The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) announced the appointment of Indian American Shrina Kurani as deputy director of venture capital, earlier this week. IBank is a state-owned and state-run financial institution based in Sacramento, California. In this role, Kurani will oversee IBank’s efforts to expand venture capital investments that support California’s innovation economy and economic development initiatives, according to a press release by the bank.
Kurani brings a wealth of experience in venture capital, sustainability, and business development, the press release said. Since 2023, she has served as a venture specialist at IBank, working to advance funding opportunities for high-growth startups and emerging industries.
“Shrina’s expertise in venture capital and her passion for fostering innovation make her an invaluable addition to IBank’s leadership team,” said Scott Wu, IBank’s executive director. “Her strategic insight and commitment to economic development will help drive investments that strengthen California’s position as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.”
“I am honoured to step into this role at IBank and continue building pathways for entrepreneurs and startups to access capital,” said Kurani. “California is home to some of the world’s most groundbreaking companies, and I look forward to working with the team to support sustainable economic growth and innovation across the state.”
In 2022, Kurani was in the news when she ran for the federal election to the US House of Representatives as a Democratic candidate to represent California’s 41st Congressional district. She, however, lost in the primary in June 2022.
Kurani is the daughter of Indian immigrants and was born in Riverside, California. She holds a master of science in environmental studies and sustainability science from Lund University and a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering from the University of California, Riverside. She is a champion for advancing and communicating climate science and building the technology necessary to fight the climate crisis.
Kurani’s career experience includes working as the vice president of business of the financial services company Republic, where she helped democratise, start-up investing, and as the CEO of FoodNest. She has been a managing partner at SNØCAP, an early-stage investment firm, since 2022. Her career also includes experience as an associate at Better Ventures, focusing on mission-driven investments.
