world." (The Scotsman) "Beautifully written. Raw and honest. Naturally hilarious. A moving journey to self-acceptance." (InReview) "Comedic, heartfelt, and intelligent. Entirely enthralling. Revelatory. A beautiful comedy of words and existential questioning from a unique talent." (Theatre Travels) "Unashamedly authentic. You will leave feeling inspired." (On The Record)

Program Leader

2020

Facilitating intensive personal development workshops. Teaching the theory and practice of building emotional intelligence, mental resilience, self-awareness, and leadership.

Venture Partner

2022 - 2024

Helped make venture capital more humanistic. Married operating expertise with deep knowledge of human nature to support portfolio companies and the internal JAZZ team with interpersonal and hospitality-oriented initiatives. As JAZZ’s in-house coach, maximized human potential on a micro level to enable JAZZ investments to do so on a macro level. (In other words, I got to be Wendy from Billions.) JAZZ invests in companies that unlock human potential. We seek breakthroughs at the convergence of technology, science, and humanity — improving how we live, work, and experience the world. JAZZ targets early and growth stage companies in enterprise, wellness, healthcare, and consumer markets. We are a team of experienced operators, technologists, scientists, and entrepreneurs who work together to make a positive difference.

Co-Founder & Advisor

2017 - 2023

Cheerleading via Board meetings, miscellaneous conversations, and always wearing at least one M.M. item.

Co-Founder & Chief Operating Officer

2012 - 2017

Co-founded the direct-to-consumer fashion brand for professional women and helped grow the company to $75M in revenue, 200 team members, and Series B funding. Led the build-out of e-commerce, customer experience, fulfillment operations, software engineering, product management, people operations, and company culture. In 2016, selected as one of Forbes' 30 Under 30 in Retail & E-Commerce, and in 2017, M.M.LaFleur was #43 on Inc.'s list of the 5,000 fastest-growing private companies in America. Proudest micro-contributions include: - Composing the company values - Designing the “Nothing Above You, Nothing Below You” outer space themed conference room - Bento Box packaging for the extremely detail-oriented - The bestselling Foster pant (had nothing to do with this, but proud nonetheless)

Advisor

2018 - 2022

Coral is an app designed to help you cultivate your sexuality and transform your relationship with sex, through a personalized mix of informative science, relevant stories, and practical exercises. Contributing experts include Dr. Ian Kerner, Dr. Lori Brotto, and Dr. Emily Nagoski. https://getcoral.app/

Advisor

2020 - 2022

Cardon makes award-winning cactus-based skincare products focused on the men's market, using the latest innovations in Korean Beauty. https://cardonskin.com/

Advisor

2018 - 2021

Rec Room is an apparel brand that uses soft, technical fabrics to make casual, versatile styles. Acquired by an aggregator-operator group. Everywhere wear. https://rec-room.com/

Entrepreneur-in-Residence

2019 - 2020

Primary dedicated advisor for two cohorts in the MIT NYC Startup Studio within MIT's delta v accelerator. Coached teams through early-stage phases culminating in Demo Day pitches.

Head of Operations and Finance

2011 - 2012

Second employee at a startup sports and entertainment marketing agency founded by a former NBA executive. Set up and ran everything related to finance, legal, HR, facilities, and IT, and managed client accounts including Live Nation, KaBOOM!, and the NFL Players Association.

Associate Consultant

2009 - 2011