Katie Riester may not fly planes like she wanted to as a child, but nowadays she helps steer capital into the managers making the biggest impact in venture capital as both a managing director and general partner at Felicis.
Riester began her career as a senior consulting associate at Cambridge Associates, a company she was attracted to because of its work with nonprofit organizations around the world. She then spent 15 years at Silicon Valley Bank, last serving as a director who evaluated private equity and venture capital fund investments.
Riester joined multi-stage investor Felicis in 2017 as head of investor relations before becoming a partner in 2018 and managing director in 2023. She now leads the firm’s investor relations team as well as its LP activities through its Fund of Funds Investing program. Outside of work, Riester volunteers at multiple nonprofit organizations and serves on the board of directors of Safe & Sound, a San Francisco-based organization working to prevent child abuse.
What have you accomplished in your career that you’re most proud of?
When I joined Cambridge Associates in 2002, what attracted me to that platform was they work with so many cool nonprofits. I thought that was so amazing that I could work in one place but influence and help grow so many organizations working to make the world a better place. I’ve been able to pull that thread through my career and I’m very proud
of that.
What do you think is the most exciting space to be investing in right now?
Generative AI in the realm of being creative. I see this through my children’s eyes. My 9-year-old daughter would use my Canva account, and she could make a movie right now using AI, so the creative expression is very fun and interesting, and I think it could unlock a lot of people to create things to influence the world.
What’s the most unusual thing in your home?
We have chickens, and I live in San Francisco. We don’t have a rooster so they’re super quiet. I don’t think our neighbors even know.
What do you think about most every day?
My kids for sure.
Most important thing on your bucket list that you haven’t done yet?
I really want to see the Northern Lights, do the ice castle thing and go hiking on a glacier.
Dream job as a kid?
A pilot. When you rise up out of the clouds it’s so beautiful, and I thought that would be amazing to see every day.
Favorite activity outside of work?
I’ve really been counting my steps. Over the summer I got 12,000 steps almost every day. We were staying in Sonoma so I was doing a lot of walking through the vineyards, which was amazing. It’s also been really fun figuring out how many things you can do while you’re walking.
What is your favorite travel destination?
Probably some recency bias but Hawaii. It’s just perfect.
If you could pass one law, what would it be?
It’s not practical, but take three deep breaths and count to 10. I think that would solve a lot of problems.
What career advice would you give your younger self?
My gut answer is just have more fun. Allow yourself to enjoy the experiences a little more as you’re learning and growing. Enjoyment and hard work can live together.
