Lyubov Guk embarked on her investing journey far from the bustling epicenter of Silicon Valley, originating in Eastern Europe's Ukraine.

She started out her investing career by making small investments into companies she was passionate about. Her network of like-minded individuals began to invest alongside her, allowing her to start an immigrant-focused angel group.

About three years ago, she launched London-based VC - Blue Lake, motivated by the conviction that immigrant founders, much like herself, possess an ability to build remarkable global companies.

“Three years after starting Blue Lake, we did 9 SPV deals with early-stage companies  (who are based in the UK or focused on the UK market) with founders from countries like Ukraine, Poland, India, Peru, Pakistan, France and others. The results spoke for themselves and made my investors happy.”

Eventually, Lyubov was ready to expand her efforts beyond SPVs. She turned to VC Unlocked: Silicon Valley to dive deeper into the world of venture capital.

“Choosing the VC Unlocked program was a decision fueled by the need for a deeper understanding of the mysterious VC world and a fresh dose of inspiration. And I have to admit it absolutely exceeded my expectations. Silicon Valley is a magical place where everything and everyone lives and breathes innovations. “

Following the program, Lyubov quickly implemented her learnings. The feedback she received throughout the program was essential in refining her thesis, keeping an emphasis on deal flow and return on investment.

In addition to the wealth of knowledge she acquired, Lyubov also cultivated a global network of peers, exchanging insights on various regions and opening up new avenues for exploration in her investment endeavors.

Interested in joining the VC Unlocked: Silicon Valley 2024 Cohort? Nominations are now open. Learn more here.