Sacramento, CA: California Governor Gavin Newsom has appointed Shrina Kurani as the Deputy Director of Venture Capital at the California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank).
Kurani, an engineer-turned-investor from Riverside, brings extensive experience in climate-focused investments and economic development.
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Kurani has been a Venture Specialist at IBank since 2023 and a Managing Partner at SNØCAP since 2022.
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She has facilitated over $175 million in investments through her roles at Better Ventures, Republic, and SNØCAP.
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Kurani holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of California, Riverside, and a Master of Science in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Science from Lund University in Sweden.
Kurani's career trajectory reflects a commitment to innovation and sustainability.
At Republic, she worked on expanding capital access through regulatory advancements and launched the Cities program to assist founders in underserved regions, starting in Riverside, CA.
Her appointment aligns with California's efforts to enhance access to capital for startups and foster economic growth through innovation.
The role does not require Senate confirmation and comes with an annual salary of $165,000.
The California Infrastructure and Economic Development Bank (IBank) was established in 1994 to finance public infrastructure and private development that promote economic growth, quality of life, and revitalization of communities. (Source: IBank)
Key Terms:
Venture Capital: A form of private equity financing provided to startups and small businesses with high growth potential.
Deeptech: Technologies based on tangible engineering innovation or scientific advances, often requiring significant research and development.
Carbon Sequestration: The process of capturing and storing atmospheric carbon dioxide to mitigate climate change.