Coworking: Tara Stokes works to build businesses

Coworking is a weekly segment where we spotlight Tech Brew readers who work with emerging technologies. We’re sunsetting Coworking at the end of May, so click here if you’d like a chance to be featured before then!

How would you describe your job to someone who doesn’t work in tech?

My favorite introduction was by a father telling his son, “Tara works with inventors!” That framing captures the magic of tinkering with an idea, and the partnerships I strive to build with bold founders building new businesses. More specifically, as a venture capitalist, I support early-stage startups with advice, capital, and resources. Day to day, I wear many hats, including investor, manager, researcher, board director, and advisor.

What’s the most compelling tech project you’ve worked on, and why?

Our portfolio includes many teams building at the intersection of AI and industry applications. For example, Netradyne increases fleet safety with computer vision; PolyAI transformed the founders’ PhD work at Cambridge into customer-led voice assistants; Glyphic superpowers sales teams with generative AI; and Nexusflow’s technology was pioneered at the UC Berkeley AI Research Lab. Playing a small part in helping them succeed is incredibly rewarding.

What technologies are you most optimistic about? Least? And why?

Given Point72 Ventures’s dedication to domain expertise, I naturally gravitate toward vertical solutions over horizontal businesses. I believe generative AI is not only transforming technological possibilities but also disrupting business models—and thereby unlocking previously uncharted markets.

I’m incredibly optimistic when I’m speaking with the next generation of founders, who have ambitious visions to build nimble, enduring organizations while solving real-world problems.

What’s the best tech-related media you read/watch/listen to?

I love the news—from current events in elementary school to studying public policy at Duke to following the markets as an equity trader at Morgan Stanley to investing in AI startups today. These days, I rely on a few major publications (WSJ, The Information, TechCrunch, Sifted, etc.), newsletters (Newcomer, Axios, StrictlyVC, TermSheet, etc.), and academic papers. For my daily walks, I take any and all podcast recommendations (Acquired, How I Built This, etc.). Lastly, the greatest reading hack is Libby, which offers e-books and audiobooks from your local library.

What’s something about you we can’t guess from your LinkedIn profile?

It’s been the people, not the places, that have driven my most rewarding professional experiences.

What do you think about when you’re not thinking about tech?

Mostly food. I can’t cook, but I appreciate those who can.