Monique Woodard
About Monique Woodard
Monique Woodard is the Founding Partner and Managing Director at Cake Ventures, where she has worked since 2021. With over 15 years of experience in technology and investment, she has held various roles including Venture Partner at 500 Startups and Board Member at Silvernest.
Work at Cake Ventures
Monique Woodard serves as the Founding Partner and Managing Director at Cake Ventures, a position she has held since 2021. Based in the San Francisco Bay Area, she focuses on investing in early-stage companies. Her role involves identifying promising startups and providing strategic guidance to help them grow. Woodard's experience in venture capital and her background in technology contribute to her effectiveness in this role.
Previous Experience in Venture Capital
Before joining Cake Ventures, Monique Woodard held several notable positions in the venture capital space. She was a Venture Partner at 500 Startups from 2016 to 2018, where she invested in early-stage companies in both the U.S. and Africa. Additionally, she served as a Board Member at Silvernest from 2018 to 2020. Her experience includes advising on SoftBank's Vision Fund’s Emerge program, further demonstrating her expertise in the industry.
Education and Expertise
Monique Woodard earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government from the University of Miami, where she studied from 1995 to 1998. She also attended Hampton University for a year in 1994. Woodard is a Kauffman Fellow, part of the KF26 cohort, which signifies her commitment to advancing her knowledge and skills in entrepreneurship and venture capital. Her educational background supports her extensive experience in technology and investment.
Background and Personal Interests
Monique Woodard grew up in rural Florida, which shaped her perspective and approach to her career. She has spent over 15 years in technology, working as an entrepreneur, ecosystem builder, operator, and investor. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys traveling, exploring food and wine, and collecting vintage clothing. Woodard also has an interest in contemporary art, reflecting her diverse range of personal interests.
Contributions to Civic Innovation
In 2013, Monique Woodard worked as an Innovation Fellow at the San Francisco Mayor's Office of Civic Innovation for 10 months. In this role, she contributed to initiatives aimed at enhancing civic engagement and improving city services through technology. This experience highlights her commitment to leveraging technology for social impact and community development.