I’m expanding my portfolio from cybersecurity and angel investing to brick-and-mortar real estate—here’s why. Learn how suburban fixer-uppers, strong fundamentals, and strategic diversification add tangible value while keeping a tech-forward mindset.

As a teenager, I learned to waterski and have a few trophies from local tournaments. More recently, I started enjoying kayaking and SUPing (aka stand-up paddleboarding) and have even dabbled with windsurfing. In 2021, my fiancé and I moved to South Carolina where we built a home on a beautiful lake and got married on a sun-drenched spring afternoon. Since moving, we have fully embraced our new community and the state of South Carolina as we explore the midlands, the mountains to the north, and the beautiful coastal communities of the low country. As part of that exploration, I realized that I wanted to invest in the local economy, particularly in the start-up community. I have therefore joined a Carolina angel investment group called Venture South and am participating in their 2023 Fellowship Program. This group has been incredibly warm and welcoming. I am building a new network of investors and entrepreneurs who are focused on doing good things for the region, having fun, and making money so that we can continue to invest. I cannot wait to find more companies to help grow into the next big success story. Read more about the fellowship here: https://www.venturecarolina.org/palmetto-venture-fellowship-class-of-2023

The USA Summit, held in person in Washington, DC, as well as virtually, from June 26-29, 2022 seeks to promote the United States as the world’s premier investment destination and connects qualified foreign firms with U.S. economic development organizations (EDOs) to facilitate business investment and job creation. I will be one of the judges for the Cybersecurity Startup Pitch Sessions for early-stage and startup tech companies. The panel of 4-6 judges, including venture capitalists, corporate investors, representatives from startup ecosystems, and industry experts will be listening to pitches on Tuesday, June 28th, at 3:00 pm EDT. Here is the link to the Summit: https://www.selectusasummit.us/Home Here is the link to use for the Startup Pitch Sessions: https://www.selectusasummit.us/Programming/Startup-Pitching-Sessions