Brigette Lau (BASc '99) created Firework Ventures because we all deserve a fulfilling career and life — and she believes that tech can help
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Brigette Lau (BASc '99) is a mother, poker player and co-founder of venture capital firm Firework Ventures.
But she didn't set out to become a startup investor. Her story begins as the daughter of hardworking immigrants who chose Waterloo's computer engineering program because she knew it would get her a job. While working hard to build a career and life, she fell into a lot of really great opportunities that led to her current success.
Firework Ventures is clearly inspired by her journey, and Brigette joined the podcast to walk us through her own career and her hopes for the workforce of the future.
Listen to this episode or find it in your favourite podcast app
(2:21) Brigette shares why she chose Waterloo's computer engineering program
(6:20) Why did Brigette change course from her software development career?
(11:03) How did Brigette's personal experience inform the creation of Firework Ventures?
(12:43) Brigette shares Firework's key thesis and the problems they believe could be solved by emerging companies
(17:38) Brigette walks through some of Firework's investments
(30:21) What's it like to sit on a board and what value does Firework bring to these companies?
Firework Ventures: Learn more about the firm Brigette co-founded and their investments
A Guide to Statistics on Historical Trends in Income Inequality: Read up on income inequality in the United States of America (USA)
America's low-wage workforce: Learn more about the issues facing low-wage workers in the USA
The Fading American Dream: Read more about declining income mobility in the USA
Learn In: Learn more about the tech company that helps employers create professional development programs
Tilt: Learn more about this leave management platform
Transfr: Learn more about this hands-on simulation training platform
Stride Funding: Learn more about this alternative to traditional student loans
Author's note:
Brigette's work is based in the USA, and this episode focused on the inequalities and issues facing the American workforce. If you'd like to learn more about the issues Canadians face, here are some sources to get you started.
Boundless Bonuses: Skyrocketing Canadian executive pay during the 2020 pandemic (Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives)
Income Inequality (Institute for Research on Public Policy)
Who Earns the Minimum Wage in Canada (Fraser Institute)
