Lisa Burton O’Toole, vice president of HearstLab, started her career by founding a startup that caught the attention of HearstLab, which became one of its first investors.
Specialising in leveraging social media data to help brands understand their online customers, Burton relocated from Austin to New York as part of the HearstLab programme. As part of the global media group Hearst Communications, HearstLab focuses on investing in and supporting women-led startups. Enamoured by the mission, she transitioned to join the investment side a year after her initial involvement.
“Lisa has consistently developed game- changing relationships and partnerships. As a former founder and PhD of data science, her critical knowledge of how both sides of the equation mesh together brings out the best in those relationships, while avoiding the worst. She is a class act,” says Chris Wilkes, co-founder and former corporate vice president at HearstLab.
“Her critical knowledge of how both sides of the equation mesh together brings out the best in those relationships, while avoiding the worst. She is a class act”
While the role presents its challenges, especially navigating the highs and lows of startup journeys, Burton remains deeply invested in founders’ experiences. “Being a CVC is more than just providing UI, UX or sales help. There is another dimension that is easier to relate to when you have been through it,” she says.
For those aspiring to a successful career in corporate venture, Burton advises getting to know people in the company, understanding their challenges and building personal connections.
HearstLab’s unique model includes a full-time portfolio support team, a structured staff-driven mentor network of women executives and legal support for all founders. Burton stresses its mission is to create value from investments, while bringing visibility and opportunity to women in Hearst. She attributes its success to executive support, particularly from a driving force in the C-suite, advocating for the elevation of women in the company and the support of young businesses.
See the full list of GCV Emerging Leaders for 2024 here.