Matthew McConaughey in Austin, AgTech Investments, Space, & Awards: A Spotlight on Dr. Jaleh Daie
Dr. Jaleh Daie
Introducing Jaleh Daie, a Women in Tech Hall of Famer and multi-dimensional thought leader. With a remarkable career spanning academia, business, philanthropy, government, and NGOs, Daie has consistently worked to improve the human condition.
As a biologist, investor, board director, keynoter, and strategic advisor, she has served the administrations of three Presidents, collaborated internationally, and received numerous prestigious awards. Her current roles include being a Partner at Aurora Equity and Founder/Chair of AgFood Tech at Band of Angels, where she champions sustainable agriculture. Daie's foresight and dedication have shaped her impactful board service, while her insights and advice inspire aspiring leaders in their own endeavors.
Texas Venture Alliance conducted a brief interview with Jaleh Daie. This introduction is a snippet from her description on LinkedIn:
Currently, she is Partner at Aurora Equity & Founder/Chair of AgFood Tech at Band of Angels. Previously, she was head of STEM at David & Lucile Packard Foundation giving multi-million dollar grants. She's worked with President’s National Science & Tech Council (cabinet level body) on presidential initiatives and as special assistant to Chief Scientist at NOAA. Jaleh began her career at Rutgers University and University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she was professor (made full professor in six years); senior science adviser to UW-System President; Dept. Chair (first women of an agronomy department); Founder/Chief Executive of a multidisciplinary center and founder/director of a university-wide graduate program. In addition to her grant-funded research, she simultaneously managed three independent organizations.
Why did you move to Austin from the Bay Area?
The truth? Matthew McConaughey! I did not know anything about Austin, nor had I been there before, but at the time—middle of pandemic lockdown—his book “Greenlights” came out and as I read it I fell in love with him, and thought even if 20% of Austinites are so thoughtful, sensible and smart, I want to be among them.
In both of your roles as the founder/chair of AgFood Tech at Silicon Valley's oldest angel network, Band of Angels, as well as Partner at Aurora Equity, tell me about your investment thesis and what specific company and founder characteristics do you look for?
Simple thesis: No one should go hungry! I have been involved in ag/food research and investment all my career, so I have seen it all. So, I am deeply committed to sustainable and regenerative agriculture which is now a major component of climate tech— food and ag are not negotiable!
Dr. Daie’s keynote at TiECon 2022 on Sustainability via AgFood Tech
You have held various leadership roles in academia, including professor, department chair, and founder/director of multidisciplinary programs. What were the key challenges you faced in these roles, and how did you manage to simultaneously run multiple organizations?
In my first career as professor and department chair at UW-Madison and Rutgers I was one of very few women scientists, a novelty. So, I can fill up pages with challenges I faced. But my generation did not complain—we were resilient, worked hard and were nice to people. I give credit to my male colleagues who did not feel threatened by a young woman who was as smart as they were.
With a long list of honors and awards, which recognition stands out the most to you personally, and why? How have these honors shaped your journey and the impact you strive to make?
I have been fortunate to have my work in academia and business recognized. Those awards were much appreciated and came out of the blue, but the one that I deeply touched by was the Presidential Award for Mentoring Women in Science given to AWIS in 1997 when I was President of that organization. AWIS ( Assoc. for Women in Sci), team and board had worked hard for years on this—before it was fashionable. It was a well-deserved recognition for a dedicated team.
Dr. Daie’s WITI Hall of Fame 1996 Induction Video
As a leader in the field of science and technology, what advice would you give to aspiring women in tech and those seeking to make a significant impact in their respective industries?
Ask yourself what is my edge? As an underdog, mine has always been working harder than anyone else and to be trustworthy and reliable. Also, I am a super connector—I leverage that to help others which creates good will.
Looking ahead, what are some of the future trends or areas of focus that you believe will have a transformative impact on science, technology, and society as a whole? How can individuals and organizations prepare for these changes?
AI-assisted biology to advance medicine, ag, food and bioeconomy in general, is by far that most positive outcome that we will see.
Dr. Daie celebrating the 4th Anniversary of the NASDAQ Entrepreneurial Center. The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center offers free expert resources and events to inspire entrepreneurs, foster connections, and help them in their journey.
Looking ahead, what are some of the future trends or areas of focus that you believe will have a transformative impact on science, technology, and society as a whole? How can individuals and organizations prepare for these changes?
AI-assisted biology to advance medicine, ag, food and bioeconomy in general, is by far that most positive outcome that we will see.
In your experience, what are the key qualities or skills that have been instrumental in your success as a thought leader and noted individual? What advice would you give to others looking to cultivate these qualities and thrive in their own endeavors?
I mentioned trustworthiness, but even more important is to build and then guard your reputation. As they say, it takes decades to build your reputation but a week to lose. Guard it like you would your child. Being helpful in general would also take you places.
You were the first woman appointed board member for the US Space Foundation— what are your thoughts about space now and how has it changed? What do you think about the progression to where we are now?
Space is the next frontier, and our own Elon Musk will lead us there! Elon is DaVinci, Benjamin Franklin and Eddison all wrapped in one. He gives me much hope.
View more about Jaleh Daie on her Texas Venture membership page here.