
Claire Bonus-Lee, Founder & Chief at Mother Funder LLC, based in the San Francisco Bay Area and Los Angeles.
About
Mother Funder is the result of three decades of experience in the private sector, shaped by a deep understanding of macroeconomic and geopolitical dynamics, and a global perspective from working in 50 countries. All wrapped with insatiable curiosity about the intersection of emerging technology and human capital.
Entrepreneurs are the driving force of our innovation economy, and investing in startups is both a privilege and a passion. As we enter the New Technologies – AI age, excited to bring my expertise to market with the Mother Funder team, and my philosophy of Facilitated Serendipity.
Originally from Ireland, I built my career in technology and finance across the UK, Europe, the Middle East, and Africa before making my way to California. I thrive in navigating the world of emerging technologies, markets, economies, and startups. Collaboration has always been at the heart of my work—whether driving groundbreaking initiatives during a decade at Microsoft or leading the high-profile national Pre-Series A startup practice at Silicon Valley Bank (SVB). There also served as a global brand ambassador for SVB Capital, gaining invaluable insights into financial markets and sustainable innovation investment.
Beyond venture and finance, have assisted government and business leaders identify investment opportunities and growth strategies. Advised the U.S. Department of State, partnered with past White House administrations to deliver the Global Entrepreneurship Summit (GES), and serve on the Board of Advisors at the RAND Corporation’s Center for Middle East Public Policy (CMEPP) and its Global and Emerging Risks division.
These are times like no other unfolding for us all.
Let’s connect and collaborate.
— CBL