Emma Grife

Emma Grife is a dedicated advocate for startup founders, currently serving as Chief of Staff - Founders at Startmate, an accelerator program for startups in Australia and New Zealand. In this role, she leads initiatives focused on helping founders understand their customers and scale their companies, bringing a unique blend of US entrepreneurial experience to the Australian tech ecosystem. Her work involves direct engagement with founders, guiding them through various stages of growth, and contributing to the overall success of the accelerator programs. startmate+2

With a strong background in both venture capital and entrepreneurship, Emma transitioned from an Investment Team role at Insight Partners, a New York City-based VC firm, to her current position at Startmate. Her experience on the investment side provides her with a valuable perspective on what it takes for startups to attract funding and achieve success, which she leverages to support the founders she works with. Her past involvement with tech startups in Ann Arbor and Amsterdam further solidifies her understanding of the startup landscape. dayone+2

Emma's entrepreneurial journey began at the University of Michigan, where she earned a BBA from the Stephen M. Ross School of Business with a minor in entrepreneurship. She was an active participant in the university's vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem, serving as an Entrepreneurs Leadership Program Fellow and a Zell Lurie Entrepreneurial Scholar. Her early experiences included an internship and later a Sales Operations Lead role at Shoptelligence, where she gained hands-on experience in business development, operations, and contributing to e-commerce insights through her writing. umich+4

Beyond her professional pursuits, Emma shows an interest in global issues and personal well-being. Her Twitter activity reflects concerns for environmental sustainability, referencing the IPCC report and discussions around climate change. She also has stated hobbies that include watching movies, taking yoga classes, and an interest in sustainable fashion, suggesting a well-rounded individual engaged in both professional growth and broader societal and personal interests. nitter+1