Patty Smith

Patty Smith is a seasoned Analytics Leader and Systems Thinker, consistently applying her strong quantitative background (BA in Applied Math/Statistics from Harvard) to human-centric problems. Her career trajectory demonstrates a clear progression from finance and marketing analytics at BlackRock and Lumosity to pioneering People Analytics functions at Lattice and Cruise. She excels at building data infrastructure, driving insights, and leveraging analytics to influence organizational strategy and improve employee experience. categoryvc+2

Patty is a dedicated Startup Advisor and former Founder, having co-founded Managerie, a platform focused on connecting candidates and employers based on professional growth and mission alignment. Her entrepreneurial spirit is further evidenced by her current role as Operating Partner at Category Ventures, where she drives operational strategy and supports founders in building successful ventures. This background highlights her ability to navigate and contribute to the startup ecosystem effectively. categoryvc+2

Beyond her professional achievements, Patty has a passion for community and creative expression. She has been actively involved as an actor and executive director with Backyard Theater SF, a parody-driven theater troupe. Her interests also include rock climbing, leading weekly morning workouts, and engaging in community-building projects in San Francisco, showcasing a well-rounded personality with a commitment to local engagement and personal well-being. youtube+1