Desiree Vargas Wrigley, Velocity Catalyst - The Drive By Entrepreneur Podcast S2 E18

In this episode of the Drive By Entrepreneur podcast, host John Frank welcomes Desiree Vargas Wrigley, a dynamic leader and founding GP of the Velocity Catalyst Fund. They discuss the unique challenges and opportunities of entrepreneurship, particularly in the context of small to mid-size organizations. Desiree shares her journey, starting with her role as Chief Innovation Officer at P33 Chicago, her experience founding companies like Parachute and GiveForward, and her transition into a pivotal role in the venture capital ecosystem. She emphasizes the importance of resilience and adaptability in entrepreneurship, recounting her own experiences with GiveForward, the world's first crowdfunding platform, and Parachute, both of which encountered significant hurdles but also considerable successes.

Desiree also elaborates on her vision for Chicago as a burgeoning hub for innovation, particularly in venture capital. She discusses her work with Techrise and the Velocity Catalyst Fund, aimed at bolstering investment in early-stage ventures within the city. By leveraging Chicago's diverse economy and rich talent pool, she hopes to establish the city as a leader in various innovative industries, from healthcare to quantum computing. Desiree underscores the need for local capital investment to retain talent and foster a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, countering the traditional outflow of resources to coastal regions.

The conversation concludes with Desiree's insights into personal resilience and balance in the high-pressure world of entrepreneurship. She shares her strategies for managing stress and maintaining focus, emphasizing the importance of presence and adaptability. The episode wraps up with a light-hearted discussion about music, favorite holidays, and potential alternative career paths, revealing more about Desiree's personality and interests.