Ep 28—Ladies Who Rock Series—Special Guest Bukie Adebo Umeano from Anthemis

Today on Take the Stage, and our special series Ladies Who Rock, we shine the spotlight on Bukie Adebo Umeano, Investment Principal at Anthemis, a global VC firm that backs inclusive fintech and insurtech founders.

Bukie dives into her unconventional journey into venture capital, the lessons she’s picked up along the way, and shares no-nonsense advice for anyone looking to break into VC or carve out their own path in a not-so-linear career.

Episode Highlights

[02:25] How Bukie’s Career Path Took Shape

Bukie shares how she stumbled into consulting post-undergrad (without even knowing what VC was!) and how each career step helped her refine what she actually wanted in her professional life.

[09:06] Discovering Venture Capital

She walks us through the gradual “lightbulb moments” that got her thinking seriously about VC.

[11:25] Building Skills Before You Get the Job

Bukie breaks down the two biggest things junior VC hopefuls need to demonstrate.

[16:13] How to Build a Standout Investment Thesis

She shares her own experience crafting an investment thesis pre-VC and explains her method for combining deep-dive research and market analysis to build a point of view that turns heads (even if your first few ideas miss the mark!).

[22:49] Avoiding the One-Size-Fits-All Trap

Bukie highlights how every VC firm is different—and why it’s crucial to tailor your approach when networking or applying.

[27:32] Networking Tips That Actually Work

Bukie shares the real strategies that helped her build meaningful connections in the VC world.

[34:39] Navigating Bias and Underestimation

Bukie opens up about being underestimated in rooms where people don’t expect to see a Black woman investor—and how she prepares, shows up confidently, and handles those moments with grace and resolve.

[46:02] Learning Through Deal-Making

Reflecting on leading early-stage deals and the surprising personal growth that comes with negotiating investment terms.

[48:22] Recognition and Staying Energized

Bukie talks about being named a VCJ Rising Star for 2025, what that recognition means to her, and why moments of validation—while not the ultimate goal—help fuel the journey.

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Connect with Bukie on ⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠

📍 Anthemis: ⁠Website⁠ | ⁠LinkedIn⁠

📩 Connect with Alexis Alvarez on ⁠LinkedIn

🌐⁠⁠ career-rockstars.com⁠⁠