Minda Brusse
Minda Brusse is a Network Partner at 2048 Ventures, Founding Partner at First Row Partners, and Lecturer at the University of Washington Foster School of Business. She co-founded CopperSix and The $1k Project, and is still at First Row Partners. Her expertise includes venture investing, startup operations, and teaching startup topics.
Fundamentals for Startups – 10 Reasons Not to Take VC $$ presented to UW CoMotion Labs on Oct 3, 2025
A presentation titled "Fundamentals for Startups – 10 Reasons Not to Take VC $$," prepared for University of Washington CoMotion Labs on October 3, 2025, outlines arguments against accepting venture capital and acknowledges input from several Seattle-area VCs and others.
Washington D.C. Startup Standd Wins $160,000 Top Prize at First Row Partners' Inaugural Ensemble Fund Competition
Standd, a Washington D.C. startup led by CEO Julie Saltman, won over $160,000 as the top prize in First Row Partners' inaugural Ensemble Fund competition, which supports early-stage startups and educates investors. The competition reviewed 125 applications and included 17 investors, half of whom were women, emphasizing relationship-building and investor education.
First Row Partners Launches $150K–$200K Startup Competition to Revive Pacific Northwest Angel Investing
Seattle venture capital firm First Row Partners has launched The Ensemble Event Fund, a startup competition offering $150,000–$200,000 to early-stage companies nationwide, aiming to revitalize the Pacific Northwest's angel investor network. The competition engages over 15 angel investors to boost capital deployment amid declining venture funding and a shrinking local angel community.
Organizations
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University of Washington - Michael G. Foster School of Business Lecturer - Foster MBA Program 2022–present · current
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Xemelgo Board Observer 2022–present · current
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2048 Ventures Network Partner 2020–present · current
Education
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Foster School of Business Women Board Directors Development Program, Executive Education · 2018
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Santa Clara University BSC, Marketing, Retail Management, History · 1991–1995
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Newport High School 1991
