Abstract
This dissertation explores the multifaceted experiences and career management strategies of Latinos/as in the venture capital industry, an area marked by significant underrepresentation. This study aims to illuminate the unique challenges and strategies of Latino/a investors. Drawing on literature from identity formation, Latinidad, diversity and inclusion, and career management, this research addresses the gap in academic literature regarding the lived experiences of Latinos/as in venture capital. The study utilizes 18 narrative interviews with active Latino/a investors of diverse backgrounds and varying experience levels to develop a conceptual framework. This framework highlights the constructed identity of the venture capital investor through five markers: Role of Latinidad, Phenotypic Presentation, Acculturation Trauma, Context (i.e., Immigration, Geography, and Exposure to Diversity), and Personal Brand Approach. The framework’s axes (Latino Identity Salience and gendered traits (agenticmasculine vs. communal-feminine) reveal four distinct archetypes: Vanguard Innovator, Defiant Champion, Strategic Luminary, and Cultural Catalyst. These archetypes underscore the heterogeneity of Latino/a identities and illustrate how phenotypic variation and early exposure to diverse ecosystems shape adaptive strategies and resilience. Ultimately, this dissertation provides valuable insights into how Latino/a investors navigate and succeed in the venture capital ecosystem, offering a foundation for future research and practical applications to enhance diversity within the industry.
Library of Congress Subject Headings
Career development; Venture capital; Capitalists and financers--Hispanic Americans; Resilience (Personality trait); Latinidad
Date of Award
2024
School Affiliation
Graziadio Business School
Department/Program
Business
Degree Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Doctorate
Faculty Advisor
Cristel Antonia Russell
Recommended Citation
Salas, Mariela, "Hasta la Raíz: an exploration of Latinidad in venture capital" (2024). Theses and Dissertations. 1527.
https://digitalcommons.pepperdine.edu/etd/1527
