The motto on Heidi Roizen’s personal website provides a tongue-in-cheek glimpse into her mindset: “Life is good (or if it isn’t, then change things until it is).” Known as a distinguished venture capitalist and partner at Threshold Ventures, as well as a corporate director, Heidi began her career as a tech entrepreneur. She co-founded the software company T/Maker in 1983, the same year she completed her MBA at Stanford GSB, and was one of Silicon Valley’s first female CEOs. She’s served on numerous public and private boards, and was vice president of World Wide Developer Relations for Apple. Heidi’s bond with Stanford goes beyond her own education; she is a past board member of the Stanford Alumni Association and a current lecturer.
A committed mentor and active networker, Heidi uses her influence to uplift, connect, and empower others, sharing valuable insights into venture capitalism, entrepreneurship, and innovation. In her role as an adjunct lecturer in the Management Science and Engineering Department at Stanford, Heidi is known for being engaging and approachable. “Whether speaking in classes or participating in panel discussions, Heidi brings a wealth of knowledge and a unique perspective that inspires students to think critically and creatively about their own ventures,” says fellow venture capitalist Valerie Shen, MBA ’19. “Her dedication to mentorship and education has made her a vital resource for aspiring entrepreneurs and business leaders.” Heidi also serves on the advisory councils for the Stanford Institute for Human-Centered Artificial Intelligence and Stanford Technology Ventures.
Heidi’s latest project is the popular podcast series she launched with Threshold Ventures, The Startup Solution, where she offers practical advice to entrepreneurs based on real-world situations they’re likely to face. It’s yet another way for her to extend her mentorship, connect with a wider audience, and inspire future leaders. “Heidi’s contributions to the venture capital community and her unwavering commitment to mentorship make her a remarkable leader and role model,” Valerie adds. “Her generosity, expertise, and passion for helping others shine through in everything she does.”
