Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Venture Capital with Lise Birikundavyi

Breaking Barriers in Inclusive Venture Capital with Lise Birikundavyi

In Episode 268 of The Business Development Podcast, Kelly sits down with Lise Birikundavyi, CFA, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of BKR Capital, Canada’s first Black-led, institutionally backed venture capital fund. Lise shares her incredible journey from her roots in Burundi to becoming one of the most influential voices in impact investing and inclusive finance. With a career spanning hedge funds, global impact strategies, and leadership roles across Africa, Asia, and North America, she brings a rare global perspective on how venture capital can fuel innovation and create lasting societal change.

This episode dives deep into the world of venture capital — what it is, how it works, and what founders need to know when seeking investment. Lise opens up about the challenges of breaking barriers in finance, the importance of supporting diverse innovators, and why her mission is to redefine the face of success in entrepreneurship. For founders, entrepreneurs, and anyone passionate about building companies that change the world, this conversation is a masterclass in both capital and courage.


Key Takeaways:

1. Venture capital is about fueling innovation and outsized growth, not just providing money.

2. Founders must show a clear pathway to \$100M revenue for VCs to take interest.

3. A strong founding team with resilience and vision is the number one factor VCs invest in.

4. Leadership that attracts top talent is critical for scaling early-stage companies.

5. Deep understanding of your market and unfair advantages set successful founders apart.

6. Venture capital changes the game—bringing not only capital, but governance, networks, and accountability.

7. Diversity in venture capital isn’t just good ethics, it drives better outcomes and innovation.

8. Failure rates remain high even at VC stage, which is why the growth expectations are so demanding.

9. Inclusive investment is essential to closing the gap for underrepresented founders.

10. Entrepreneurs should always trust their gut, do the work, and stay intentional about their journey.


Links referenced in this episode:



Companies mentioned in this episode:

  • BKR Capital
  • Capital Business Development
  • Microsoft
  • The Jacobs Foundation
  • Seron Asset Management
  • Engineers Without Borders Canada


Are you a founder looking for a community to help you build? We’ve got you — not just when it’s easy, but especially when it’s hard. The Catalyst Club was built for entrepreneurs and leaders who need a safe, private space to share challenges, wins, and get the support that truly moves the needle. With weekly live events, powerful connections, and a community that gets you, this is where you belong.

Join us today at 👉 www.kellykennedyofficial.com

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Marketing Materials, What do you need?

Marketing Materials, What do you need?

In episode 5 of The Business Development Podcast, the host Kelly Kennedy discusses the importance of marketing materials and where businesses should allocate their marketing budget. He advises posting company updates once a week on social media platforms to gain brand recognition. Kennedy emphasizes the need for a visually appealing website and the significance of having physical and digital brochures that reflect the company's brand. He also recommends creating LinkedIn profiles for both the employees and the business itself and utilizing LinkedIn as a platform to share business updates and engage with potential customers. Kennedy urges businesses to focus on brand recognition rather than direct selling on social media platforms.In this episode, Kelly Kennedy emphasizes the importance of marketing materials and provides guidance on how businesses should allocate their marketing budget. He suggests posting company updates on social media platforms once a week to increase brand recognition. Kennedy advises businesses to prioritize a visually appealing website and the creation of physical and digital brochures that accurately reflect their brand. He also highlights the importance of establishing a strong presence on LinkedIn by creating profiles for employees and the business itself. Kennedy encourages businesses to utilize LinkedIn as a platform to share business updates, engage with potential customers, and prioritize brand recognition over direct selling on social media.Key Takeaways: Don't spend excessive money on social media marketing.Focus on brand recognition rather than direct selling through social media platforms.Invest in a visually appealing and engaging website.Utilize LinkedIn profiles and business pages for marketing and sharing updates.Create physical and digital brochures that are visually appealing and concise.Prioritize visual appeal and value when creating marketing materials.

22 Helmi 202322min

Why you need Business Development

Why you need Business Development

Episode 4 of The Business Development Podcast delves into the topic of marketing your own company. Host Kelly Kennedy, owner of Capital Business Development, sheds light on why he believes that business owners should not handle their own marketing. He acknowledges that as a business owner, time is a precious commodity and it is important to focus on core business functions. Kennedy emphasizes the importance of building a strong online presence through a well-designed website and utilizing digital ads for brand recognition rather than direct selling. He also shares his personal journey of initially hating phone calls for business development but eventually realizing their value in establishing connections and opportunities for growth.In this episode, Kennedy emphasizes the value of investing in a good website that represents the true face of the company. He discourages spending excessive amounts of money on digital marketing and instead advocates for using online platforms to drive traffic to the company's website. Kennedy highlights the power of word of mouth as an effective and organic way of gaining clients and notes that business development should be focused on building relationships and delivering value. He also hints at future episodes that will feature interviews with business owners and CEOs, providing listeners with actionable advice on growing their businesses. Overall, this episode provides valuable insights and practical tips for business owners looking to improve their marketing strategies and strengthen their business development efforts.Key Takeaways:Marketing your own company can be challenging and time-consuming, especially if you are busy with other aspects of running your business. It's important to recognize when you need to delegate or outsource marketing tasks.Digital strategies and passive marketing methods are more effective for brand recognition rather than direct selling. Online marketing should be used to drive traffic to your website, which should serve as the true face of your company.Building a good website is crucial for creating a positive perception of your company. If your website looks unprofessional or unattractive, it may negatively impact how potential customers perceive your business.Rejection and negative feedback are a normal part of business development. It's essential not to take it personally and to move on to the next opportunity.Word-of-mouth referrals can be a valuable source of business, especially when you are busy and unable to focus on marketing efforts. Providing excellent service and building strong relationships with clients can lead to positive recommendations.Business development requires time, practice, and repetition. It's important to consistently make phone calls, network, and actively seek opportunities for growth. It's also crucial to be selective in choosing clients and partners, as not all potential opportunities may be beneficial for your business.

19 Helmi 202338min

Should you measure Business Development efforts?

Should you measure Business Development efforts?

In Episode 3 of The Business Development Podcast with Kelly Kennedy, the focus is on the importance of measuring business development efforts. Kelly emphasizes the need to build a rapport with potential customers by consistently reaching out to them on a weekly basis. He advises utilizing a customer relationship management (CRM) program to track marketing efforts and to ensure a two-way conversation with clients. Kelly also highlights the significance of measuring digital contacts, such as LinkedIn connections, as well as phone calls and emails. He suggests setting a standard for the number of weekly communications and emphasizes the value of being consistent in business development.Overall, Episode 3 provides actionable advice on how to measure and improve business development efforts. Listeners gain insights into the significance of building a strong rapport with customers and the benefits of utilizing a CRM program. By consistently reaching out to potential clients, tracking efforts, and conducting two-way conversations, business owners and development reps can increase their chances of securing meaningful business relationships. The episode underscores the importance of being consistent, committed, and caring in business development, and offers practical tips for achieving success in this field.Key Takeaways:Building rapport with potential customers is crucial in business development. By consistently reaching out to them and making a connection, you can establish a relationship before even getting in touch with them.It's important to measure and track your efforts in business development. This includes measuring who you reach out to, adding them into a CRM, and tracking phone calls and emails sent on a consistent basis.Consistency is key in business development. It takes time to build relationships and see results, so it's important to be consistent in your efforts and not give up easily.Utilizing a customer relationship management (CRM) program is essential for tracking and managing your business development efforts. It allows you to keep records of your interactions and helps you analyze your marketing efforts.Reaching out to customers on a weekly basis is recommended, but it's important to find the right balance. You should aim to make connections without annoying or overwhelming your potential customers.The ultimate goal of business development is to secure face-to-face meetings, whether through Skype or in-person, with potential customers. These meetings provide an opportunity to have a two-way conversation and ultimately lead to orders, RFPs, or vendor list applications.

15 Helmi 202312min

What to look for in a Business Development Representative

What to look for in a Business Development Representative

Episode 2 of The Business Development Podcast with Kelly Kennedy discusses the importance of face-to-face meetings and building strong connections with clients. Kelly emphasizes the value of in-person interactions and believes that virtual meetings cannot fully replace the impact of meeting someone in the flesh. He shares his personal experiences in business development and how he has learned to handle rejection and maintain a positive mindset. Kelly also provides tips on what to look for when hiring business development representatives, including the importance of a business or marketing background, determination, and consistency.In this episode, Kelly reflects on his own journey in business development, starting from a position he didn't fully understand but excelling due to his ability to communicate and connect with clients. He emphasizes the need for BD reps to show up, be consistent, and have a strong work ethic. Kelly encourages listeners to prioritize face-to-face meetings whenever possible, as it helps build rapport and showcase a personal touch. He also highlights the importance of finding individuals with marketing or sales experience and the ability to handle rejection and stay determined. Kelly concludes by urging business owners and managers to trust their employees and focus on building strong relationships with clients.Key Takeaways: Business development is a skill that can be honed through experience and consistency, rather than being solely dependent on formal education or degrees.In-person meetings are highly valued and can help build stronger connections with clients, even though remote meetings have become more prevalent due to COVID-19.The ability to handle rejection and maintain a positive mindset is crucial in business development, as it is a role that often involves facing rejection.It is important for business development representatives to have a good attitude, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to go the extra mile for the company.Building trust with clients is essential, and one way to do this is by consistently following up and delivering on promises.Timing and persistence are key factors in business development, as it may take time and multiple attempts to reach decision-makers and secure deals.

12 Helmi 202330min

What is Business Development?

What is Business Development?

In Episode 1 of The Business Development Podcast, host Kelly Kennedy dives into the fundamentals of business development and its importance in driving interest and revenue for a company. He emphasizes the need for businesses to utilize digital marketing strategies to reach their target audience and communicate their offerings effectively. Kelly also explores the role of business development representatives in building strategic partnerships, identifying new markets, and nurturing commercial relationships. He highlights the significance of soft skills in business development and the importance of hiring individuals who can effectively communicate and understand the needs of clients. Throughout the episode, Kelly provides practical insights and advice for business owners and BD teams to create successful marketing plans and maximize profits. In the second part of the episode, Kelly discusses the value of personal connections and face-to-face interactions in business development. He encourages business owners to establish strategic partnerships and collaborations that can benefit their companies. Kelly also addresses the misconceptions about the role of digital marketing and emphasizes the need for a holistic approach that combines both online and offline strategies. He emphasizes the role of business development representatives in generating interest, setting up meetings, and ultimately driving revenue for the company. Kelly stresses the importance of creating interest in the company, educating potential clients, and developing a strong brand presence through various marketing materials and platforms.Key Takeaways:Social media marketing is essential for driving interest in a company and increasing brand awareness.Business development involves pursuing strategic opportunities and cultivating partnerships for a business.Digital marketing should be integrated into a company's marketing plan.Business development representatives should have strong communication and interpersonal skills.Soft skills, such as relationship building, cannot be easily taught and are crucial in business development roles.Cold calls and cold emails are still important in generating leads and driving revenue.Strategic partnerships can help a company expand and increase profitability.Hiring business development representatives who are likable and personable is important.Business development is about creating interest in a company and educating others about its products or services.Business development reps should focus on generating new leads and setting up meetings for the company.

9 Helmi 202321min

Welcome to The Business Development Podcast

Welcome to The Business Development Podcast

Kelly introduces himself and The Business Development Podcast.

6 Helmi 20235min

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