Leanne Karns, CFA, MBA

Experience

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  Various Investment Firms

  Jan 2007 - now

  Investor

  Invested in private equity impact funds.• L.P. in Higher Ground Labs, a VC investing in technology for progressives.• L.P. in How Women Invest, a VC investing in women founders in seed to Series B rounds. Provided due diligence on multiple prospective investments as a subject matter expert.• Strategic L.P. in Genesis Vault Capital, a hedge fund investing in digital assets.Provided fundamental equity research for a mutual fund, hedge fund and separately managed accounts. Used valuation and ESG factors to manage risk. Analyzed financial statements. Built financial models. Wrote investment memos. • Identified an undervalued medical device company. The growth levers included insurance coverage expansion, new product introductions, sales force leverage and acquisitions. Margins were expanding from production efficiencies. It was the market leader in its niche. Despite acquisitions, leverage was low. It returned 35% in five months. • Identified an international J.V. in the nascent eBook and eReader industry. It was bought by a strategic investor nine months later for a 75% return.• Identified an undervalued retailer with a strong brand and balance sheet on the cusp of fixing operational issues. An activist was involved and there was a change in management. The Company planned to close unprofitable stores equal to 7-15% of the store base. It quadrupled in two years.• Identified a leading chemical producer with pricing power on its 52-week lows. It was expanding production capacity in a market with tight demand-supply and high barriers to entry. Management historically returned 50% of earnings to shareholders via dividend and share repurchases. The shares returned 170% in two years.• Identified a second step conversion thrift bank through a custom screen. It was conservatively run and traded below book value. It returned 22% CAGR through the three year conversion anniversary date when regulations first allow a buyout. Show less

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  Grassroots Nonprofits

  Jan 2007 - now

  Philanthropist

  Fundraised and developed strategy, goals and tactics for grassroots start-up organizations. Built relationships with allied groups. Taught financial literacy classes.• Founded an endowment providing scholarships for women. Managed fundraising process to identify, cultivate and solicit donors, culminating in over 300 donors. Instituted a donor appreciation program. • Raised over $1 million for the endowment in cash, pledges and bequests, inclusive of two 6-figure donations. • Raised $275,000 in political contributions. Built donor base of approximately 500 donors. Led fundraising team of nine volunteers. Made personal asks, created marketing collateral and organized fundraising events. Recruited keynote speakers including Stacey Abrams and Gabby Giffords. • Developed curriculum and taught financial literacy classes to women at Mills College and children of color at the high school level. Recruited guest speakers. • Acted as Treasurer for UCLA Anderson Alumni Network, Bay Area.• Recruited and managed volunteer teams of 65 people.• Developed online training for survivors of domestic violence.• Streamlined the new member application process for a business association.• Wrote a quarterly newsletter. Show less

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  Various Entities

  Jan 2007 - now

  Board Director

  Furthered my impact through dedicated board service. • Advisory board member at Genesis Vault Capital, a hedge fund investing in digital assets. Genesis donates 1% of the management fee to educate minority youth about blockchain technology.• Board member at Financial Women of San Francisco, which advances the success of women in finance. Oversaw membership, communications and individual giving.• Steering committee co-lead and fundraising chair at a grassroots progressive political group.• Board member and treasurer at UCLA Anderson Alumni Network, Bay Area. Show less