
Gai Noi Minneapolis - Soapbox Dinner Series
Welcome to the Monthly R.E.P.O.R.T. β May Edition!
Hereβs what happened this month (so far):
We hosted our first Soapbox Dinner Series: Twin Cities Edition!
We brought together 11 emerging leaders in VC across the Twin Cities for an intimate dinner experience. Soapbox is on a mission to connect those with the first touchpoint on deals in their local communities and beyond over a good meal and conversation. We strongly believe in the power of peer-to-peer networking in VC. Read more about our conviction here.
Shoutout to our sponsors Taft Law, Redbud VC, and Heist Collective!!
What city will be next? Stay tunedβ¦ Here's a hint: ππ‘
In other travel news:
Maria just got back from Washington, DC, attending Revolutionβs Beyond Silicon Valley Summit!
Emily attended Angel Fest in Minneapolis - a conference connecting angel investors from Minnesota and beyond.
Resources
Funding π°
Podcasts, readings, and other fun things on the VC funding landscape
US VC Valuations Report **great report to review Q1 Valuation data, but you will have to at least give your email to a Pitchbook BDR βΉ
Good Reads π
A few of our favorite essays, short stories, and writings that we read this month
Your Career in VC π©βπ»
Check out these links on helpful tools, tips, and resources for starting or advancing your career in VC
VC Demystified by Nicole DeTommaso
The Earlyβs VC Candidate Portal
Confluence.VC Weekly Newsletter
The Monthly R.E.P.O.R.T
What Weβre Reading, Eating, Playing, Obsesseing, Recommending, & Treating
READING π

Emilyβs Reading: ACOMAF
I am still trying to get through the monstrous ACOMAF book so forgive me π
ADD ME ON GOODREADS!! (Yes, this is a threat.)

Mariaβs Reading: TIME Magazine
My parents had a subscription to TIME when I was growing up, so the nostalgia on this one is real.
I recently renewed my online subscription and have been hyper-fixated on reading cover to cover!
EATING π΄

Emilyβs Eating: Grilled Corn Mango Salsa
I canβt stop making this corn & mango salsa from Jennyβs Table!! Itβs such a great spring/summer snack.
Itβs salty with the feta, sweet from the mango, crunchy from the panko, and punchy from the lime and tajin.
Eat it with some tortilla chips and youβre all set π₯π

Mariaβs Eating: Arepas!
My first introduction to Arepas was in high school, working at an international breakfast cafe, and I recently became reacquainted on my recent trip to DC!
I had lunch at Arepa Zone one day and instantly remembered why I love these little corncakes stuffed with filling so deeply! Theyβre salty, savory, and acidic. Everything you want in a little lunch or snack.
PLAYING π²

Emilyβs Playing: Bridgerton Season 3
New season of Bridgerton just dropped!!!!!
If you havenβt seen or heard of it, its a Netflix show based off the book series by Julia Quinn. Itβs a romance series set in the Regency Era in England (1795-1837).
I LOVE a good period piece, and they always have a killer soundtrack.

Mariaβs Playing: NBA Playoffs + Finals
If youβve been reading Soapbox, itβs not a secret how much I love sports! The WNBA season is off to a fantastic start and the NBA is nearing the end.
I love flicking on whatever finals game is on throughout the week and looking forward to matchups in the coming weeks.
My couch is ready for conference championships this week π
OBSESSING π€©

Emilyβs Obsessing: Kodak PixPro FZ55
I got another camera π€
I was looking for an affordable option to take nostalgic pics while indoors. This digital camera is PERFECT! The flash feature helps take amazing pics.
Highly recommend! Its great for concerts, bars, dinners, and pics at night! And its small enough to throw in your purse.

Mariaβs Obsessing: Bim Bam Boo Products!
Eco Friendly β
Women Owned β
Minneapolis-based Bim Bam Boo: Bamboo Paper Towels and Toilet Paper have hit the shelves at Target, and they have my full recommendation!
The paper towels and and tissues are a new staple in my apartment.
RECOMMENDING π

Emilyβs Recommending: Poppi Lemon Lime
This new flavor was revealed at Coachella through a partnership with influencer Alix Earle.
Iβm a huge fan of the Poppi story and brand. Iβm an even bigger fan of the product.
My favorite flavors are orange, lemon lime, and cherry limade ππ

Mariaβs Recommending: AAA
As a gal who got not one but TWO flat tires this week - I canβt recommend a AAA membership enough!
It was so nice to know that I can get a tow or a spare no matter where I am at. Memberships range from $40-$100 annually; honestly, if you drive A LOT, itβs a no-brainer!
TREATING π«

Emilyβs Treating: Permanent Jewelry
I treated myself to permanent bracelets! The pieces are welded together to make it claspless jewelry. Theyβre meant to be worn as an everyday piece of jewelry that lives on you as long as youβd like! Iβm obsessed!
Shoutout to Link X Lou for the beautiful work β€οΈ

Ft. Henry up front and Tom in the background
Mariaβs Treating: My bossβs dogs
Iβve been spending extra time with Tom and Henry this month!
That means petting them during downtime in between calls. I love having some furry friends in the office.
Thanks for supporting Soapbox!!! Have something you want us to talk about or want to connect? Drop us a note at [email protected] and [email protected]
