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Ann Funai is a Partner at Operator Collective, a venture capital firm. She is an investor focused on early-stage technology companies, leveraging her operational background to support founders in B2B software, fintech, and future of work sectors.
Ann Funai primarily invests in early-stage companies within B2B software, fintech, and the future of work. Her investment focus includes innovative SaaS platforms, financial technology solutions, and tools that transform how businesses operate and collaborate.
Ann Funai works as a Partner at Operator Collective. This venture capital firm is known for its unique model of bringing together experienced operators to invest in and mentor high-growth enterprise technology startups.
Ann Funai is a Partner at the early-stage venture capital fund Operator Collective, based in Austin, Texas. Before transitioning to venture capital in 2024, she served as the Chief Technology Officer at Under Armour, where she directed global engineering, data, and IT teams following the corporation's $475 million acquisition of MyFitnessPal. Previously, she held the CTO position at MyFitnessPal and spent over a decade at IBM in various software engineering and technical leadership roles, earning multiple technical patents during her tenure. Funai holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and Computer Science from Pennsylvania State University and now leverages her operational expertise to support a fund backed by over 200 technology executives. Her current investment focus centers on early-stage enterprise software, B2B technology, and consumer health startups, partnering with underrepresented founders to build high-growth companies.
Ann Funai stands as a distinguished Partner at Operator Collective, a unique venture capital firm that brings together leading operators to invest in and support the next generation of enterprise technology companies. In her pivotal role, Ann Funai is instrumental in identifying and nurturing high-potential startups, particularly those poised to disrupt the B2B software, fintech, and future of work sectors. Her work at Operator Collective involves not only capital allocation but also active mentorship and strategic guidance, drawing on the collective operational expertise of the firm's extensive network.
Ann's investment focus at Operator Collective is sharply defined by her belief in scalable solutions that address critical business challenges. She actively seeks out companies developing innovative B2B software platforms, from advanced SaaS tools enhancing enterprise efficiency to specialized solutions for specific industry verticals. Within fintech, Ann Funai is keen on startups that are redefining financial services through technology, including embedded finance, payment infrastructure, and solutions improving financial accessibility for businesses. Furthermore, her interest in the future of work encompasses technologies that are transforming how teams collaborate, learn, and operate, such as AI-powered productivity tools, remote work enablement platforms, and talent management solutions.
Before joining Operator Collective, Ann Funai built a robust career foundation rooted in both operational leadership and strategic investment. Her background includes significant experience in scaling technology companies, where she honed her understanding of product market fit, go-to-market strategies, and organizational development. This hands-on operational insight is a cornerstone of her investment philosophy, allowing her to deeply empathize with founders' challenges and provide actionable advice. Prior to her venture capital career, Ann held leadership positions at several high-growth tech firms, giving her a unique perspective on the lifecycle of successful startups.
While specific public investments are often confidential, Ann Funai's portfolio at Operator Collective is known to include promising early-stage companies that demonstrate strong product innovation and clear market potential. Her involvement typically extends beyond capital, with a focus on leveraging Operator Collective's network to accelerate growth, facilitate strategic partnerships, and provide crucial operational support. Ann Funai is a strong advocate for diverse founding teams and believes in the power of inclusive innovation to drive superior returns and create lasting impact in the technology ecosystem.
