Shalini is an MBA student at UCLA Anderson and after several years of working with large, mature firms, she found her passion in working with early-stage companies. Prior to Anderson, she worked at BlackRock, managing investor reporting for some of the largest institutional clients. She then moved on to a $30 billion alternative investment management firm and where she worked as a right hand to managing directors to raise capital for private equity funds. Shalini joined the Ventureship Scholars program to build on her previous experiences and support the founders of innovative, impactful companies. Outside of her time at Watertower Ventures, she is a venture scout and reporter at StartU, where she sources and writes about promising startups from the UCLA ecosystem.

Shalini grew up learning the piano and dance in addition to her education, and values having passions outside of a career. You can find her exploring different workout studios, dreaming up a new travel itinerary, spending time with family, and scouting the newest healthy eats.

Go to App:
I am always on my Kindle. Reading has been my “go-to” during the slower quarantine days.

What inspires you?
Meeting people who are positive and determined to make an impact in the world, despite adversity.

5-year goal?
Travel to 2 new countries every year.

Want to improve?
Skiing. I was better when I was a kid and that needs to change!

Notable quality?
Authenticity and an open-mind.