RE

Raissa Espiritu

Co-Founder | GP of Climate & Health-Focused VC Fund | Champion for JEDI & Social Change | Experienced Director | MBA

Canada

Work Experience

  • Co-Founder & Co-Managing Partner

    2023

    Audaxa Ventures invests early stage capital in the most promising solutions at the intersection of climate and health that are led by diverse women and non-binary founders.

  • Executive in Residence, Cenovus Equity, Diversity, Inclusion Accelerator

    2024

    Guiding the development of the Cenovus Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Accelerator initiative, focusing on collaboration with entrepreneurs from underrepresented and underestimated groups and who support these individuals and communities in both the commercial and non-profit sectors. Additionally, advocating for equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) throughout the UCeed investment funds' operations and decisions.

  • Member

    2024

    Global Women in VC is the world's largest community for women in venture capital to connect, collaborate, and create opportunities for each other. Our global community now includes 6,000+ women investors across 3,500+ venture funds spanning 200+ cities and 75+ countries.

  • Founder & President

    2016

    ReTHINK Collaborative Group provides integrative business development solutions to small and medium enterprises so they can achieve their impact sooner.

  • Founder & Investor

    2020

    Fund focused on early-stage enterprises. Interested in the intersections of health and civic wealth building.

2023 - 2023

  • Interim Director, Growth

    2023 - 2023

    Managing a revenue-generating partnerships team dedicated to unlocking capital that will support the growing innovation and tech ecosystem in Calgary. Focused on individual relationships, corporate partnership and sponsorship, and building an accessible network of investors to support the founders journey of growth.

  • Managing Director, Healthy Horizons Foundation

    2022 - 2023

    Was the first MD for the NWC-affiliated Foundation. Charged with growing and enhancing the fund to support the Foundation's mission to empower Youth in Northern Indigenous Communities.

  • Director of Partnerships

    2018 - 2022

    Leading the funding plan to support CSI’s Campaign to build the Next Economy through philanthropic, private investment, and government funding. As well, Co-Chair of CSI's IDEA Committee, championing diversity & inclusion at work and within our community.

2017 - 2019

  • Co-Founder

    2017 - 2019

    Dedicated to female health research. Initialized operations of a VC-backed start-up. Role comprised operations, fundraising, administration, human resources, community engagement, and advocacy.

2016 - 2018

  • Co-Founder

    2016 - 2018

    Edible cannabis company. Began as a research study to understand the legislation being moved by the Canadian Federal government. We wanted to understand firsthand the potential disruption legalized cannabis would have on the food industry, economic markets, as well as the underground market.