Katie Shea

Katie Shea is a prominent early-stage investor based in New York City, recognized for her dual roles as Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Divergent Capital, and as an active angel investor. Divergent Capital is an operator-led venture capital firm specializing in pre-seed and seed-stage investments. The firm strategically focuses on companies innovating within the "future of commerce," "future of work," and "future of human connection" sectors. Their investment thesis emphasizes supporting founders who are building the next generation of disruptive businesses in these evolving landscapes.

At Divergent Capital, Katie Shea plays a pivotal role in identifying and nurturing promising startups. The firm typically deploys initial checks ranging from $250,000 to $1,000,000, targeting companies that demonstrate strong potential for growth and market impact. This specific range allows Divergent Capital to provide meaningful early capital to founders, enabling them to achieve critical milestones. Her approach is characterized by a founder-friendly ethos, leveraging her extensive operational background to provide strategic guidance beyond just capital.

Before co-founding Divergent Capital, Shea accumulated significant experience as a General Partner at K5 Ventures for nearly eight years, from November 2013 to October 2021. During her tenure at K5 Ventures, she was instrumental in investing in Seed and Series A rounds, with typical check sizes ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000. Her work at K5 spanned various sectors, including SaaS, marketplaces, consumer, fintech, and proptech, further broadening her investment acumen. This diverse background has equipped her with a comprehensive understanding of the startup ecosystem, from initial ideation through scaling.

Beyond her fund commitments, Katie Shea maintains an active presence as an angel investor, often supporting companies at even earlier stages or providing follow-on capital. This personal investment activity underscores her deep commitment to the entrepreneurial community and her ability to identify nascent opportunities. Her reputation as an operator-turned-investor means she brings not just capital but also invaluable strategic insights, mentorship, and network access to her portfolio companies, making her a highly sought-after partner for early-stage founders.