Vanessa Stephens is a private equity M&A attorney with a track record of structuring and executing complex investment transactions. She began her legal career at Kirkland & Ellis, where she worked with private equity tech giants like Vista Equity, Thoma Bravo, and Madison Dearborn, advising on high-stakes deals and fund structures. She later transitioned in-house, leading investments at BlackRock and BAM Elevate, where she played a key role in backing some of the most transformative early- and late-stage tech companies, including Willow, MasterClass, OpenAI, Klarna, and MACRO Media.
Vanessa specializes in mid-to-late-stage investments, portfolio management, and corporate exits, leveraging her deep understanding of private fund structures, investor incentives, and governance strategies to help companies scale while maximizing returns. She partners with portfolio managers and founders to strategically position businesses for IPOs, acquisitions, and high-yield exits, ensuring that investments are structured for long-term success.
Before her legal career, Vanessa worked as a management consultant and startup advisor, equipping her with a unique operator’s perspective that informs her investment approach. She is hands-on in helping founders establish strong governance frameworks, navigate financial milestones, and prepare for future funding rounds.
Inspired by her grandmothers, who were pioneering entrepreneurs in Haiti, Vanessa is committed to leveraging private capital to build generational wealth—for investors, founders, and her own family. She is deeply engaged in impact investing and mentorship, serving on the Advisory Board of Emory Impact Investing Group and as a Director for Girls on the Run Georgia and Savvy Ladies in NYC, where she supports financial education for women.
Outside of work, Vanessa is an avid runner, golfer, and violinist. She currently lives in Atlanta with her husband and Nutella, her spirited five-year-old mixed beagle.
Education
- MBA Candidate – Johns Hopkins University Carey Business School
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) – Howard University School of Law
- Masters of Public Health (MPH) – Emory University, Rollins School of Public Health
- Bachelors in Sociology & Psychology, minoring in Chemistry – University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill