E115: Najada Kumbuli: Visa Foundation

Step into the world of impact investing with this captivating episode of Female VC Lab! Host Barbara Bickham sits down with Najada Kumbuli, Vice President and Head of Investments at the Visa Foundation, for an illuminating conversation on reshaping capitalism for the greater good. Discover how Najada’s journey from communist Albania to leading global VC strategies at Visa Foundation fuels her passion for social responsibility, small business empowerment, and inclusive innovation. Find out what’s next in venture capital, why AI and emerging markets are top of mind, and get a behind-the-scenes look at how the Visa Foundation backs entrepreneurs while driving lasting social impact. Whether you’re an investor, founder, or changemaker, you’ll leave inspired and equipped with actionable insights on building a more equitable future.

Guest Information
Guest Name: Najada Kumbuli
Bio: Najada Kumbuli is the Vice President and Head of Investments at the Visa Foundation, where she champions impact investing and ecosystem growth for small businesses and entrepreneurs worldwide. Leveraging her unique upbringing in Albania and global expertise, Najada leads a holistic investment strategy with a focus on inclusion, sustainable growth, and measurable social impact.

Links:

• Visa Foundation Website: https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/visa-foundation.html

• LinkedIn: Najada Kumbuli LinkedIn

Episode Outline
Origins & Inspiration for Impact Investing
Najada shares her powerful personal journey from communist Albania to global investing, revealing what motivated her to pursue impact investing and advocate for “conscious capitalism.”

• Learn more about impact investing from the Visa Foundation

Visa Foundation’s Investment Thesis & Global Strategy
A deep dive into how the Visa Foundation’s thesis centers on championing small businesses with access to capital, digital tools, and financial skills—spanning micro-entrepreneurs in Nigeria to high-growth startups in India.

• Visa Foundation Annual Report: See their latest impact and portfolio highlights

Trends Shaping the Future of Venture Capital
Najada gives her perspective on what’s ahead for VC: the expanding role of AI and deep tech, greater discipline in investing, increased attention to emerging markets like Africa and Latin America, and the rise of responsible, impact-driven investments.

• Acquired Podcast – a favorite resource mentioned by Najada

Resources for Founders & Fund Managers
Discover how to get connected with the Visa Foundation, access reports, and tap into support and tools for scaling your impact-driven business.

• Contact Visa Foundation or access their resources

Further Reading & Resources:

• Visa Foundation Impact Report: Read here

• Book: “Conscious Capitalism” by John Mackey & Raj Sisodia

• Acquired Podcast

Host & Show Info
Host Name: Barbara Bickham
About the Host: Barbara Bickham is a veteran technologist, investor, and founder committed to amplifying women’s voices in venture capital. She brings her expertise in innovation, investing, and entrepreneurship to every episode of Female VC Lab.
Podcast Website: https://femalevclab.com

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