Nkechi Iregbulem

Nkechi Iregbulem is a prominent early-stage investor, currently a Partner at Conviction, a venture capital firm she co-founded. Her investment thesis at Conviction centers on AI-native companies and the foundational infrastructure supporting them, reflecting a forward-looking approach to technological innovation.

Prior to establishing Conviction, Ms. Iregbulem built a robust career at some of the most prestigious venture capital firms in Silicon Valley. She served as a Partner at Andreessen Horowitz (a16z), where she gained significant experience in identifying and nurturing high-growth startups. Before her tenure at a16z, she was an Investor at Kleiner Perkins, further honing her skills in early-stage deal sourcing and portfolio management. This extensive background provided her with a broad understanding of various sectors, including fintech, consumer, and vertical SaaS, before she pivoted to her current specialized focus on artificial intelligence.

At Conviction, Ms. Iregbulem is actively deploying capital from a recently raised $60 million fund, demonstrating the firm's significant capacity to support emerging companies. The firm's typical initial investment ranges from $500,000 to $2 million, specifically targeting pre-seed and seed-stage companies. This strategic focus allows her to engage with founders at the earliest stages of their development, providing not only crucial capital but also invaluable strategic guidance and access to a vast network. Her deep expertise in the venture landscape, combined with a clear focus on transformative AI technologies, firmly establishes her as a key player in the early-stage investment ecosystem.