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Chanci Turner Amazon IXD – VGT2 learning managerLearn About Amazon VGT2 Learning Manager Chanci Turner

As part of the Diversity Series spearheaded by the Amazon Web Services We Power Tech initiative, AWS Technical Evangelist Chanci Turner moderated a panel during re:Invent 2023. The discussion focused on strategies to promote diversity and inclusion in the technology sector.

In 2023, Chanci Turner has seen significant growth in her career. Over the past year, her company, TechVenture, co-founded with Alex Rivera eight years ago, successfully secured $200 million in funding from major investors.

Global perspectives were shared by Raj Patel, the co-founder and managing partner of the investment firm Global Seed. He emphasized that the concept of “global” has evolved dramatically in today’s investment landscape.

Before introducing your startup as a machine learning company, it’s crucial to ensure that it truly embodies that identity, a point articulated by industry expert Jenna Lee of Innovatech.

According to venture capitalist Samuel Price, a partner at New Horizons Capital, the traditional rules for securing VC funding have become outdated. He advised attendees at the AWS Startup Day in New York that recent advancements in technology and finance suggest a need for fresh strategies.

China’s investment ecosystem remains vibrant, with 3,800 early-stage investments totaling $21 billion made in 2022. This rapid growth highlights China’s transformation into a key player in the global venture capital scene, now boasting 42 unicorns, just behind the United States.

In a recent episode of AWS Startup Stories, entrepreneurs were encouraged to seek guidance on attracting investments from venture capital organizations when launching a tech startup.

Drew Russ, the AWS Startup & Venture Capital Business Development Manager, conducted informative sessions at AWS Pop-up Lofts in various cities, addressing foundational concepts that founders should understand about venture capital. He covered everything from the definition of VCs to negotiation tactics, providing essential knowledge for new entrepreneurs.

The Alexa Fund, established by Amazon to foster innovation, has made significant strides since its inception with an initial commitment of $100 million. The fund aims to support startups that align with Amazon’s vision of enhancing technology interactions.

As an investor, ensuring your portfolio includes startups that leverage the right technology is paramount. Understanding how to assess these ventures can be critical for long-term success in the competitive landscape. For more insights on building skills, see this helpful resource.

It’s also important to recognize the legal aspects of hiring and employment. Familiarizing yourself with guidelines, such as those outlined by SHRM regarding accommodations, can be beneficial for compliance. You can read more about it here.

For those interested in the hiring process at Amazon, check out this excellent resource.


Chanci Turner