In September 2024, Heidi Krauel Patel discussed impact investing with Forbes, describing her pioneering work to bring venture capital funding to more women-owned businesses. She noted, “It takes more than a vintage or two to completely reshape an industry. But I think we’re making huge strides.” Heidi is managing partner of Rethink Impact, a VC firm founded by Stanford alumna Jenny Abramson, ’99, MA ’99, dedicated to “investing in female leaders using tech to solve the world’s biggest problems.” The pair raised $250 million to back women-led startups.
Heidi has devoted her career to being a catalyst for change, guiding investors and organizations on how to leverage innovative technologies to solve critical challenges in health, education, sustainability, and economic empowerment. She launched her career as an investment banking analyst; over the years, her journey led her to discover her passion for helping investors find ways to support community and global development. She’s been a board member of organizations seeking to improve health care, farm food access, and work–life balance, among other issues. “On the boards of over 20 venture-backed companies, Heidi is known for bringing both financial acumen and moral clarity — ensuring impact isn’t sidelined, but central, as companies scale,” says Kathryn Money, MBA ’04.
Since 2015, Heidi has shared her insights and experiences as a lead instructor in the GSB’s Investing for Good course, inspiring students to combine their passions for business with making the world a better place. She has also served as an investment committee member for the Stanford GSB Student Impact Fund and an advisor for the Startup Garage. “Heidi has taught impact investing to graduate students across the country — from UCSD’s Rady School to Princeton and Kellogg — expanding the reach of GSB values far beyond campus,” Kathryn says. As she describes Heidi, “It’s rare to encounter someone whose impact spans classrooms, boardrooms, and global systems — but Heidi has done just that, embodying Stanford GSB’s mission to change lives, change organizations, and change the world.”
