
Gai Noi Minneapolis - Soapbox Dinner Series
Welcome to the Monthly R.E.P.O.R.T. โ May Edition!
Hereโs 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 tunedโฆ Here's a hint: ๐ญ๐ก
In other travel news:
Maria just got back from Washington, DC, attending Revolutionโs Beyond Silicon Valley Summit!
Emily attended Angel Fest in Minneapolis - a conference connecting angel investors from Minnesota and beyond.
Resources
Funding ๐ฐ
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 โน
Good Reads ๐
A few of our favorite essays, short stories, and writings that we read this month
Your Career in VC ๐ฉโ๐ป
Check out these links on helpful tools, tips, and resources for starting or advancing your career in VC
VC Demystified by Nicole DeTommaso
The Earlyโs VC Candidate Portal
Confluence.VC Weekly Newsletter
The Monthly R.E.P.O.R.T
What Weโre Reading, Eating, Playing, Obsesseing, Recommending, & Treating
READING ๐

Emilyโs Reading: ACOMAF
I am still trying to get through the monstrous ACOMAF book so forgive me ๐ญ
ADD ME ON GOODREADS!! (Yes, this is a threat.)

Mariaโs 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 ๐ด

Emilyโs Eating: Grilled Corn Mango Salsa
I canโt stop making this corn & mango salsa from Jennyโs Table!! Itโs such a great spring/summer snack.
Itโs 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 youโre all set ๐ฅญ๐

Mariaโs 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! Theyโre salty, savory, and acidic. Everything you want in a little lunch or snack.
PLAYING ๐ฒ

Emilyโs Playing: Bridgerton Season 3
New season of Bridgerton just dropped!!!!!
If you havenโt seen or heard of it, its a Netflix show based off the book series by Julia Quinn. Itโs 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.

Mariaโs Playing: NBA Playoffs + Finals
If youโve been reading Soapbox, itโs 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 ๐
OBSESSING ๐คฉ

Emilyโs Obsessing: Kodak PixPro FZ55
I got another camera ๐คญ
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.

Mariaโs Obsessing: Bim Bam Boo Products!
Eco Friendly โ
Women Owned โ
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 ๐

Emilyโs Recommending: Poppi Lemon Lime
This new flavor was revealed at Coachella through a partnership with influencer Alix Earle.
Iโm a huge fan of the Poppi story and brand. Iโm an even bigger fan of the product.
My favorite flavors are orange, lemon lime, and cherry limade ๐๐

Mariaโs Recommending: AAA
As a gal who got not one but TWO flat tires this week - I canโt 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, itโs a no-brainer!
TREATING ๐ซ

Emilyโs Treating: Permanent Jewelry
I treated myself to permanent bracelets! The pieces are welded together to make it claspless jewelry. Theyโre meant to be worn as an everyday piece of jewelry that lives on you as long as youโd like! Iโm obsessed!
Shoutout to Link X Lou for the beautiful work โค๏ธ

Ft. Henry up front and Tom in the background
Mariaโs Treating: My bossโs dogs
Iโve 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]


